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.
ISLAND LIFE MAGAZINE, CHRIS’S OWN GARDEN OF EDEN
Chris Kidd talks about his very own Garden of Eden in this Island Life Magazine article.Chris Kidd, Curator at Ventnor Botanic Garden, takes us through his own garden and his vision at Ventnor Botanic Garden in this fantastic article by Island Life Magazine here on...
Hop picking at Ventnor Botanic Garden 2017
Get involved!Participate in our Hop picking by hand tradition this year & come along on Tuesday 5th September from 8am.If arriving from 8am, please head straight down towards the hop yard where a wristband will be issued. If arriving after 10am, please visit our...
The Guardian, Jewel-bright lizards look at home on one British isle
Discover Britain's oldest colony of wall lizards in this news article.Did you know that Ventnor Botanic Garden, and the surrounding Undercliff region is home to a stunning colony of Wall Lizards? Known as Britain's oldest colony, these beautiful animals are also known...
Isle of Wight Milky Way, Chad Powell Photography at VBG
Isle of Wight Milky Way Shot is out of this World - Isle of Wight County Press Taken from outside the tunnel at Ventnor Botanic Garden, which runs through the cliff and exits at its face to a sheer drop. It was built sometime in the 1880s when the grounds were home to...
Ventnor Botanic Garden – National Collection – Puya
Ventnor Botanic Garden receives National Collection status for its Puya. Ventnor Botanic Garden, proud public garden with it's incredibly unique micro-climate has been recognised in the national media (BBC) for receiving National Collection status for it's...
Signal Point Cottage – In the news
Signal Point Cottage - Independent articleOur very own Victorian hideaway has been featured in this Independent article - Discover what makes this beautiful self-catering cottage in the heart of Britain's Hottest Garden so special. It simply must be on your bucket...
Daily Mail, Amazonian Water Lily
Botanists at Ventnor Botanic Garden work to pollinate two species of Giant water lilyOur very own botanists have been featured in this article by the Daily Mail - Looking at the process of pollinating two separate species of Giant Water lily by hand! Our trainee...
Daily Mail, Puya berteroniana blossom
Exotic plant that blooms once a CENTURY stuns horticulturists by flowering on what is set to be hottest day of the year.. but now it will die
Island Echo, Gardener meets Chef
Ventnor Botanic Garden has announced the appointment of a new Head Chef, Brad Roe, at the garden’s Edulis Restaurant. http://www.islandecho.co.uk/news/gardener-meets-chef-new-edulis-resaurant
Wightwash, Brewery News
Hop Picking at Ventnor Botanic Garden
Sainsbury’s Magazine
Let's do it! Get Garden Inspiration.
Flower of Power, Echiums
The firework display of giant Echiums is one of the best known and loved features of Ventnor Botanic Garden. They all come from the laurel forests on the Canary Isles and Madeira but look carefully at them and you will see that they are not all the same. The one most...
The ultimate botanic dining experience
Read more to find out about our new head chef, Brad Roe & to see his interview. May 4th The ultimate botanic dining experience Ventnor Botanic Garden's edulis restaurant is now open daily from 12pm-4pm & introducing our new Head Chef, Brad Roe. From garden to...
Flower of Power, Quamash, Camassia leichtlinii
Growing alongside the Campsis Arbour, near Ornamental Lawns, you will notice a fine display of a blue flowered bulb, known as Quamash, Camassia leichtlinii. Quamash is the North American Indian name for the plant. The edible bulbs were an important food source for...
Flower of Power, Acacia pravissima
Walk along the Long Border to see another fine later flowering Australian wattle. This one is Oven’s Wattle, Acacia pravissima, and you will find a fine bush at the far end of the border with masses of scented flowers. This acacia has a pendulous habit and the unusual...
Tel: 01983 855397 | Ventnor Botanic Garden Community Company C.I.C | Company Number: 07976468 | Registered Address: Undercliff Drive, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38 1UL