FAQ
Hello! Thank you for checking out our FAQ. We hope you can find the answers to any questions you find here...
We look forward to seeing you soon and thankyou for your continued support!
Are you open ?
Riverside Garden Centre and Cafe are open! PLease note, we are closed on Easter Sunday.
Season Opening Times
Mon-Fri 9:30-5:30
Saturday 9:30-5:30
Sunday 10:30-4:30 (we will be closed Easter Sunday)
Our cafe closes half an hour prior to the garden centre closing.
Breakfast (9:30-11:30) and Lunch (12:00-2:30)
We are a vegetarian cafe with a variety of options for gluten free and vegan - see details on our menu
We are open on bank holidays unless otherwise stated.
How do I get to you?
We are based in lovely Southville - our address Clift House Road, Southville, Bristol, BS3 1RX. Please call or email in if you would like any help!
By Car:
If you are travelling by car, the main route to us is from Coronation Road or the Brunel Way. We have our own car park (with a few disabled spaces too) which our customers can park in free. Please note, Bristol currently has serveral road closures throughout the city. You can see them on the Bristol City Council Page: www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/streets-travel/road-closures/current-roadworks-and-road-closures.
Please also be aware that Riverside is within Bristol's Clean Air Zone. Please check your vehicle and pay any charges if required.
Dont forget though - we have a local Bristol delivery service so you can pop in by public transport or by walking and still get your gardening haul home! More details further down our FAQ page.
By Public Transport:
Riverside is well-served by public transport. The m2 Metrobus route runs nearby (Cumberland Basin stop). The number 24 bus (Frayne Road stop) is a five minute walk away on North Street/Ashton Road - this 24 bus also travels through city centre. If coming from Long Ashton or further afield, catch an appropriate X route bus and alight at Bower Ashton stop which is a pleasant ten minute walk to Riverside through Greville Smyth Park or along Festival Way.
By foot:
We are easily accesable by foot along many pleasant walks!
Walk down North Street, a popular Bedminster highstreet with local shops and vibrant street art, and cross over Greville Smyth Park to Riverside.
If you are coming from city centre, you can walk all along the harbour. Currently, Gaol Ferry Bridge is closed for repairs. Either you can walk towards the Bedminster Bridge Roundabout, past Asda and join North Street via East Street. Alternatively, you can continue your harbourside walk and cross at Vauxhall Bridge. If you are coming from Hotwells diection, we are round the corner from Ashton Avenue Bridge.
Are you within the Bristol Clean Air Zone?
Many of you will be aware that for several years Bristol City Council have been working on plans to introduce a ‘Clean Air Zone’ (CAZ) to the city. After several delays, the scheme will be going live on Monday 28th November 2022. Unfortunatelty Riverside is just within the zone.
The council estimates that more than 70% of vehicles are compliant with the CAZ emissions requirements, but this still means that some customers using older vehicles may have to pay a charge when visiting us as we are within the zone. The ‘Clean Air for Bristol’ (CAB) website tells you all you need to know about the scheme including a vehicle checker which you can use to find out if your vehicle is compliant or not. If not, then you will need to pay a charge of £9 for each day that you enter the CAZ.
Find out more on the Bristol City Council Website with a map of the zone and vehicle checker.
What are the Covid-19 precautions that have been put in place?
Staff have been working hard to ensure the garden centre and café remain Covid safe. Hand sanitiser is available throughout, facilities are regularly cleaned, and staff ensure a high standard of safe practice. Contact-less payment with no card minimum is available.
Have there been any updates with the road closure campaign?
We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the Harbour Hopes engagement during the autumn and left messages of support for Riverside. This was given special mention in the engagement report (pages 10 & 11) which will be key to the next stage of planning for the area. You can read the report here. We really appreciate you taking the time to become involved, and we will keep you fully informed as the next phase of the process unfolds during the early part of next year.
Read our most recent post for more information.
Are there any vacancies at Riverside?
We currently have open vacancies! All vacancies are advertised here on our website, on posters and on our social media.
We are not currently advertising any vacancies at the moment. All vacancies are posted on our website and social media.
Can I subscribe to Riverside newsletter?
Yes! We email out our newsletter once a month with updates of what's going on at Riverside and new plants and products you may be interetsted in! Take a look at our previous blog posts and sign up to to be added to our email list.
You can also follow us on our social medias!
Instagram - @riversidegardencentre
Facebook - @riversidegardencentrebristol
Twitter - @Riverside_GCHQ
Are you accepting cash payments?
We are accepting cash in both the garden centre and café, although we would prefer contactless card payment if possible.
Am I allowed to bring my dog?
Yes, dogs are welcome inside and out but please keep them on leash and off of furniture. Dog bowls are also stationed throughout
Are you accessable for disabled customers?
We are set up for disabled access: we have disabled parking spaces right next to our entrance - there is a short, gentle slope from the entrance down into the garden centre itself. We have a dedicated disabled toilet and all of the garden centre and café is accessible (either flat or with slopes where there is a change in height). There are a few areas where the surface is gravel so possibly not the easiest for an (unassisted) wheelchair. Our staff are more than happy to help if necessary.
Can I purchase gift vouchers?
Both National Garden Gift Cards and Riverside Vouchers (£25 only) are available to purchase and use at Riverside. However, we are not able to post them to you so must be bought in person. You can purchase National Garden Gift Vouchers on the HTA website or at www.nationalgardengiftvoucher.co.uk. They are accepted in our garden centre and cafe.
Do you have a home delivery service?
Yes! We offer a flexible next day/2 week-day (subject to availabilty) home delivery service for purchases made in store. Please talk to a member of staff if you are interested.
Are the toilets open?
Our toilets are open. We have a disabled toilet and baby changing facilities available.
Is the Play Area open?
The play area is open! Please take care when slippery.
Do you taking bookings in your cafe?
We do not offer booking in our cafe but will try our best to accomodate you on your visit. If you are coming in with a larger group (8+), the cafe would appreciate team would appreciate a call to let us know.
Are you taking customer orders?
Please fill out an equiry form. We are taking some customer orders depending on the enquiry. Due to limited supply, we cannot guarantee we can fulfil orders but we will try!
Can you check if a plant I am looking for is in stock?
Please call us or fill out a customer enquiry form online and we will get back in touch as soon as we can. We continue to be very well stocked with a range of indoor and outdoor plants, soils, equipment and more. In store, our friendly and knowledgeable staff can give you advice on specific plants and the options best for your space.
Do you stock Council Garden Waste Sacks and Food Waste bags?
Council Garden Waste Sacks and Food Waste are in stock! Available by our shop tills.
Are you collecting surplus apples this year?
We have finsihed this scheme for 2022. Thank you to everyone who took part - our most popular year yet!
What is your stock of soil and compost?
We have a good range of soil types and compost available at the garden centre. We only stock Peat-Free Compost at Riverside!
Do you have baby changing facilities?
Yes, there is a baby changing station in all toilets.
