The United Kingdom has some of the best Botanical Gardens in the world. From Kew to Wales, these gardens are filled with the rarest and most exotic plants from all over the world. A day out here, in these botanical gardens in the UK, just strolling in the green grass, surrounded by beautiful trees and plants, can be the most healing vacation ever.
Here, we have a guide for you on the top 12 Botanical Gardens in the UK. We have covered gardens from England to Scotland and Wales. Anyone can enjoy the ultimate botanical experience here.
12 Famous Botanical Gardens In the UK
1. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh, or RBGE, is one of the finest centres of study of plants, along with being a significant tourist attraction. It is situated in Edinburgh, Scotland, and is stretched over 70 acres of landscape.
It was founded in the 17th century for the study of medicinal plants. And, now, it has extended to four different sites- Edinburgh, Benmore, Dawyck, and LoganBotanic Garden.
The place houses some of the rarest wild-origin Chinese plants and over 5,000 alpine plants. Apart from this, it has one of the most renowned collections of rhododendrons from the Himalayas.
Other features are the Rock Gardens, which have a superb stream view. Along with the Woodland Garden, we also have the most significant Palm House in Britain.
Explore these beautiful surroundings divided into various areas, each dedicated to displaying multiple plants. Furthermore, the place is just a mile from the centre of Edinburgh and is perfect for a day out of the city rush.
2. Kew Gardens
The Kew Gardens is located in southwest London and has been developed over centuries by various visionaries. Moreover, it is marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has to offer more than 90 attractions.
It was once a part of the royal residence known as Kew Palace, built in 1840. Now, it is home to a remarkable collection of over 50,000 species of plants from all over the world.
It boasts stunning glasshouses with a vibrant history, which includes the rarest tropical plants you will see in the world. Also, you won’t want to miss the Princess Of Wales Conservatory, a significant tourist attraction that offers plants from ten different climate zones.
The Kew Gardens is very close to Central London. Just a quick tube ride, you will find yourself amidst some of the world’s rarest and threatened plants.
3. The Eden Project Botanical Garden In The UK
One of the most popular botanical gardens in the UK, the Eden Project, situated in Cornwall, looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. It has been considered one of the best things to see in Cornwall.
It was founded in 2001 and is now a significant tourist attraction in Britain. Inside its biomes, it offers the world’s biggest indoor rainforest, more than a thousand different plant species worldwide and even a western Australian garden.
Furthermore, there are also outdoor gardens displaying beautiful trees and vegetables and also some significant art installations. The place also has exhibits based on 20 individual plant species.
The place is perfect for a day out with kids, and it’s more than just a basic botanic garden. It also offers fun activities for kids. These activities include festivals, zip wire, aerial assault, and nature-themed gardens. The park is ideal for a jam-packed day out with children.
4. Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Glasgow Botanic Gardens is also a significant tourist attraction in Scotland. It is free of charge and open to everyone.
One of its most prominent features is the Kibble Palace, created by John Kibble in the 1800s. It is a giant glass dome filled with a rare collection of orchids, carnivorous plants and plenty more.
Apart from this, it also has a greenhouse, a rose garden and a cute little children’s garden. The iron glass house here is considered of international importance.
Apart from this, the gardens provide spectacular views of the River Kelvin. It runs along the edges, providing great picnic spots. The place is ideal for families with kids. The Glasgow Botanic Garden is an absolute Scottish gem.
5. Westonbirt Arboretum
The Westonbirt National Arboretum is the magical tree garden near Tetbury that houses over 2500 species from all over the world. It is situated in Gloucestershire and is a famous botanical garden in the UK.
The Holford Family created this place in Victorian times, and the Forestry Commission now manages it. Currently, it is an essential centre of conservation and research in Britain.
The place has different colours in different seasons, from early spring to late winter, and one can spend a whole day just admiring the beauty of nature in the garden.
The garden is breathtaking, especially in the autumn months. The signature red and orange tree leaves are the most popular attraction. It also boasts a collection of over 16,000 plants of more than 3,000 varieties of species.
6. Birmingham Botanical Gardens
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is situated in Edgbaston, Birmingham, England, and is stretched over 15 acres. It was founded in 1829 by an innovative and successful garden planner, J.C. Loudon.
The botanical garden has some of the most extensive glasshouses in the UK, displaying an admirable collection of everything from tropical rainforest to arid desert plants.
Some of the major tourist spots in the place include the Japanese Garden, which displays its national bonsai collection, and an Arid House featuring desert-dwelling plants.
We also have a large lawn in front of the glasshouses, which feels like a beautiful Victorian park. It has something to offer for everyone. The place also has cute little children’s trails with a brand-new treetop playground. It also provides various activities for families.
