Salford residents can continue to enjoy free entry to RHS Garden Bridgewater every Tuesday, as the RHS celebrates its upcoming fourth anniversary by extending the scheme until May 2026.
Since its grand opening in May 2021, RHS Bridgewater has welcomed over 118,000 Salford residents to explore the beautiful 154-acre garden as part of the free entry scheme.
Every visit to RHS Garden Bridgewater supports vital community programmes, which aim to broaden access to the positive benefits of gardening and spending time outdoors. In 2024, nearly 12,000 local schoolchildren also benefited from the garden’s free education workshops and resources. As the UK’s largest gardening charity, the RHS is committed to sharing the joy of gardening with as many people as possible. People who receive a range of income support benefits, including Universal and Pension Credit, can visit all RHS Gardens for just £1 per visit all year round.
Liz Thwaite, Head of RHS Bridgewater, says: “RHS Bridgewater is proud to provide local organisations with space to grow, particularly in our Community Grow and Community Wellbeing Gardens, and through the extensive outreach work of our team across the region. There are many exciting new garden developments to look forward to, including the new Elemental Borders, the Green Skills Garden, and the Chinese Streamside Scholar’s Garden, where work will begin this year, ready for a grand opening in late 2026.
“I am delighted that so many of Salford’s residents have taken advantage of our free entry days since we opened. The enthusiastic reception from our local community has been truly uplifting, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming even more residents to enjoy free visits on Tuesdays in the year ahead.”
Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor, expressed his enthusiasm for the extension, saying:
“RHS Garden Bridgewater has become a cherished asset for our residents, families and communities, and I’m thrilled that the Free Tuesday initiative will continue for another year.
This extension reaffirms our commitment to providing access to green spaces for all Salford residents, while also being a national treasure for horticulturalists, botanists and garden lovers across the UK, as Royal Horticultural Society’s fifth garden. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to explore and enjoy the beauty of the garden, which also is accessible via the Salford Greenway on foot or by bike, and from April to August on the Bee Network 33 bus service extension, from Manchester City Centre and Eccles Interchange right to the garden entrance.
Beyond being a place of beauty, reflection, contemplation and relaxation, RHS Garden Bridgewater has played a key role in supporting wellbeing, education, and biodiversity in Salford.
The garden offers vital green space for families, schools, and community groups, inspiring a love for nature, horticulture and gardening. It also contributes to tackling climate change by enhancing local biodiversity and providing a natural sanctuary for wildlife.
Keeping it open and accessible to our residents, especially those residents & families that may be struggling to make-ends-meet is a real priority for myself, the Mayoral Team and City Council, and I’m delighted we can continue this fantastic initiative for another year.”
Tickets
Entry to RHS Bridgewater usually costs from £12.50 for adults and £5 for children (age 5-16). RHS members and their guests, and children under 5 can enter for free.
Until 18 May 2026, entrance is free for Salford residents every Tuesday. Pre-booking is required and proof of address for each resident must be shown on arrival.
Address
Occupation Road, Off Leigh Road, Worsley, Salford, M28 2LJ. Tel: 0161 503 6100. rhs.org.uk/bridgewater
Garden opening hours
Until 25 October: Monday – Sunday: 10am – 6pm (last entry 5pm)
About the RHS
We’re the UK’s gardening charity, helping people and plants to grow.
Our mission is to be there on people’s lifelong journey with gardening – to bring happiness, health, stronger communities and a thriving natural world.
With 220 years of experience, we support gardeners of all ages with expert advice, community and school’s projects, scientific research, professional qualifications, our five RHS Gardens, and events including the iconic RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
For more information, visit www.rhs.org.uk
RHS Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262
