It’s set to be a sunny couple of weeks at RHS Garden Bridgewater
The Paradise Garden at RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford(Image: Neil Hepworth/RHS)
A 154-acre garden in Salford consisting of stunning ponds, hedgerows, and meadows perfect for the sunny weather will be celebrating a big milestone with £5 tickets.
Since opening in 2021, RHS Garden Bridgewater has welcomed close to 2.5m visitors. Hailed as a ‘true community asset for Salford’, the space has continued to evolve since its debut five years ago, with additions including a Chinese Streamside Garden, a Victoria Meadow, and over 500,000 new plants. It has also hosted family-friendly nature trails, pop-up events, and light shows, like the popular Glow at Christmas.
The Worsley space features seven ponds and 50 wildflower species, and is also home to 53 recorded bird species – eight of which are regarded as of serious conservation concern. It is also home to nine species of bats. Other highlights include a Bee and Butterfly Garden, situated within one of the largest Victorian walled gardens in the UK, the stunning woodlands of the 70-acre Middle Wood, and the tranquil Ellesmere Lake.
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Designed by architect Tom Stuart-Smith, the garden was at the time of its construction described as one of the largest gardening projects in Europe. In 2022, it was named Best Contemporary Garden in a Heritage Setting at the The European Heritage Garden Network’s (EHGN) awards. It was also recently named one of the best botanical gardens in the UK to visit.
To coincide with its upcoming fifth birthday, the gardens will be celebrating with £5 entry all day on May 18. Entry for adults can normally cost up to £16.80 at peak times. In addition to this, the birthday event will also feature a £5 hot drink and cake offer in all of the garden’s cafes.
The popular spot is also home to one of the largest Victorian walled gardens in the UK(Image: Josh Kemp-Smith/RHS)
Located in the Welcome Building, its Bridgewater Café overlooks the Moon Bridge, which is a 1.4-acres lake featuring 31 different species of plants as part of a partnership with the gardens and China’s Yangzhou City. There is also a Stables Café, open on selected days from 11am to 4pm, situated right by the Orchard Gardens.
On May 18, the first 50 visitors on the day will receive a birthday goodie bag, with the 50th person through the door will also receive a Golden Ticket consisting of a full year of Individual RHS Membership. Throughout the day, there will also be £5 off plants priced £15 or above, and performances from local choirs Salford in Harmony and Hands in Harmony.
Throughout the summer, the 33 bus service, which passes Piccadilly and Shudehill then through Salford, will also be ending its route at RHS Garden Bridgewater making it easier than ever for people to visit. Visitors can also get a train to Walkden, or get local bus services 35, 126, 553, or the 132 to Leigh Road, which is a ten-minute walk to the gardens. There is also a free car park for visitors.
The 154-acre attraction also includes a Chinese Streamside Garden(Image: Josh Kemp-Smith/RHS)
In addition to serving as a stunning garden perfect for sunny and early-morning strolls, the garden has welcomed nearly 150 wellbeing groups to the grounds since 2021. There have also been 850 facilitated wellbeing sessions, more than 1,500 Community Grow events, and 44,494 free educational visits for local school children. It has also had around 250 referrals to its Gardening for Wellbeing programme. Its 255-strong team of volunteers have also contributed over 121,000 hours of dedicated help in the five years.
Marcus Chilton-Jones, Head of Site, at RHS Garden Bridgewater, said: “Bridgewater was always intended to be more than a garden – it’s a place to grow skills, wellbeing and connection. Five years on, it’s inspiring to see how deeply people feel part of this landscape.
“Our volunteers, community partners and supporters have made it thrive in ways we couldn’t have imagined. With major developments on the horizon, including the Yangzhou Scholars’ Garden, we’re entering an exciting new phase of Bridgewater’s story.”
RHS Garden Bridgewater will celebrate its fifth anniversary this May – with £5 tickets for one day only(Image: Lee Charlton/RHS)
Stephen Young, Chief Executive, Salford City Council, added: “RHS Bridgewater, is a truly special venue and we’re extremely proud to have it here in Salford. Its popularity has grown with residents and visitors and I’m sure many more will come to celebrate and take advantage of the fifth birthday offers.
“It’s a place that really is at the heart of the community and we look forward to working in partnership with the RHS to ensure it continues to thrive for many more years to come.”
RHS Bridgewater is on Occupation Road (off Leigh Road), Worsley, Salford, M28 2LJ. Tickets and more info here.
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