The Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh

What to do at the Botanics | Eating | Directions | Opening times |

Admission

What to do at the Botanics?

A must-see destination even if you are only visiting Edinburgh for a few days, the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, or "The Botanics" as it is called here, dates back over 300 years and is breathtaking any time of the year.

Visitors can walk around 70 acres (28 ha) of beautiful landscape including a waterfall, ponds and 10 magnificient glasshouses that have different climatic zones, from steamy tropics to arid desert and are home to over 3,000 exotic plants from around the world.

A pleasure for all the family, the Botanics offers a spectacular view of the capital's skyline, featuring Edinburgh Castle, and is located just a mile from the city centre.

The Botanics runs events throughout the year including family activities, guided walks and exhibitions. For a full programme visit www.rgbe.org.uk

Eating

The Terrace Café is a self-service for light refreshments (fantastic views of the city's skyline) and has baby change facilities (we know!).

The Gateway restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. To book a table, email: info@gatewayrestaurant.net 

Directions & Access (map)

Easily accessible from the city centre, just one mile north of princess Street. The John Hope Gateway visitor centre is accessed via the West gate, Arboretum Place and is served by the Majestic Bus Tour and Worldheritage Bus Tour (Tel: (0044) (0) 131 220 0770.

The Garde's East gate is served by local buses, 8, 23 and 27 from the city centre.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Inverleith Row/Arboretum Place

Edinburgh

EH3 5LR

Telephone the Visitor Welcome team on (0044) (0)131 248 2909 or email visitorwelcome@rbge.org.uk

Opening Times

The Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh is open daily (except 25 December and 1 January).

Garden & Gateway opening hours

Admission

Entrance to the botanic garden is free (donations welcome), although a small entry charge exists for the glasshouses.