Couples looking for a budget-friendly outdoor date activity this summer may want to consider a trip to RHS Garden Bridgewater. Located in Worsley, Salford, it is the newest RHS garden, having opened in 2021.
The garden and the deal
The 154-acre site was developed at the grounds of the former Worsley New Hall and was one of the largest horticultural projects undertaken in Europe in recent years. It features formal gardens including the Weston Walled Garden, one of the largest in the UK, plus woodland and a lake.
At Virgin Experience Days, a visit for two has been reduced from £41 to £32.80. Through TopCashback's latest offer, new members receive a free £15 sign-up bonus and 22% cashback until July 13, bringing the voucher to £17.25. That makes each ticket just £8.62. Existing TopCashback members will not get the £15 rebate but still receive cashback, bringing the voucher to £32.25. Cashback can take up to seven days to land.
What the garden offers
Since opening, RHS Garden Bridgewater has welcomed close to 2.5m visitors. Hailed as a 'true community asset for Salford', it has added a Chinese Streamside Garden, Victoria Meadow, and over 500,000 new plants. It hosts family-friendly nature trails, pop-up events, and light shows like Glow at Christmas. The space features seven ponds and 50 wildflower species, and is home to 53 recorded bird species, eight of serious conservation concern, and nine species of bats.
Other highlights include a Bee and Butterfly Garden within one of the largest Victorian walled gardens in the UK, the 70-acre Middle Wood, and Ellesmere Lake. Designed by architect Tom Stuart-Smith, the garden was described as one of the largest gardening projects in Europe at its construction. In 2022, it won Best Contemporary Garden in a Heritage Setting at the European Heritage Garden Network awards. It was also named one of the best botanical gardens in the UK.
Food and drink
RHS Garden Bridgewater has several dining options: the Bridgewater Café serving fresh seasonal food, the Stables Café with cakes, hot and cold drinks and ice cream, the Woody food truck in Woodland Play, and the Garden Cottage Shepherds Hut offering hot and cold beverages and light snacks.
Visitor reviews
On TripAdvisor, it boasts more than 230 five-star reviews. One said: "Easy to find, plenty of parking. Lovely building, with outside seating area, and the gardens are lovely." A second wrote: "Outstanding visit. The gardens are just beautiful and so varied. So much to take in, you need to go round twice. We chatted to the volunteers, who gave us lots of tips and explained the work they do with the various charities that visit. The various walks are also really worthwhile and so relaxing, it’s a very peaceful place."
Another review: "Great way to spend part or full day for any gardener. Special deals for people with carers and motorised scooters available pre booked and also wheelchairs. Staff are so helpful. The atmosphere is a joy and the place as a gardens center is evolving. Yes there are crowds but not overpowering."
One three-star review mentioned: "We had heard and seen a lot about Bridgewater but we were not over impressed. I know the gardens have only been open for five years but it suffered in comparison to RHS Harlow Carr which we also visited recently. As others have mentioned the cafe is very poor. If you go half way through your visit you have to through a one way system and then back through the main entrance which relies on the staff there recognising you or you have to pay twice to get in." Another three-star review stated: "We are RHS members and have visited all of the gardens. Usually there is something to see whatever time of year but when we visited here in April, apart from a nice display of daffodils in a field there wasn't much. We had coffee and cake in a pleasant cafe. Hopefully it will bed down and have more to offer in years to come."
Nevertheless, a five-star review added: "Third visit and it keeps getting better, easy free parking. Beautiful shops with some quirky item. Expensive plants but good quality, obviously incredibly hot bank holiday but managed to have picnic under shade of trees near kids play area. Relaxing atmosphere everywhere except cafe which we avoid. Good disabled facilities, everywhere on level." Another read: "Beautiful gardens with lots to do for children. Peaceful woodlands and Chinese stream garden. Would definitely visit again."
How to claim the deal
Sign up as a new member at TopCashback for free, search for 'Virgin Experience Days' on the site, click through and buy the item normally. Get £15 cashback when you spend £15 or more. The cashback will track to the TopCashback 'Earnings page' within seven days of your purchase.
