Goldney Grotto and Garden Heritage Open Day Tour

Discover the Hidden Magic of Goldney Garden – Heritage Open Days 2025

A rare chance to explore one of Bristol’s most enchanting historic gardens.

Join the University of Bristol Historic Gardens team as we open the gates to Goldney Garden for this year’s Heritage Open Days – a special opportunity to uncover a secret oasis in the heart of Clifton Wood.

Normally closed to the public, Goldney Garden is tucked behind Goldney House (a university hall of residence) and filled with wonders:

• a heritage orchard
• ornamental features including Corinthian columns, a rotunda, and a bastion
• an orangery, canal and tower
• and the breathtaking 18th-century grotto – one of the finest surviving garden grottoes in Britain.

Take a peaceful stroll through its hidden corners, soak in the rich history, and experience the beauty of this unforgettable space.

What You Need to Know

Dates: 21/9/25

Opening Hours: 11am-12.30pm

Booking is essential. Walk-ups will unfortunately be turned away.

Please bring your ticket (printed or digital) to gain access.

The walk lasts approximately 1.5 hours and includes the chance to chat with our knowledgeable team about the garden’s unique features.

Tickets

• Free, but limited – Maximum of two tickets per person.
• Tickets are non-transferable and entry is at the discretion of our staff based on visitor numbers.

Please note: Your booking will be processed securely via Eventbrite. As Eventbrite is based in the USA, your personal data will be stored outside the UK. We recommend reviewing Eventbrite’s privacy policy before creating an account.

Accessibility

We regret that Goldney Garden is not currently suitable for prams or wheelchairs due to its historic layout and terrain, which includes gravel paths, steep slopes, steps, and narrow or uneven surfaces, including low-light areas in the grotto.

We are actively exploring ways to improve accessibility in future events, and we truly appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to make the garden more inclusive.

Assistance dogs are welcome. If you’re planning to visit with an assistance dog, please let us know in advance so we can support your experience.

Visitor Safety

• Please stay with the guide during your visit. The garden contains open water features and potential fall hazards.
• Terrain includes lawns, gravel paths, gradients, and some dark areas inside the grotto.
• Please note: There are no public toilets on site.
• Please wear comfortable, footwear suitable for uneven ground.

Getting Here

• No parking is available on site. Please use nearby council car parks or pay-and-display bays. There is free on-street parking on Sundays.
• Goldney Garden is just a 5-minute walk from Clifton Village, and is well served by public transport.

Meeting Point

Side garden door entrance, Constitution Hill, BS8 1DE (Please do not use the main student halls entrance or the main house door).

What3Words: flute.ridge.home

Maze Map: https://link.mazemap.com/ya17aomF

Photography

Please note that filming and photography may take place during the walk. Please sign the following Form for permission to use your image which may be used online, on websites and social media hosted by the University of Bristol. It may also be used in printed media. Inform the photographer/videographer at the event if you do not wish to be featured.

Gardens and green spaces | Gardens and green spaces | University of Bristol

Get in touch: gardens@engagement@bristol.ac.uk