Accessibility
We are committed to making the Garden as accessible as possible for everyone. Please speak to our team on arrival if you require assistance or advice about the safest and easiest routes to get into and around the Garden. Accessible routes are marked with blue signs to help you choose the best route. With more than 80% of the footpaths around Ventnor Botanic Garden on our accessible route; we welcome you to Britain’s Hottest Garden.
If the distance is an obstacle to you, we allow vehicles into our Garden to access the lower parts of the Garden or our edulis Restaurant. Please ask one of our team to find out more.
To get a good insight into our accessibility please click here to read what Georgina Layton had to say after she visited the garden and posted about it on her blog ‘Disabled Travel with Georgina’.
You can also download our visitor map ahead of time to plan your route. Click here to view our maps.
getting here
By Car – We have a large visitor car park that also services the nearby Steephill Cove and walking routes along the coastal paths. Parking costs just £5 for an all-day ticket. Parking is free for Garden admission payers. Please use PO38 1UL in your SatNav. Ventnor Botanic Garden can be located along Undercliff Drive, Ventnor.
Blue Badge holders can park for free within our car park. However, our ANPR cameras won’t recognise this so please ensure you enter your car registration on one of the iPads situated on site upon arrival.
By Bus – Southern Vectis Buses cover the whole of the Isle of Wight and with two busy routes passing close by to Ventnor Botanic Garden, this is the ideal car-free way to visit the Garden. Routes 3 & 6 both service Ventnor, travelling from different areas of the Island.
From Ryde –
(3) The number 3 from Ryde travels from Brading, Sandown, Lake, Shanklin and then into Ventnor – Stopping at Ventnor town, you will then need to walk to the Garden along Undercliff Drive. (See directions below.)
From Newport –
(3) The quickest route from Newport, heading through Godshill, Wroxall and down into Ventnor town centre.
(6) A slower, but more scenic route to Ventnor, travels through the central villages, Carisbrooke, Chillerton, Chale, Blackgang, Niton, Whitwell and down into Ventnor town Centre.
On Foot – Walking from Ventnor town centre, head west and up – Church Street – Along – Belgrave Road – Down – Park Avenue – Steephill Road – onto Undercliff Drive and turn left into the main entrance. Approx 10-15min walk, some hills.
Accessing the Garden
We are sorry to say that our bespoke incline lift is currently out of order and the repair parts are no longer available. We are looking at a range of options. In the meantime, we are happy for customers who require assisted access to drive down into the Garden to a central designated point from which they can explore. Please speak to a member of our team on arrival who will be more than happy to show you where you need to go.
Tickets
We offer free entry to essential carers accompanying visitors with a disability, but please note that we will need to see proof of entitlement.
getting around
We have worked with our team of Gardeners to make as much of the Garden accessible as possible. The terrain of the area means that there are several sloping paths and sets of steps which unfortunately cannot be accessed via wheelchair or mobility scooter. However, the main pathways around the Garden are tarmac or paved and offer the opportunity to explore to all.
We have three wheelchairs for visitors to borrow on-site. We recommend that you call ahead of your visit to reserve one but if you haven’t had a chance to call, do speak to a member of staff to see if there is one available. 01983 855397
The Tropical House is inaccessible to those with mobility scooters, however wheelchair users can gain access but may need a little help from accompanying visitors to navigate the entranceway.
Take care when using mobility scooters on our sloped pathways as they risk tipping over. We particularly suggest that you avoid the narrow sloped pathways above the Hydrangea Dell. Mobility scooters are best kept to the wheelchair route around the Garden.
The Restaurant, Café, Shop and Gallery are completely accessible to those in both mobility scooters and wheelchairs.
Accessible toilets
We have several accessible toilets available around the Garden. These are located:
– In the car park towards the far end.
– In The Plantation Room Café, straight ahead from the entrance.
– On the lower floor, next to our edulis Restaurant.
Guide dogs
All dogs are welcome to Ventnor Botanic Garden, especially guide dogs. You will find bowls of water around the Garden for dogs, especially in hot weather – please don’t hesitate to ask for the bowl to be topped up if a previous thirsty pooch has finished the lot.
The Herb & Medicinal Garden
This area of the Garden not too far from the main Car Park features many plants with distinctive aromas that ensure an enhanced sensory experience. For those with limited sight this area can be particularly enjoyable, but don’t forget that there any many plants around the Garden that are beautifully scented…and a few with a rather distinct odour all of their own.
How can we improve your experience?
We are really keen to hear of any ways that we can improve your experience at Ventnor Botanic Garden so please don’t hesitate to make suggestions to us. Similarly, if you have any questions, before, during or after your visit please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team on 01983 855397 or by email at info@botanic.co.uk
Tel: 01983 855397 | Ventnor Botanic Garden Community Company C.I.C | Company Number: 07976468 | Registered Address: Undercliff Drive, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38 1UL