The University of Bristol Botanic Garden is holding open days so people can spend a cold winter's day among the tropical plants.

Visitors on three open days can see inside the glasshouses and explore an exotic world of tropical and medicinal plants.

The garden recreates conditions of the Amazon rainforest and the Highveld of South Africa.

The garden, in The Holmes, Stoke Park Road, Stoke Bishop, is hosting the open Sundays in February and March.

"This is a great opportunity to see and learn about some extraordinarily rare and unique plants that grow worldwide," said botanic garden curator Nick Wray.

"We look forward to welcoming everyone to our special Sunday openings."

The open days take place on Sunday, February 8, 11am to 3.30pm; Sunday, March 1, 10.30am to 3.30pm and Sunday, March 29, 10.30am to 4pm.

There are tours of the University of Bristol Botanic Garden at 11am, which are free to the Friends of the Botanic Garden. For more information call 331 4912.