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Gardens & Arboretums in Bristol

Bristol doesn't have masses of formal gardens on its own doorstep, but The Organic Garden fills the gap nicely, with meadows, a sculpture trail and a children's garden running two-hour gardening and art sessions for £8 upwards. A drive out to Bath gets you the Botanical Gardens for free, herbaceous borders, a rock garden with a pool and a mini Roman temple to hunt down. Further out again, a longer trip to Tetbury, Westonbirt's National Arboretum has a treetop walkway and a Gruffalo trail through the woods, with room enough that nobody's queuing. If cost matters, Bath's Botanical Gardens costs nothing and suits a quick visit with younger children who won't sit still for a long trail. Westonbirt is the one to save for a proper half day out, especially with older kids who'll manage the treetop walk and the wider paths. The Organic Garden splits the difference, close enough for an afternoon, with a dog-friendly cafe and a sculpture trail to keep things interesting between the planned sessions.

✓ 3 places✦ 1 free to visit