If you have ventured down to the far end of the garden lately you will have found the appearance of the Japanese bridge a little altered. Read on to find out what is afoot and contribute to our consultation, as we look to the conservation of this iconic structure…

Conserving the Japanese Bridge – A historic feature of Winterbourne

The Japanese Bridge at Winterbourne House and Garden was introduced by John Nicholson in the 1930s as part of the garden’s transformation from a private family garden into a more modern and accessible public landscape.

Designed alongside the nearby Tea House, the bridge creates a peaceful focal point within the garden, reflecting the principles of tranquillity and contemplation inspired by Japanese garden design. Together, these features have become some of Winterbourne’s most recognisable landmarks, contributing significantly to the character, history and special interest of this nationally important historic garden. The bridge’s history, craftsmanship and relationship with its surroundings make it an important heritage asset that deserves careful conservation.

The bridge was previously replaced in 2010 following deterioration caused by long-term use and exposure, which had placed demands on the structure far beyond those for which it was originally designed.

The current project therefore provides an opportunity to consider how the bridge can be conserved and designed to accommodate its continued use within the garden.

Why is the bridge closed?

The bridge is constructed from traditional timber, which has naturally deteriorated over time. Combined with its exposed garden setting, this has resulted in significant timber decay and structural failure.

To ensure the safety of our visitors, the bridge has been closed and temporary scaffolding erected while specialist investigations are undertaken. A temporary footbridge has also been installed to maintain access around the garden during these essential works.

Planning for the future

The Japanese Bridge is an integral part of Winterbourne’s historic landscape, and determining the most appropriate way to conserve and reinstate it is very important.

Working with specialist conservation architects, structural engineers and heritage consultants, we are carefully assessing the bridge’s condition and exploring the most appropriate conservation options. These may include repairing elements of the existing structure, replacing components where necessary, or considering a carefully designed replacement should this prove to be the most sustainable long-term solution.

Any future proposals will seek to respect the bridge’s heritage significance while ensuring it can continue to be safely enjoyed by future generations. As we also explore funding options, any future proposals will seek to respect the bridge’s heritage significance while ensuring it can continue to be safely enjoyed by future generations.

Have your say

The Japanese Bridge means different things to different people, and we would love to hear your thoughts.

As we develop proposals, we will be holding a series of stakeholder engagement events to gather views from visitors, the local community and other interested groups.

You can share your responses with us by completing this form. Keep an eye on our social media channels to find out more about upcoming engagement events and opportunities to share your views.

Thank you for helping us shape the future of one of Winterbourne’s most treasured features.

Alexa van Heerden

Heritage Architecture and Conservation Consultant