Discover Goldney Grotto in Bristol
Part of the University of Bristol’s Grade II listed Golden Gardens, the Goldney Grotto is one of the finest surviving examples of the 18th century fascination with ornamental garden structures. Consequently, the grotto itself has been recognized by English Heritage as a Grade I structure. Despite this clear historical significance, the grotto is usually closed to the public. Though the University does organize garden tours, typically from April to September, allowing visitors to explore the gardens and the grotto. These tours offer an in-depth look at the history and features of Goldney Hall and its grounds, guided by knowledgeable experts.
The History of Goldney Grotto
Origins and the Goldney Family
The Goldney family first came to Bristol in 1637, when Thomas Goldney I moved from Chippenham in Wiltshire to serve a 7-year apprenticeship. His son, Thomas Goldney II, was born in 1664 and later became a wealthy merchant capitalizing on early industrialism and maritime voyages, particularly those of Captain Woods Rogers. It was for him that Goldney Hall was constructed in 1714. And it was his son, Thomas Goldney III, who was responsible for the Goldney Grotto.
Thomas Goldney III was also a wealthy Quaker merchant like his father. In 1737, 100 years after his grandfather first settled in Bristol, he arranged for the construction of an ambitious garden project at Goldney Hall. The grotto took 27 years to complete, reflecting Goldney's dedication to perfection, which couldn’t be rushed and was to become the garden’s central feature.
Creating Goldney Grotto
Inside the Goldney Grotto
During the 18th century, grottoes were popular additions to English landscape gardens, designed to surprise and delight visitors with their mysterious and elaborate interiors. The Goldney Grotto was no exception, its walls were studded with over 200 exotic species of shells, fossils, coral, and semi-precious stones sourced from England, the West Indies, and West Africa.
Alongside shells, the grotto’s interior features Bristol diamonds—iron-rich quartz crystals mined locally in Bristol and the Mendips. The grotto’s columns, which divide its three chambers, are encrusted with these sparkling crystals. Combined with the intricately designed tiles by Thomas Paty, the 200,000 or so shells and other minerals, these Bristol diamonds create a breathtaking effect.
The Three Chambers
The grotto three main chambers are as follows:
The Entrance Hall
The grotto journey begins in the entrance hall. The shells here are laid out to create scenes from nature. The vaulted ceiling is constructed from Bath stone, carved into pseudo-stalactites and decorated with crystals, adding to the cave-like appearance.
The Main Chamber
At the heart of the grotto lies the main chamber, featuring a grand rococo-style fountain fed by a natural spring. The fountain's basin is surrounded by a collection of intricate sculptures and carvings, including a life-sized figure of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea. The water from the fountain flows into a pool that is lined with shimmering crystals and precious stones. The ceiling displays a beautiful starburst pattern made from mother-of-pearl.
The Lion’s Den
The Lion’s Den chamber houses life-size plaster sculptures of a lion and a lioness, it is typically visitors' favorite chamber.
The Exterior and Gothic Tower
The grotto's exterior is intriguing thanks to skylights and hidden entrances. One entrance, accessible via steps at the end of the yew walk, features a Gothic door framed by trefoil-headed windows and an octofoil window above. Arches on either side lead to the grotto's upper part and the main chamber.
At least 20 meters east of the north entrance, the Gothic tower is another intriguing element. This three-story tower, built in 1764, is made of red sandstone with limestone dressings and has Gothic pinnacles and narrow windows. A statue of Hercules on a plinth, erected in 1758, stands south-west of the tower. But the Gothic tower is not simply ornamental, it housed a steam engine which supplied water to the grotto's inner water feature.
The Goldney Gardens
Goldney Gardens are an important part of the Goldney Hall estate. The main garden runs 60 meters along the south front of Goldney Hall. A 100-metre lawn, believed to be the site of Goldney's "Fountain garden" from 1739, stretches southward from the house. The garden is bordered on the west by a large rubble wall and features a pair of Corinthian columns, relocated here in the mid-19th century. A sunken, serpentine footpath runs eastward from the main lawn to the kitchen garden.
