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Step into the historical world of a Bristol secret garden

Press release issued: 12 April 2018

Starting this April, Bristolians will have the rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and rich heritage of one of the city’s hidden gardens.

The University of Bristol is inviting people to explore its celebrated grounds at Goldney House, through a series of guided tours which begins on Sunday 22 April and runs until 16 September.

Normally closed to the public, the ornate garden tucked behind Goldney House, in Clifton Wood, includes a heritage orchard, an ornamental garden, an orangery, a canal and tower, a rotunda and bastion, Corinthian columns and the elaborate grotto which is one of the finest surviving examples of an 18th century garden grotto in Britain.

Alan Stealey, External Estates Manager at the University of Bristol, said: "Many people may not even be aware that there is this beautiful green space and rich history nestled in the heart of the city. It’s wonderful to see the garden explored and enjoyed by visitors and the local community.”

"The University takes great pride in maintaining a large number of listed buildings and gardens and we're looking forward to sharing this slice of Bristol's heritage with the public once again."

The tour will include the original flag garden, Hercules, the Rotunda, the Bastion, the Tower, Canal, Heritage Orchard and Grotto (believed to be one of the finest surviving examples of an eighteenth-century garden grotto in Britain with walls and pillars laden with a variety of minerals, shells, corals, rocks and fossils).

Further information

Historic Garden Tours are £10 (to include a copy of historic gardens book) and bookable online  

  • Sunday 22 April at 10.30 am
  • Sunday 20 May at 10.30 am
  • Sunday 10 June at 10.30 am
  • Sunday 15 July at 10.30 am
  • Tuesday 7 August at 2.00 pm
  • Sunday 16 September at 2.00 pm

The University also offers bespoke private tours of the gardens at Goldney, Clifton Hill House and Royal Fort Gardens. If you are interested in booking a bespoke group tour please contact Nicolette.smith@bristol.ac.uk .

For further information follow External Estates on Twitter or on Facebook.

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