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.
New Year Flower Count 2017
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2 for 1 Admission Throughout January!
Come along to Ventnor Botanic Garden and enjoy the great outdoors in 2017 for 2 for 1 admission! Are you struggling to motivate yourself in the New Year? Why not have a gentle start to a healthier you in 2017 with stunning, scenic walks at Ventnor Botanic Garden with...
2017 Annual Membership Passes
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Flower of Power, Agave salmiana
Agave salmianas are even rarer to see in flower outdoors in the UK, and are racing against the autumn as the nights draw in and temperatures drop. We expect the final height to exceed 4m!
Iberian visitors set up home
Although we know about the plants which are brought into the Garden, we know very much less about creatures which might be hitching a lift, transported on balls of soil roots. That is the means by which as ant, Tapinoma ibericum, native to southern Spain and...
Chris’ Blog
Here are two mighty flower spikes of Agave salmiana. These desert plants are native to the dry plains of Mexico. They grow for many years as spiky tipped giant rosettes, and then once large enough, surge into flower. These huge central spikes, looking like asparagus...
Winter opening times from Monday 31st October 2016
From now on our opening times would be 10am to 4pm (last admissions to the Garden 4pm) until further notice. Our edulis restaurant is now closed. The Plantation Room Café is open daily from 10am serving breakfast and lunch along with homemade cakes and hot drinks...
Dr. Hill Hassall’s Botanic Eucalyptus Mixer
Made to order handmade Eucalyptus Mixer now available. Made from distinctive and aromatic Eucalpytus leaves, this soothing cordial is inspired by the pioneering Victorian, Dr. Hill Hassall. Delicious with sparkling water and even better in a G&T! A mixologist's...
Christmas Lunch & Evening Party Bookings at edulis
THE PERFECT VENUE FOR GROUP BOOKINGS OF 10 TO 60 GUESTS The Garden’s edulis restaurant provides a unique and delightful setting for Christmas celebrations of all types, whether a lunch, dinner or evening party. Our edulis restaurant team pride themselves in delivering...
Chris’ Blog
Whilst repairing the roof of our Tropical House we were able to see the garden from altitudes never before reached. The picture above looks down on our Arid Bank, clearly visible are the rows of Phoenic canarienses that will very soon clearly emerge as avenues over...
Flower of Power, Agapanthus Hybrids
Agapanthus, VBG's iconic blue summer bulb, comes from South Africa. It thrives in hot dry conditions on poor soils. So 2016 is a bumper year with some flower heads more than a foot across.
Edulis Evenings Upcoming Menus
View the menu's of our upcoming Edulis Themed Evenings this week!
Summer Passes Available
Bring a passport sized photograph along to the garden this summer to purchase your summer pass and get unlimited access to the garden from 25th July until 4th September. This will allow you to take part in a number of summer activities such as Dinosaur Plant Trails,...
Flower of Power, Puya
Isle of Wight Milkyway, Chad Powell
These insane echium pininana plants, pictured here under a full moon can grow up to 4 metres tall and although they are native to the Canary Islands, the climate on the south side of the Isle of Wight is ideal and they can be found all along the road side between...
Tel: 01983 855397. Email: info@botanic.co.uk
Ventnor Botanic Garden Community Company C.I.C | Company Number: 07976468 | Registered Address: Undercliff Drive, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38 1UL