GREEN SQUARES AND SECRET GARDENS IN CLIFTON, CLIFTONWOOD AND HOTWELLS, BRISTOL.
ORGANISED BY CLIFTON & HOTWELLS IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY [CHIS]SATURDAY 6th JUNE and SUNDAY 7th JUNE. 11.00 – 5.00
WHO CAN RESIST A PEEP INTO PRIVACY?
On these two days people have an opportunity to visit some of the large communal gardens that usually are only seen by the residents because they are either enclosed or behind a terrace or crescent. There are two private gardens, the grounds of a University of Bristol Hall of Residence, six communal gardens, two public squares and one public park. Your ticket comes with a booklet containing a map, brief histories of the gardens and information on some interesting things you can look out for whilst going from garden to garden plus a tree trail for St Andrew's Churchyard.A ticket costs only £3.00 and is valid for both days.
We want people to come and enjoy these secret gardens and Green Squares.
This is part of the scheme started in London and now spreading in the EU. However, Bristol is the only other place in England that has joined in. Last year was the first year and proved to be most successful with over 650 visitors. The feedback was that people really liked this intriguing peep into privacy and enjoyed seeing gardens that are being used and not necessarily in perfect condition. In many ways more interesting than a manicured herbaceous border. All these gardens can choose when they will be open over the weekend. The list (as of 25th May) is below
This is also an opportunity for the garden owners to raise money, so there are some entertainments, refreshments or stalls selling cakes, plants, etc. Once expenses have been paid, the money from the sale of the tickets is divided between the communal gardens.
GARDENS OPEN ON SATURDAY 6th JUNE
Please note that there may be changes at the last minute. We will keep this website up-to-date with information as it comes in to us.The post codes have been included for mobile phone maps and satnav
* Indicates that the gardens are not usually open to the public.
ALL SAINTS CHURCH (Postcode BS8 3ED) 2.00 - 5.30
Here we have something different - a concert on Saturday at 4.00 and organ music on Sunday, as well as a place to sit and relax for a while in the quiet cloisters with a cup of tea and a slice of delicious home-made cake. Or it is worth going into the church to see the magnificent stained glass window by John Piper and listen to the organ. There are interesting gardens as well!
Town Green Cliftonwood, Ambra Vale East.
LAST MINUTE ADDITION- 5th June
A community street and garden that won Cultivation Street in a national competition and the best cultivated street in the South West.
It is well worth going to see just how good a street can look when the residents all work together.
Teas will be served in adjacent Cliftonwood Crescent on Saturday when they are holding a street party and on Sunday in Ambra Vale.
*BELLEVUE PLEASURE GARDENS (Postcode BS8 1DB) 1.00 - 4.00
An open and friendly garden that encourages wildlife in all sorts of ways.
They even have a pair of owls. A very good example of community spirit making and enjoying this garden in which they can have fun and relax. Well worth visiting.
*THE BISHOP'S HOUSE (Postcode BS8 1BN) 2.00 - 4.00
A beautiful, large and elegant private walled garden adjacent to St Andrew's Churchyard. We are grateful to Mr and Mrs Nisbet for giving us this opportunity to see their lovely garden.
THE BRIDGE GARDEN (Postcode BS8 3PA) Public Garden
At the Clifton end of the Suspension Bridge is a border (not a garden) which displays the natural flora of the Gorge. If you have children - go up the little path near it and you will find a new and fun playground.
*CORNWALLIS GARDENS EAST (Postcode BS8 1BN) 11.00 - 4.00
AND
*CORNWALLIS GARDENS WEST 11.00 -5.00
These are very secret communal gardens. You will be surprised at how extensive they are and how attractive the terrace is on the garden side – a real discovery.
In the East Garden from 12.30 onwards there will be food and drink on sale.
The West Garden will be serving teas from 2.00 – 4.00. There will be a second-hand book stall and face painting from 12.00 – 1.00 and 2.00 – 3.00.
THE MALL GARDENS (Postcode BS8 4DS) Public Gardens
These are now owned by Bristol City Council, but there is a group of local residents who do much to maintain them. They are probably the largest pleasure gardens in Bristol and are flanked by the elegant terraces of Caledonia Place and West Mall.
*RICHMOND TERRACE (Postcode BS8 1LL) 1.00 - 5.00
Last year, even people who had lived in Clifton for a considerable number of years, were surprised to discover the extent and diversity of this garden. It is communal garden but with residents also having their individual areas. The result is an intriguing and attractive patchwork.
*ROYAL YORK CRESCENT GARDENS(Postcode BS8 4JO) 11.00 - 5.00
It is fun to wander along the paths and wonder what will be round the corner - even the flat area of a past tennis court. It hosts many local events both in the garden and on the terrace. On Friday 5th July there will be a Shakespeare play in the garden. This is a community and a communal garden that has somehow managed to retain the element of secrecy and surprise.
Light refreshments will be served between 2.00 and 4.00.
