Ventnor Botanic Garden

Ventnor Botanic Garden is a botanical garden on the Isle of Wight that slopes downward toward the sea, with varied sections dedicated to different plant types and origins. The site includes a subtropical nursery area, restored greenhouses, and dining facilities that operate throughout the grounds.

The site operated as a hospital focused on chest diseases from the 1860s until the mid 1960s, when it closed and the buildings were repurposed. Conversion into a botanic garden began in 1970, with the hospital structures gradually transformed into visitor facilities and garden spaces.

The garden reflects local character through its role in the community as a place where warm-climate plants thrive in an unexpected English setting. The collection speaks to how geography shapes what grows here, bringing Mediterranean and subtropical qualities to an island location.

The garden sits on a sloped terrain, so wear comfortable walking shoes and plan for some uphill and downhill sections depending on where you explore. Food and drink options are scattered across the property, making it easy to take breaks during your visit.

The garden is the sole source of hops on the island, which are harvested and used to brew distinctive beers and ales made nowhere else. This unusual production method ties the plant collection directly to local food and drink culture.