The Rope Bridge at Abbotsbury Gardens

Looking to bring a sense of adventure and exploration to your visit to Dorset?

Step onto one of the longest rope bridges in the UK – a 36-metre span across the largest pond at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens.

Opened by renowned plantsman Roy Lancaster to mark the Gardens’ 250th anniversary, the bridge celebrates Abbotsbury’s spirit of discovery and invites visitors to see the Gardens from a bold new perspective. 

Inspired by the original Burma rope bridges, first developed during World War II in Myanmar to help troops cross remote valleys and rivers using simple, portable materials, our new bridge traverses a vibrant aquatic habitat, home to rare and exotic plants alongside native wildlife. The surrounding environment is lush and atmospheric – warm, humid and alive with colour.

Book your visit - come and explore our new rope bridge

What to look out for

Candelabra primulas blooming on either side of the bridge in May and June, in vivid shades of purple, yellow and orange

Giant rhubarb and tree ferns thriving in the damp, tropical-like conditions

A grove of dawn redwoods, whose water-side setting closely matches their native habitat in Hubei Province, China

Planning a family day out or taking in the stunning views solo, the rope bridge delivers a garden experience like no other, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about features at Abbotsbury – and it’s not to be missed!

Book your garden tickets today