ST ANDREW'S CHURCHYARD WITH TREE TRAIL (BS8 4EW) Public Park
Because many visitors will walk through here from Victoria Square to gardens to the south, we have prepared a Tree Trail to interest you as you walk through - there are some very interesting species. The trees and shrubs can be seen from the central path through the churchyard, except for a few in the medieval site.
VICTORIA SQUARE (BS8 4AA) Public Square
It is square, but each one of its sides has a completely different architectural style. Last year the talk about the history of Victoria Square was very popular and we will be repeating it this year at 2.00 p.m. on both days
During the winter there was a re-vamp; some trees that were past their prime and becoming dangerous were felled with interesting new (but appropriate) ones planted. Overgrown laurel bushes and other scrub were removed.
*CLIFTON PARK VYVYAN TERRACE GARDENS (BS8 3DG) 11.00 - 5.00
Recently the boundaries have been cleared and replanted with beech hedging and some wildflower areas around. This is a typical pleasure garden for a row of terraced housing that had a very small area behind the houses most of which would have been taken up with domestic work. The gardens were for the families to enjoy. The children could play safely; the ladies could sit and chat and probably unmarried daughters would stroll and exchange confidences.
If your legs are getting tired this garden is well supplied with seats.
The gate that will be used is the gate opposite No 15 Vyvyan Terrace
UPDATED 27 May
GARDENS OPEN ON SUNDAY 7th JUNE
ALL SAINTS CHURCH (Postcode BS8 3ED) 2.00 - 5.00
Here we have something different - a concert on Saturday at 4.00 and organ music on Sunday, as well as a place to sit and relax for a while in the quiet cloisters with a cup of tea and a slice of delicious home-made cake. Or it is worth going into the church to see the magnificent stained glass window by John Piper and listen to the organ. There are interesting gardens as well!
Town Green Cliftonwood, Ambra Vale East.
LAST MINUTE ADDITION- 5th June
A community street and garden that won Cultivation Street in a national competition and the best cultivated street in the South West.
It is well worth going to see just how good a street can look when the residents all work together.
Teas will be served on Sunday in Ambra Vale.
*22 AMBRA VALE [Ambrose Road entrance BS8 4RJ] 2.00 - 5.00
A small privately owned town garden that demonstrates just what can be achieved in a confined space - informal planting including grasses, ferns , exotics, figs and vine. Statues and mosaics and secluded seating areas and two wildlife ponds with water features, fish and frogs. Our thanks to Ms Poole for sharing it with us.
Not suitable for wheelchair access.
*BELLEVUE PLEASURE GARDENS (Postcode BS8 1DB) 1.00 - 4.00
An open and friendly garden that encourages wildlife in all sorts of ways. They even have a pair of owls. A very good example of community spirit making and enjoying this garden in which they can have fun and relax. Well worth visiting.
THE BRIDGE GARDEN (Postcode BS8 3PA) Open to the public
At the Clifton end of the Suspension Bridge is a border (not a garden) which displays the natural flora of the Gorge. If you have children - go up the little path near it and you will find a new and fun playground.
*CLIFTON HILL HOUSE (Postcode BS8 1BX) 11.00 - 3.00
This is a unique opportunity for many people to be able to into the grounds of a University Hall of Residence where students take you on a guided tour.
The gardens are currently being restored and those who came last year will see a big change. The two towers at the bottom of the garden may be the oldest unaltered buildings in Clifton. Below the terrace is a WWII air raid shelter.
*CORNWALLIS GARDENS EAST (Postcode BS8 1BN) 11.00 - 4.00
These are very secret communal gardens. You will be surprised at how extensive they are and how attractive the terrace is on the garden side - a real discovery.
In the East Garden from 12.30 onwards there will be food and drink on sale.
THE MALL GARDENS (Postcode BS8 4DS) Public Gardens
These are now owned by Bristol City Council, but there is a group of local residents who do much to maintain them. They are probably the largest pleasure gardens in Bristol and are flanked by the elegant terraces of Caledonia Place and West Mall.
*THE PARAGON (Postcode BS8 4LA) 11.00 - 5.00
Truly the 'Hanging Gardens of Clifton' as the terraces perch on the side of the Avon Gorge. This is good opportunity to enjoy the gardens and the views. Both are magnificent. Limited wheelchair/pram access.
*RICHMOND TERRACE (Postcode BS8 1LL) 1.00 - 5.00
Last year, even people who had lived in Clifton for a considerable number of years, were surprised to discover the extent and diversity of this garden. It is communal garden but with residents also having their individual areas. The result is an intriguing and attractive patchwork.
*ROYAL YORK CRESCENT GARDENS (Postcode BS8 4JO) 11.00 - 5.00
It is fun to wander along the paths and wonder what will be round the corner - even the flat area of a past tennis court. It hosts many local events both in the garden and on the terrace. On Friday 5th July there will be a Shakespeare play in the garden. This is a community and a communal garden that has somehow managed to retain the element of secrecy and surprise.
