The Tunnel
Our regular Tunnel Tours are currently postponed. Please email foh@botanic.co.uk if you'd like to enquire about a private tour.
Ventnor Botanic Garden has many secrets, some dating back to the days of the Royal National Hospital that formerly stood on the site. Underground caverns, secret passageways and a tunnel through the cliff can be found by the visitors to the Garden.
A proposal to dig a tunnel from the gardens down to the shore was mooted in the late 1800s. The Royal National Hospital annual report for 1875 states that “There can be no doubt that if the patients were able to obtain free access to the shore it would be very conducive alike to their recovery and their enjoyment.” Money for the tunnel at that time was not forthcoming and although it was built later, its function was by no means the rather romantic conception that has given rise to a good deal of speculation and comment; it was in fact used as a conduit for rubbish that was propelled through it and dumped into the sea. Steel tramlines are still visible on the floor. Exactly when the tunnel was built is unknown; possibly it was in relation to a new system of drainage and sewage disposal that was completed sometime in the 1880s. The tunnel was closed at both ends in 1940.
The 350 foot long vaulted roofed tunnel exits through the cliff midway down and is inaccessible. DO NOT attempt to locate the exit, or try to enter unless with one of our guides, as the cliff is extremely dangerous. Bolted gates are also in place for safety.
The Far East Project
Far East Project - Moving Further EastA brand-new project is well underway here at Ventnor Botanic Garden with our new 'Far East Project'. Expanding even further East, in more ways than one! Our Japanese Garden (The original Eastern Garden) is being expanded further...
Trad’s Diary – Ventnor Botanic Garden
The Undercliff - A story from Trad's DiaryUndercliff Posted from Trad's Diary on August 25, 2022 Here we take a look at a beautiful extract from the fantastic Trad's Diary, featuring Ventnor Botanic Garden. Harold (later Sir Harold) Hillier was a god-like figure in...
Events Galore This Autumn!
Ventnor Botanic Garden Hosts a series of events throughout Autumn 2022.We've gone Event Mad here at Ventnor Botanic Garden this Autumn as we host a series of fantastic events throughout October - Perfect for the whole family! Let's take a look at What's On at Ventnor...
Isle of Wight Car Club Return to Ventnor Botanic Garden
Popular Car Event Returns to Ventnor Botanic GardenSunday the 9th of October, from 9am - Ventnor Botanic Garden will play host to the Isle of Wight Car Club's 'Round 10' event within the main Ventnor Botanic Garden Car Park. Being an open Garden, we are of course open...
Opening – The Queen’s Funeral
The Queen's Funeral On Monday the 19th of September, 2022 our Queen will make her final great journey as she is laid to rest. Our staff at Ventnor Botanic Garden will be given the option to take a rest day to witness the funeral. However, we will remain open on...
Ventnor Botanic Garden – Waterlilies in Bloom
The Ventnor Botanic Garden Giant Waterlily in Bloom...The team here at Ventnor Botanic Garden are thrilled to see another stunning flower on our Giant Waterlily in bloom this week. If you've not managed to catch them yet, here's a couple of photos for you to see them...
A Summer Update From Ventnor Botanic Garden
An update from Ventnor Botanic Garden during a warm, busy summer season - There's lots happening here at the Garden!The Living Collection at Ventnor Botanic Garden is enjoying the summer’s hot dry conditions. Our subtropical plant collection is genetically suited for...
Ventnor Botanic Garden – Official Response to VBGFS Article
Ventnor Botanic Garden - Official Response to VBGFS Article 3rd of August 2022. The following is a direct response from Ventnor Botanic Garden to a recent VBGFS Article in the local press. We are very grateful for the Ventnor Botanic Garden Friends...
Five ways to stay cool in Britain’s Hottest Garden!
With extreme weather being forecast for early next week and rising temperatures across the South coast of England - We look at Five ways to stay cool in Britain's Hottest Garden.Ventnor Botanic Garden is commonly known as Britain's Hottest Garden due to its...
Balmy Britain: why you should visit Ventnor Botanic Garden – The Guardian
Ventnor Botanic Garden - In the Guardian In this recent news article written by Tim Lewis for The Guardian, readers are taken on a journey through the Garden. Tim tells us of his visit to Ventnor Botanic Garden with his family ahead of writing the article. I feel like...
A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Quantum Theatre
A Midsummer Night's Dream - Showing this July 31st at Ventnor Botanic Garden's Top Lawn - Buy your tickets today. Shakespeare's classic comedy of love and intrigue, magic and mayhem comes to Ventnor Botanic Garden, where fairies are abroad and nothing is as it...
The Reluctant Dragon & A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Ventnor Botanic Garden hosts a double whammy from Quantum Theatre!Two shows, one evening at Ventnor Botanic Garden. Quantum Theatre returns to the Top Lawn for a double event this July 31st with a showing of The Reluctant Dragon, followed by A Midsummer Night's Dream....
Peter Rabbit & Friends hop to Ventnor Botanic Garden
Join Peter Rabbit & Freinds as they hop to Ventnor Botanic Garden this July 24th Join us this July 24th for a spectacular event with Quantum Theatre as Peter Rabbit and his naughty cousin Benjamin on their hair-raising adventures in Mr McGregor’s Garden, in...
Discovery of a third species of Giant Waterlily
Earlier this week, Botanists around the World celebrated the news confirming a third species of Giant Waterlilly.Exciting news from Kew that a new species of Giant Waterlily has been found hidden in plain sight. For over a hundred years it was thought that there were...
Ventnor Botanic Garden launches new Recovery Pass for NHS patients
Ventnor Botanic Garden launches a brand new Recovery Pass for patients at St Mary's Hospital.We are proud to have lunched our brand-new Recovery Pass here at Ventnor Botanic Garden. After working closely with the respiratory department at St Mary's Hospital on the...
Tel: 01983 855397 | Ventnor Botanic Garden Community Company C.I.C | Company Number: 07976468 | Registered Address: Undercliff Drive, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38 1UL