Gardens and green spaces

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Manor Hall Garden

Discover a calm, colourful garden tucked behind Manor Hall. The large flat lawn is a perfect spot for students and staff to unwind, surrounded by lush trees, tall grasses and beautiful flowers.

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Visiting and using the garden

Manor Hall Garden is open daily, all year round, to staff and students only. You do not need to buy tickets or pay to use this garden.

This garden is not open to the public.

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Things to see and do

Take a moment away from lectures or enjoy your lunch break in this peaceful space. Springtime brings the garden to life, with bulbs blooming and cherry trees in full blossom. More to see and do in these gardens: 

Trees and plants

A small green space with two people sat on the grass relaxing. Behind them are two brighly trees with pink flowers on. There is also a bench under the trees. Behind the trees is a large pale coloured building
Relax in the garden amongst the colourful cherry blossoms.

In Manor Hall Garden, tall veteran tulip trees stand proudly, adding to the garden's symmetry. We have planted four roses in the box wheel. Their flowers match the University's colours, to bring a pop of brightness to the garden during Summer. 

We survey our trees annually, to monitor their health. You can see information about all our trees, with photographs, on our online map.  

If you are in the garden, you use the QR codes on many of our larger or more unusual trees to find out more about them on the online map.

Seasonal interest

As spring approaches, the garden bursts into life with an array of colourful blooms. The flat lawn is filled with snowdrops, crocuses, primroses and daffodils. These beautiful flowers signal the arrival of warmer weather and the beginning of a new season.

Wildlife and nature

Manor Garden is a peaceful spot where nature thrives amidst the urban hustle and bustle. In this green oasis you can hear birds chirping in the trees or see squirrels darting around. The garden features several fox tunnels. It's common to see a fox family roaming through, even during daylight hours.

Volunteer

Students and staff can join organised volunteering sessions helping out the Gardens and Grounds team in our gardens.

Volunteering activities include:

  • general maintenance including weeding and fence building
  • bulb planting
  • building and maintaining homes for wildlife.

To find out how to take part in volunteering activities:

Instagram for our gardens

See what others are doing in the garden and add your own images #unibrisgardens or tag us in your stories @unibrisgardens.

Facilities

Access

A mixture of surfaced and unsurfaced paths with some uneven terrain.   

Refreshments and toilets

The nearest University Source Cafe is The Balloon Bar. This is open to the public. 

There is a toilet at the Source Cafe. 

Find Source Cafe opening hours.

There are several local cafes and shops in Clifton Village and the Clifton Trangle which are a 10 minute walk away from the garden.

Seats and benches

There are several benches around the garden for you to relax and enjoy.  

Code of conduct

This is a private garden, and we expect you to treat the space with respect and courtesy. 

  • Take your litter home with you. 
  • Keep dogs on a lead; only assistance dogs are welcome. 
  • Clean up after your dog. 
  • Supervise children. 
  • Stick to paths, avoid disturbing wildlife, and don't damage property, trees, plants or lawns. 
  • No barbecues, fires, camping, skateboarding, or aggressive cycling. 
  • Follow additional safety instructions, if there are building works taking place. 

Hiring Manor Hall Garden

You can hire Manor Hall Garden for your own event or function. 

To hold an event at the Manor Hall Garden: 

History of the site and the garden design

Find out more about the history of the site how the garden design has evolved.  

The University acquired the land where Manor Hall now stands as a gift in 1919. The original manor house was constructed in the 18th century. Gardeners would have taken food from the garden to the cook in the main house through a hidden tunnel so as not to disturb the residents.

The main garden now was laid out in 1934 by Dr Hiatt Cowles Baker, a Pro Chancellor of the University. A commemorative ornamental bird bath sits in the centre of the main lawn.

The garden was replanted in the 1980s with trees that would have provided produce in the 18th century.

The oldest of the cherry trees and tulip trees date back to the 1930s.

Find out more about the history of Manor Hall garden and our other gardens in the Historic Garden Book.

Research in Manor Hall Garden

Our gardens and green spaces are often used for research projects involving: 

  • small mammals such as bats and birds
  • larger mammals such as badgers and foxes
  • insects such as moths and bees.

We welcome researchers and research projects from various disciplines, including archaeology, art history, biological sciences, geography and geology.

Learn more about doing research in our gardens.

A large old building at the top of a small hill, with lush green grass and trees around it. Small groups of people are sat on the grass. Visit our other gardens

Find out when gardens are open, who can visit, activities and facilities, and garden history.

Wellbeing maps

Use our wellbeing maps to find peaceful spots and healthy things to do around the University.

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