Frequently Asked Questions

What are your opening hours?

The Gardens themselves, being public open-space are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

March 1 – October 31 Royal Garden Cafe, Visitor Centre, Green House and Plant Sales - 10am – 5pm

October 31 - 1 March 2012 CLICK HERE

How do I reach the Ventnor Botanic Garden by public transport?

By rail:
The nearest railway station is Shanklin.  From here, visitors should take the No: 3 bus to Ventnor town and change to the No: 6 bus which comes past the Garden.

By bus:  
No: 6 

How much is the entrance fee?

Being public open-space, it is free admission into the Gardens and the Visitor Centre, however a £1 admission charge is levied for the Green House payable at the entrance to the Exhibition.

Car / coach park fees apply

How do I get into the Garden – where is the entrance?

As it is public open space there is no need for an official entrance into or exit out of the Garden and as such there are numerous paths from the car park and coastal path, which will bring visitors onto the site.

What are your group rates?

As admission to the Garden is free, group rates do not apply to entrance to the Visitor Centre or grounds - however coach parking rates do apply.  Garden tours may be organised in advance at a cost of £3.50 a head with a minimum of 12 visitors per tour.

What are the car parking rates?

Currently winter rates until 28th February 2012:

Cars:

£1 per visit

Coaches:

£5 per visit

Free parking for disabled badged cars, parked in marked bays, displaying time clocks.

What are your facilities for the disabled?

Ventnor Botanic Garden’s topography is through a natural valley.  This valley is part of the reason for the unique microclimate which enables the Garden to grow the plants it can.  The sides of this valley are steep in places, steeper than can be traversed with sloped paths with gradients recommended for wheelchair users; therefore there are parts of the garden which are, regrettably, not accessible easily or at all because the gradients are too severe, or steps have been used as the only way to allow access.  

To mediate this problem there is a route through the majority of the garden which can be accessed with, for example, a wheelchair.  This is shown on the map.  Additionally, the Visitor Centre, built in 2000, has two lifts which allow access through the building.  The Visitor Centre, its facilities and associated café are fully accessible to disabled people.   The toilet blocks in the car park and Visitor Centre have disabled facilities.

There are wheelchairs available for the public to borrow for free, these can be found in the Library at the top of the Visitor Centre.  During busy periods it is advisable to book these in advance.

Do you hold Garden tours?

Yes.  Tours of the Garden are conducted by members of staff.  They must be booked in advance, ideally for 12 – 30 visitors and carry a charge of £3.50 a head.

Do you hire out the function rooms?

Yes.  The Visitor Centre has two function rooms that are available for hire.  They are ideal for seminars, conferences, exhibitions and functions.  Additional information is available by calling Della Pragnell on (01983) 855397 or email della.pragnell@iow.gov.uk

Do you sell plants?

Yes we sell plants exclusively grown in the Garden nurseries.  Initially propagated for the Garden itself, surplus seeds, cuttings and plants can be bought from the Plant Sales area situated outside the Green House. 

Can I volunteer at the Garden?

Yes.  There are opportunities for volunteering in many ways.  Contact Kate Ingrem (01983) 855397 or email kate.ingrem@iow.gov.uk

Do you have any information on the old Chest Hospital?

Old photographs exist and can be found in the Exhibition room in the Visitor Centre along with accounts of ex-patients talking about their experiences of life in the old hospital.  There is also a book on the hospital, written by one of the doctors, which is available either for reference in the Harold Lanfear Library in the Visitor Centre, or for sale in the Gift Shop, price £6.99.

What kind of food does the café serve?

The Royal Garden Cafe offers a selection of hot and cold snacks with sensational homemade cakes and meringues.  Daily specials are available throughout the busier seasons and all day breakfasts are available year round.  Menus are available upon request.

Do you deal with plant enquiries?

Yes.  During business hours our knowledgeable staff are available to answer any plant enquiry.  The Harold Lanfear Library is also available during the opening hours of the Visitor Centre and houses an extensive range of books to help with most queries.  Please note, however, that it is a reference library only and books may not be taken out without the prior consent.  

Do you reserve plants for sale or sell via mail order?

We can reserve plants for later collection (within a reasonable time frame) and in some circumstances we can propagate to order.  For mail order enquiries contact Jason Melia (01983) 855397 or email jason.melia@iow.gov.uk

Can I have a memorial tree/bench in the Garden?

Although it has been done in the past, we currently do not allow the installation of any more memorial trees/ benches in the Garden. 

Is there access to Steephill Cove through the Garden?

Access to Steephill Cove is via the coastal path, which can be reached by heading to the most south eastern part of the Garden.

How far is it to walk into Ventnor?

By turning right outside the car park the road route will take approximately 25 minutes.  The coastal path is prettier but very hilly and steep in places and will take about 30 minutes.

Do you hold wedding receptions at the Garden?

We have recently been granted a licence to hold civil wedding ceremonies in either the Canna Room, or Echium Terrace within the Visitor Centre.

The Canna Room can hold up to 45 guests plus bridal party and will cost £300 to hire; the Echium Terrace can hold up to 75 guests and will cost £500 to hire**

Receptions are quoted seperately.

** - please note that these charges are exclusive of any additonal Registrar fees.

The Royal Garden Cafe also offers bespoke wedding breakfast packages including a marquee on the top lawn and the offer of drink receptions held in the Palm Garden.

Initial enquries and further details are available upon application to the Visitor Centre (01983 855397) or email Della Pragnell della.pragnell@iow.gov.uk

Can we bring our dogs into the Garden?

Dogs are welcome around the Garden on a lead.  They are not, however permitted in any of the buildings unless aiding persons with disabilities.

Why are there no litterbins around the Garden?

The Garden does not have the resources to be able to empty the bins as regularly as would be required, particularly in the busier months, which could potentially lead to an increase in rodent infestation. Visitors are therefore encouraged to take their litter home.  This policy has been adopted following the principles of the National Trust and other national bodies.

Visitor Facilities