Please be advised that Edinburgh city centre is becoming a low emissions zone (LEZ). All vehicles entering the city centre zone area must now meet the less-polluting emission standards or face a penalty charge. To check if your car meets LEZ emissions standards, please visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/lez
Royal Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens Edinburgh is a beautiful year-round attraction that is just as popular with residents as it is with tourists. Here you can explore the magnificent world of exotic and exciting plant life, from the bold and beautiful to the weird and wonderful. With over seventy acres of natural beauty, it is a world-renowned centre for plant physics and plant enthusiasts alike.
Beautiful Botanic Gardens Edinburgh
The Royal Botanic Gardens is famous for its Rock Garden, which hosts a vast amount of alpine plants. It is also home to a number of exciting collections, such as the Chinese hillside, which encompasses the largest collection of Chinese plants, the Scottish heath collection, for all the Highland highlights and much much more. Regular day tours take place in the gardens, so you can find out the names of all your new favourite plants. Find your Zen at the Botanic Gardens; it is a fantastic way to spend the day in Scotland’s capital city.
‘The Highlight of Edinburgh. The Botanic Gardens was my favourite part of visiting Edinburgh. If you can devote an entire day or two to explore, do it! All of the gardens were incredible. No entrance fee except for the greenhouse, which was worth every penny.’
– Edinburgh Royal Botanic Gardens Tripadvisor Review
A Work Of Art
Set within the grounds is Inverleith House, formerly home of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (from 1960 to 1984). Here, regular art exhibitions reflect and enhance the theme of natural beauty. Artists of all kinds are regularly invited to display their masterpieces on two floors of this astounding mansion.
Before you leave you have to visit the John Hope Gateway centre. It has top class facilities from education rooms to plant sales, and of course the Gateway Restaurant too. Here you can enjoy a variety of tasty meals to round off the perfect relaxing day. For something a little lighter or with a bit more kick, there is a café and a coffee bar in the grounds as well.
During the festive period, the gardens are lit up in the evenings for Christmas at the Botanics. A magnificent festive trail of light! Book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
With stunning sites, botanist history and international plants, the incredible Botanic Gardens Edinburgh has something for everyone. The gardens are free to enter, although some events and exhibitions charge an entrance fee.
