The fresh air smells of flowers. The trees rustle in a soft wind. The murmur of a small waterfall mingles with the calls of birds.
Established in 1670, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh combines a typical English garden with plants from all over the world on 70 acres. Walking through the well-tended grounds gives you a good impression of how the flora looks like in foreign countries.
Depending on the season, you might marvel at blossoming rhododendrons, blue campanulas or various fruits. Specifically, worth visiting is the Chinese Hillside with the biggest plant cultivation outside of China. Despite the fee, the 28 glasshouses contains plants from very different environments.
Moreover, the fact that the botanic garden is suitable for wheelchair users but not allowed for dogs, except registered assistance dogs. This makes the garden stand out.
Maybe you would like to go there on a cloudy, but not rainy afternoon, as it’s less busy? In case you prefer to be guided around the botanic garden, Garden Walks are offered daily at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, which cost £6.00 and don’t need to be booked in advance.
All in all, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, not far from the city centre, is a must for everyone who visits Edinburgh.
Stefanie Kraus
Address: Inverleith Row/ Arboretum Place, EH3 5LR
Website: www.rbge.org.uk
Contact Details: +44 1721 760 254
Opening Hours: March⏤Sept: 10:00am⏤6:00pm, Feb & Oct: 10:00am⏤5:00pm,
Nov⏤Jan: 10:00am⏤4:00pm, Closed 25 December and 1st January
Price Range: Outdoor facilities: Free, Glasshouses: £6.50, Children 15 and under: Free
Edinburgh City Guide 