Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden
City's Horticultural Centrepiece 'One of the World's Finest'
Sep 14, 2009
It was established in 1670 and occupies 70 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds yet is only a short distance from the bustling city centre.
Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden Has a Magnificent Temperate Palm House
The Royal Botanic Garden's piece de resistance is undoubtedly its Victorian Temperate Palm House which provides access to all the glasshouses. Visitors entering its impressive portals find themselves at the start of a fascinating horticultural tour of the world.
This takes them through 10 distinct climatic areas, both tropical and temperate. During the tour they can view examples of around one per cent of all the world's flowering plants, cycads and ferns. Audio guides provide information about the displays and come in versions for adults and children.
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is very much an attraction which can be enjoyed in all seasons. It is open all year, providing as much for winter tourists as those visiting at the height of summer.
Highlights of Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden
Three major highlights are
- The world famous Rock Garden
- The serene Chinese Hillside which celebrates the Garden's continuing links with China
- The Herbaceous Border which is a riot of colour throughout the summer with a heady mix of floral scents
The recently opened Queen Mother Memorial Garden draws on traditional Celtic imagery and features a traditional labyrinth and memorial pavilion. Its ornamental plantings include species from Asia, North America, Europe and the Southern Hemisphere. The entire garden has been designed to offer pleasure to visitors from all age groups.
The Terrace Cafe at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a popular venue for lunch where on sunny days diners can eat al fresco and enjoy magnificent views of the city's skyline.
Visitors looking for a souvenir of their time at the Garden will find a wide range of choose from at the Botanics Shop which is located at the East Gate. Stock includes books and plants as well as gift items.
Inverleith House Located in Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden
The Garden is also the location for Inverleith House, a world renowned art gallery with an award winning exhibitions programme combining visual arts with botanical science.
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is open every day of the year apart from December 25 and January 1. The East Gate in Inverleith Row is served by regular bus services 8, 17, 23 and 27. Edinburgh's Majestic Tour Bus also visits the Garden. An alternative entrance, North Gate, is located on Inverleith Place.
The Garden opens at 10.00am every day closing at 4.00pm from November to February, 6.00pm in March and October and 7.00pm between April and September. The Glasshouses close at 3.30pm from November to February and 5.00pm from March to October.
Admission to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is free but there is a charge to enter the glasshouses. The adult price is £3.50, concessions cost £3.00 and the cost for a child is £1.
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is responsible for three other remarkable gardens - Logan on the Mull of Galloway, Benmore in Argyll and Dawyck in the Scottish Borders.
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