7. National Botanic Gardens of Wales
Founded in 1789, it is in Llanarthney, on the Bank of River Tywi. Stretched across 569 acres of countryside in southwest Wales, it is undoubtedly a significant visitor attraction and an important research centre.
However, the main attraction here is the Great Glasshouse, which is the world’s largest single-span Glasshouse. It displays the most marvelous collection of Mediterranean climate zone plants in the northern hemisphere.
Besides, the place also has the most amazing double-walled garden and a Butterfly House, which showcases the substantial blue Amazonian morphos. You can also see the Wallace Garden, made in honour of the famous Welsh botanist Alfred Russel Wallace.
Moreover, the institution works towards protecting endangered plant species and also educating the people about them. The place also provides 500 acres of fantastic countryside to observe and learn from.
8. Sheffield Botanical Gardens
With the recent wholly done restoration, the gardenesque-style botanic garden is open to everyone. It was founded in 1836 by a leading Victorian horticulturist, Robert Marnock. At this time, these gardens are stretched over 19 acres of land with plenty of green shade and fresh air.
It is mainly known for its Grade II listed curvilinear glass pavilions and the rare collection of Weigela, Diervilla, and Sarcococca. There are also displays of various plants from different temperature regions.
Moreover, it was awarded the Award For Garden Merit, which is given to plants of the highest quality by the RHs. The tourist spots include the Mediterranean Climate Garden, a Prairie Garden, a Water Garden, and more.
Along with it, the place also has a well-preserved fossil of Lepidodendron, which is a primitive vascular plant which you might want to check out. It also has a grade II listed Bear Pit, making it an excellent place for children to hang out.
9. Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Set in one of the most popular educational institutions, the Cambridge University Botanical Garden is stretched over 40 acres of landscapes, displaying the largest collection, which is more than 8,000 different species of plants.
Along with being a significant centre of research, the place is open to visitors as well and is a very well-known attraction. It has plants and flowers of all seasons to make your visit more pleasant.
The place has a Rock Garden, displaying the rarest alpine plants from the mountains, and a Lake and Water Garden, which shows the various birds and their livelihood.
In addition to this, you can also see the tropical rainforest, especially the alpine houses and the glasshouse. And you don’t miss the historic beds displaying more than 1,600 flower plants from over 80 families.
The place is fantastic for children and provides various activities, like the Bee Garden, a Maze and a school garden, especially for children.
10. Oxford Botanic Garden
The Botanic Garden at the University of Oxford is the oldest botanic garden in the United Kingdom. Even though the place is just 4.5 acres, it has plenty to offer, featuring over 5,000 different plant species ranges.
Founded for medical research, these gardens are now popular among tourists. Affiliated with one of the most prestigious universities in the world, the place gives you an enjoyable experience in these gardens.
The main attractions are the seven glasshouses, the walled garden, the water area, and the herbarium room. It also offers the Harcourt Arboretum for those looking to learn, especially about the world’s rarest and most exotic plants.
The university also holds many events to spread knowledge about sustainability, conservation, and preservation. It’s great for children, too, and has activities throughout the year, ranging from Teddy Bear picnics to arts and crafts.
Also, many events are held here. They are very passionate about spreading knowledge about sustainability and conservation.
11. Ness Botanic Gardens
The botanic garden was created in 1898 by Arthur Kilpin Bulley. The place is one of the significant botanic gardens in the United Kingdom, and it has a great passion for educating people about the wonders of the diverse world of plants.
The place holds a collection of the most unusual species of plants. It is also exceptionally dedicated to collecting flowering plants of a diverse variety and encouraging the study of it.
The best spots include the Rock Garden, Water Garden, and the Mediterranean Banks. It also has a spectacular collection of rhododendrons, snowdrops and wildlife. The place offers activities for visitors of all ages, ranging from lectures and walks to child-friendly activities.
12. Ventnor Botanic Garden
It is a 22-acre botanical agreement situated on the Isle of Wight. The displays of a variety of plants and all the other fun activities it offers have made it a very famous tourist spot in Britain.
The Ventnor Botanic Garden is called ‘Britain’s hottest garden‘ because the island has its microclimate parts, making the place warmer than the other parts of the country. So, you can find many exotic plants here that are impossible to store anywhere else.
The park offers a visitor centre full of activities throughout the year. It is constantly looking for opportunities to expand its educational ventures and also provides room for lessons.
Ending Note
That was our take on some of the most beautiful Botanical Gardens in the United Kingdom. It’s a fact that spending time in nature does wonders for our physical and mental health. The pandemic limited our time outdoors, adding to our list of worries.
A stroll with your loved ones in these botanic gardens, surrounded by these beautiful displays of plants, flowers, trees, and manicured lawns, away from the city rush, sounds like the perfect vacation ever.
So don’t miss out on these hidden gems. Surround yourself with the beauty of nature and learn to appreciate it.
Last Updated on November 7, 2023 by Mansi
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