Tel: 01983 855397 info@botanic.co.uk

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.

 

Garden Gallery 

The Garden Gallery displays artwork, photography and drawings from local artists and our Artists-in-Residence and is open daily from 10am. Works are available for sale. Meet our featured Artists here

We also welcome visiting exhibitions and would love to hear from you if you would like to exhibit at Ventnor Botanic Garden either on your own or with other artists. Find out more about hiring the Garden Gallery for an exhibition.

The Gallery doubles as performance, lecture, reception, and entertainment space (with or without the art!). For gatherings of up to 50 people, dinners, birthdays, book launches, fundraisers, wakes and other events, it is a flexible space with easy parking/access and a decent Garden to visit attached! Please e-mail info@botanic.co.uk to learn more.

Contact us

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Tel: 01983 855397  |  Ventnor Botanic Garden Community Company C.I.C  | Company Number: 07976468 | Registered Address: Undercliff Drive, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38 1UL