The Kitchen Garden and Orchard
The walled kitchen garden was originally 16 acres when it was created by Thomas Goldney III. Today, it is 10 acres. An adjoining orchard consists of apple and pear trees, some fan-trained against the walls, reflecting Goldney's passion for fruit planting.
The Canal and Orangery
An axial yew walk, consisting of seven pairs of yews, runs south from the house to the entrance of the grotto. Parallel to the yew walk is a stone-lined canal, built in 1758-59 and comprising a central 19th-century fountain with tritons supporting a shell. At the northern end of the canal is an orangery, a popular wedding venue. The canal itself is filled with water lilies. This particularly picturesque spot was once the film set for Dr. Watson’s marriage in the Sherlock Holmes TV series.
The Grand Terrace and Views
The Grand Terrace, completed by 1755, is an impressive structure built over the grotto. It stretches around 120 meters and ends with a rotunda that in Goldney’s time would have offered scenic views to the south. However, these views are now obscured by mature trees. Despite this, the terrace remains an impressive element of the garden.
Restoration of Goldney Grotto by UOB
Over the centuries, the Goldney Grotto has faced challenges related to weathering and neglect. However, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the University of Bristol and local conservationists, the grotto has been carefully restored. These efforts involved cleaning and repairing the shell and mineral mosaics, as well as stabilization of the structure to prevent further deterioration. The goal was to maintain the grotto's original character and charm while ensuring its long-term preservation as a historical and cultural landmark in the city.
Visiting Goldney Grotto in Bristol
Things to See
Goldney Grotto is situated within the 10-acre Goldney Gardens, which feature an array of highlights. Visitors can download the Goldney Garden map for a self-guided walking tour. Using this guide they can explore the grand Goldney Hall mansion, built in 1724 and now a student residence, take a stroll through the orchard and picnic in the orangery.
There’s also an octagonal belvedere, a Gothic water tower, canal, rotunda and bastion, Corinthian columns, and the mysterious statue of Hercules, which dates back to at least 1748. But of course, the centerpiece of the garden is the Goldney Grotto, which is open for tours April through September. For events at Goldney Garden keep an eye on the University of Bristol’s 'What's On' page.
Goldney Garden is alive with wildlife habitats supporting herons, kingfishers, ducks, newts, badgers, foxes, woodpeckers, and squirrels. The canal and woodland areas are particularly rich in plant life, with blooming bulbs in spring, water lilies in summer, and ripening fruit in autumn. Volunteers can opt to help maintain the garden, which would involve bulb planting and building homes for the wildlife.
Visiting Guidelines
As a private garden, visitors are expected to respect the space by taking all litter home, keeping their dogs on leads, and supervising their children. Activities such as barbecues, fires, camping, skateboarding, and trick cycling are prohibited.
When visiting the gardens and grotto it is important to note that the landscape consists of both grass and narrow gravel pathways, steep inclines, and steps. Originally illuminated solely by candlelight, modern tours now use portable lamps to reveal the cave-like features to visitors, however caution is advised inside the grotto as some passageways are still dimly lit.
Hiring Goldney Grotto
Goldney Garden is available for hire for private events. It is also possible to open the grotto for one hour, accommodating up to 10 guests at a time. This feature is only available from April to October, in dry conditions. A member of staff will be present to provide information and details about the grotto’s features and history.
Visiting Bristol with CityDays
If you’re interested in exploring hidden gems like Goldney Grotto then we think you will enjoy one of our CityDays Treasure Hunt in Bristol and in particular—since you’ve expressed love for whimsical art—our Painted City Hunt.
Our urban adventures bring the secrets of Bristol to life in a fun and interactive way, so you can uncover the beauty of the city whilst exploring its often overlooked places of interest such as Banksy’s mural-lined streets and flourishing Victorian gardens.
Along the way, you and your teammates will receive clues on your phones that, once deciphered, will guide you to interesting and scenic parts of the city, including lots of rest stops at cafes, bars, and pubs so you can refresh and make the most of your day!
The Painted City Hunt is an ideal trail for locals, visitors and anyone looking to make the most of this unique and fascinating area. We think you’ll love it but for more information on this tour, and our other Bristol adventures click here: Bristol Treasure & Scavenger Hunts | CityDays.
