Best Botanical Gardens to Visit in the UK
Come rain or shine, botanical gardens make the perfect day out for the whole family. Fragrant, colourful and a vivid reminder of the wonders of the natural world, these pretty places are incredibly peaceful to walk around. Not only do they calm the mind and soul, but they provide hours of explorative fun too! On top of that, they are also surprisingly educational, allowing visitors to discover never-seen-before plant species that usually only exist in tropical environments. Since the UK is home to some of the largest and most impressive botanical gardens in the world, you don’t have to venture far for a dose of fresh, floral air! From the world-famous Kew Gardens to the glasshouses of Birmingham, there’s so many horticultural hotspots to recommend! Read on and enjoy a rundown of our favourite British botanical gardens, then get your backpack at the ready for a plant-filled day trip.
What is the UK's oldest Botanical Garden? Head over to Oxford!
It comes as no surprise that the historic city of Oxford is home to Britain's oldest botanical garden, dating all the way back to 1621. Located less than a mile from the centre, the Oxford Botanic Garden is easily accessible and provides the perfect oasis of peace. Split into three sections – the Walled Garden, the Lower Garden and the Glasshouses – there is a lot to explore among its 4.5 acres of land. The oldest of these areas is the Walled Garden, where you'll find a stunning contrast of colourful flowers against the original 17th century stonework and the ancient Danby Gate. Heading over to the Glasshouses, you'll come across over 1,200 species of plants from all around the world! Thanks to their rich biodiversity, these glasshouses will transport you to the desert and the Tropics, and everywhere in between! And if after all this exploring you need to take a little break, the Lower Garden, right next to the serene Christ Church Meadow, is your best bet for tranquillity! We suggest packing your lunch box and dining alfresco there, as it really is a picture-perfect picnic spot. As well as opening its gates to visitors, this garden stays true to the academic spirit of Oxford, being an important educational hub that is committed to the research and conservation of plants from all over the globe! So, if you find yourself on a trip to the world-renowned city of Oxford, be sure to add this garden to your list of things to do! You really won't regret it.
What is Scotland’s best horticultural hotspot? The Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh
Whether a local or a visitor, a trip to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (simply known as 'the Botanics' by locals) is not to be missed! Founded in 1670 by two young physicians studying medicinal plants, the garden moved location four times before settling in its current spot, just one mile north of the city centre. Its immense 72 acres of land is split into various different interlocking sections, with one of the most popular being the Chinese Hillside Garden, which transports visitors to the breath-taking landscapes of southwest China. An impressive 1,600 plants collected from this Chinese region now flourish in the garden. Other highlights include the Rock Garden, with its picturesque waterfall, as well as the Scottish Heath Garden that is well worth a visit! If you're bringing young children with you, we recommend entering by the West Gate, where you'll come across a small stand that sells bird food. However, don't be tricked into thinking these seeds are just for birds. The squirrels love them too, making them a fun way for kids to interact with animals up close! If you plan to set off solo to find some R&R though, Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden really is the ideal spot to unwind. Lay out your blanket under the tall, towering Redwood trees and enjoy the beautiful scents of nature, with Edinburgh's impressive skyline visible in the background. For the history-lovers among you, we suggest checking out the Queen Mother's memorial garden, inaugurated by the late Queen Elizabeth in 2006. And, if you're on the hunt for other things to do in and around Edinburgh, cast an eye at our guide to Scotland's top 5 towns and cities to visit, which features the capital itself alongside some other Scottish highlights.
What about the biggest and most famous Botanical Garden in England? London's Kew Gardens is the place to go!
If you're looking to escape the rush of city life in London, hop on the district line and make your way southwest, to the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. Perhaps the most famous botanical garden in the UK (if not the world!), Kew Gardens boasts a vast 300 acres of ground, and is home to over 16,900 plant species. From the multiple themed gardens and glasshouses to the 18-metre-high Treetop Walkway, it really is the perfect place to enjoy nature at its best, without leaving the perimeter of the capital. Not only brimming with plants, it's also full of history. The original botanical garden was founded back in 1759 by Augusta, Princess of Wales and the mother of King George III, who brought in a wide variety of plants and trees from all around the world. Deep within the garden’s grounds you’ll also find The Princess of Wales Conservatory, opened by Princess Diana in 1985 and featuring 10 different controlled climatic zones. Beautiful and majestic (as you’d expect!), you can find a wide variety of plants and flowers blooming inside this glass labyrinth! From giant lily pads and Venus flytraps, to lizards, piranhas and so much more, this botanical garden really has it all! And, as if that wasn't enough, the garden also features an interactive botanical play zone for children, making it an ideal day trip for the whole family, from kids to grandparents!
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses in Edgbaston are definitely worth a visit
Birmingham's Botanical Gardens, located in the heart of Edgbaston, are particularly famous for one thing: their spectacular glasshouses! Home to a range of glasshouses that each imitate a different climate, you're guaranteed to discover a huge variety of plants here. The warm and humid atmosphere of the Tropical House mimics the conditions of the lowland equatorial regions, where you will come across sugar cane, banana and cocoa plants, among many others! These plants, alongside the multitude of flowers, giant leaves, bright colours and distinct smells, will transport you straight to the Amazon Rainforest! If, however, you favour slightly cooler temperatures, the Mediterranean House is your go-to, with its wide variety of colourful pelargoniums and coleus, as well as its magnificent citrus trees. Legend has it that, in this special setting, some giant citrus fruits have even grown to the size of a rugby ball! But, that’s not all… Outside of its glasshouses, Birmingham Botanic Gardens also has a range of outdoor havens to explore, including the Japanese Gardens that are home to the impressive National Bonsai Collection. Spanning a modest 15 acres, Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens may be on the smaller side of the scale compared with others in Britain, but there really is a whole lot to see in this relatively confined space!
Near or far, Britain’s National Botanical Gardens have a lot to offer!
So, there you have it! If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enter a haven of peace and tranquillity, you now know the best spots! Whether you’re learning about tropical plant species in glasshouses, or simply enjoying a peaceful stroll among the blossom, botanical gardens are wonderful places to visit for the whole family. Plus, they are prime getaways on bank holidays, summer weekends and school breaks. So don’t delay – plan a visit today! And, if exploring the British botanical gardens has inspired you to create your own little oasis in your back garden, why not check out our guide to what to plant in your garden this spring?