Discover Bristol’s secret gardens and tucked away treasures over a weekend of food-based exploration

Bristol’s hidden network of gardens and growing spaces are all set to open their doors over 12^th – 13^th September for the 15^th year of the Get Growing Trail. Taking place as the harvest begins to become bountiful, this free weekend is filled with the opportunity to explore the lesser-known, award-winning foodie landscape of Bristol.

The Get Growing Trail is run by Bristol Food Network, who coordinates Bristol’s gold awarded Sustainable Food Place city-wide partnership, part of Bristol Good Food 2030 alongside Bristol City Council.

This year, over 20 growing sites will be opening their doors at various times across the weekend. Visitors can choose from a range of activities to get involved with, from helping to harvest some fresh produce a few hundred meters from the M32 flyover at Bridge Farm, to apple pressing at Royate Hill Community Orchard near Fishponds, a nighttime bat tour through Woodcroft Community Orchard in the nightingale valley or swing by the wood fired sauna whilst admiring the set-up of Hartcliffe City Farm.  The trail offers a glimpse into the inspiring work of so many groups across the city, paying back into nature and benefitting the whole community at the same time.

The Get Growing Trail is also an opportunity to find out more about how local producers are breaking with the supermarket model of production and working with their customers for a more resilient way of providing food for people every day within the city. Head to Sims Hill to gain a greater understanding of how Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) membership works, and see their impressive, made with love, set up. Visit Totterdown Community Orchard to sample their range of fruit trees and berry bushes, mainly planted 15 years ago on waste land left from 1970s house demolitions, or the ‘Walls of Veg’ in Bristol’s’ very own rainforest, The Bristol Rainforest, in St Pauls. 

Expect the unexpected, tucked away treasures waiting to be discovered, with activities for all ages. Please note that opening times throughout the weekend vary, and some sites may not be fully accessible. Please check the Bristol Good Food 2030 website for more details: bristolgoodfood.org/ggt

Lead image: Bramble Farm photographed at the Get Growing Trail 2025 by Joseph Turp

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