Light refreshments will be served between 2.00 and 4.00.
ST ANDREW'S CHURCHYARD WITH TREE TRAIL (BS8 4EW) Public Park
Because many visitors will walk through here from Victoria Square to gardens to the south, we have prepared a Tree Trail to interest you as you walk through - there are some very interesting species. The trees and shrubs can be seen from the central path through the churchyard, except for a few in the medieval site.
VICTORIA SQUARE (BS8 4AA) Public Square
It is square, but each one of its sides has a completely different architectural style. Last year the talk about the history of Victoria Square was very popular and we will be repeating it this year at 2.00 p.m. on both days
During the winter there was a re-vamp; some trees that were past their prime and becoming dangerous were felled with interesting new (but appropriate) ones planted. Overgrown laurel bushes and other scrub were removed.
*CLIFTON PARK VYVYAN TERRACE GARDENS (BS8 3DG) 11.00 - 5.00
Recently the boundaries have been cleared and replanted with beech hedging and some wildflower areas around. This is a typical pleasure garden for a row of terraced housing that had a very small area behind the houses most of which would have been taken up with domestic work. The gardens were for the families to enjoy. The children could play safely; the ladies could sit and chat and probably unmarried daughters would stroll and exchange confidences.
If your legs are getting tired this garden is well supplied with seats. The gate that will be used is the gate opposite No 15 Vyvyan Terrace.
UPDATED 27 May
CAR PARKING AND TRANSPORT
Recently most of the area has become a Residents Parking Zone. This means that on Saturday 6th June there will be a limited number of parking places On Sunday 7th June the residents parking restrictions do not apply and one can park anywhere.
There is a large multi-storey car park quite close. Google: west end car park bristol.
BUS SERVICES to CLIFTON VILLAGE
8 (First Bus) Temple Meads via The Centre, Park Street,
Victoria Square CLIFTON VILLAGE,
The Zoo, Redland, The Centre, Temple Meads.
Buses leave Temple Meads
Saturdays approximately every 12 minutes from 09.00hrs
Sundays approximately every 20 minutes from 09.00hrs
Journey time to Clifton Village about 20 minutes
9 (First Bus) Temple Meads via The Centre, Cotham,
Redland, Clifton Down Station, The Zoo, CLIFTON VILLAGE
Victoria Square, Queens Road, The Centre, Temple Meads.
Buses leave Temple Meads
Saturdays approximately every 12 minutes from 09.00hrs
Sundays approximately every 20 minutes from 09.00hrs
Journey Time to Clifton Village approximately 40 minutes
NB if changing buses in the Centre get the 8 opposite The Hippodrome
901 (Wessex) Park and Ride Portway (a circular service)
Located adjacent to Junction 18 M5 Motorway
Buses leave Portway Park and Ride
Saturdays every 20 minutes from 07.20hrs
Sundays NO SERVICE
The Journey time to Clifton Village is approximately 11 minutes
505 (Wessex) Park and Ride Long Ashton - Southmead Hospital,
(Located just off the A370 travelling into Bristol from N. Somerset)
Buses leave Bower Ashton Park and Ride
Saturdays every 30 minutes from 09.20hrs
Sundays every hour from 10.00hrs
The journey time to Clifton Village is just under 15 minutes
Buses leave Southmead Hospital
Saturdays every 30 minutes from 08.30hrs
Sundays every hour from 10.00hrs
The Journey time to Clifton Village is about 25 minutes
We would advise people using public transport or public car parks to buy their tickets in advance so they can plan a route that suits them best.
VISITORS' TICKETS CAN BE BOUGHT IN ADVANCE from GSSG, 11 Goldney Avenue, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4RA. Please send a sae [9 x 6.5 inch (23.5 x 14 cm) envelope] or a stamp and your address and enclose a cheque made payable to CHIS.
Tickets are £3.00 per person. Free entry for those under 16.
On 6th & 7th June from 11.00 a.m. tickets will be on sale outside the Arch House Deli which is between Victoria Square and Boyce's Avenue. If you are coming on the 8 or 9 buses get off at the Victoria Square bus stop and go across the square on the diagonal path and you will find us selling tickets.
We cannot be responsible for any last minute alterations or for matters about which we have not been informed. I am sure you will understand that this is run on a voluntary basis and goodwill.
RoseMary Musgrave on behalf of the committee of GSSG. We are part of CHIS and grateful to the Society for being able to use their website and banking facilities.
I am happy to try to answer any questions if you contact me by email: r.musgrave4@gmail.com
WE ARE HOPING FOR A SUNNY WEEKEND AND TO SEEING MANY OF YOU HERE.
PS An added attraction is that the week-long Clifton FoodFest starts on Friday 5th when a number of Clifton restaurants offer a £10.00 main meal and other culinary temptations. On Saturday 6th there should be street stalls outside the cafes and restaurants offering 'tasters' of their food.