Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
4.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
The Botanics offers visitors peace and tranquility amongst its stunning 72 acres in Edinburgh city centre. Founded in 1670, the Garden is acknowledged to be one of the finest in the world.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Stockbridge & Dean Village
Just downhill of New Town and attractively straddling a river near the elegant Royal Botanic Garden, it’s small wonder that Stockbridge became one of the city’s first hip neighbourhoods. It’s now one of Edinburgh’s most desirable, though many bohemian touches have fallen away as its residents have matured and the area has gentrified. Some second-hand shops cling on, but mostly residents display refined tastes in basement bistros, gastropubs, coffee and antique shops, boutiques and delis and at the Sunday farmers' market. A pleasant ten-minute walk away, along a leafy riverside path beside the gurgling Water of Leith, lies Dean Village. This sleepy neighborhood of medieval half-timbered houses still retains much of the village feel it had when watermills plied their trade here. Beyond, the wooded riverside path feels even more remote as it climbs to the sculpture gardens of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.
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See what travellers are saying
- Sam_on_tour_88818 contributionsFantastic and free!Beautiful peaceful gardens for a relaxing stroll, plenty of people there but it didn't feel like anyone was in your space. Loved watching all the busy squirrels which are obviously used to people, wished I'd taken some nuts! Really great that they're free to enter so everyone can enjoy them.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 October 2023
- Abi FWokingham, United Kingdom37 contributionsChristmas at the BotanicsWe visited to experience the light show at Christmas "Christmas at the Botanics". Lots of lovely displays, however there were often walks between each one. More of a light trail than a full light display experience, and definitely more like an hour at most rather than the 90 minutes advertised. Helpful staff, and food and hot drinks were available to purchase. We enjoyed our visit.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 27 November 2023
- The Owl ReviewsEdinburgh, United Kingdom198 contributionsYearly tradition ❤️Me and my partner have been going for the past 4 years and always love this time of year. It marks the start of the Christmas season and gets us festive 😁. It was more of a lovely white light trail this year instead of loads of different colours but none the less, stunning and a lovely romantic time. So many excited kids, seems really nice for families also.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 December 2023
- Malcolm and SStroud, United Kingdom1,115 contributionsDon't miss it!An easy walk, downhill from Princes Street, takes you to either gate of the park, or take the bus from town. The Gardens are superbly maintained and although the glasshouses are closed this winter, there is still much to see and admire in the well labelled landscapes. The restaurant has one of the best menus for this type of facility, and the soups on offer were delicious, and the counter displays enticing. We expected an entrance fee, and were surprised by free entry: membership of Westonbirt Arboretum even gave us a discounted lunch: the offer includes the shop!Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 December 2023
- Jackie AGlasgow, United Kingdom21 contributionsLovely eveningLoved our visit to Christmas at the Botanics. Everything well organised and not too crowded. The lights and displays are stunning and the music choices fit really well with the displays. We took our time, stopping for lots of photos and to toast some marshmallows, was a really enjoyable evening. Got some cute Christmas ornaments from the gift shop afterwards too.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 29 December 2023
- Mike the DiverEdinburgh, United Kingdom202 contributionsLovely Afternoon OutBeen here a few times with my now 8 year old but not for a few years but took him again last weekend. Wonderful gardens and woods with beautiful displays, the little rivers and rockeries with steps up them are lovely. Lots to see and the cafe next to the big county house has the best cakes ever!Thank you very much for leaving such a kind review! We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your visit around the Garden, and also that you enjoyed your stop at the Terrace Cafe. We love the cakes too!Written 5 April 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 21 February 2024
- Mr_-_-_-_DENOHertfordshire, United Kingdom69 contributionsWell worth a visitA peaceful oasis only a short walk from the hustle and bustle of the city. Well worth a visit if you're in the area. If you can go via inverleith park you can take in the view from above the pond. Lovely place to sit and have a coffee and some shortbread (Mimi's only a few minutes up the road is a great place to top up on supplies) There's an impressive collection of plants even for those like me who aren't horticulturists. It's set out really well and, it's free.Thank you very much for your kind review! We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed visiting our Living Collection.Written 5 April 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 March 2024
- HaarudOslo, Norway633 contributionsVariety and variationMarch is a month of early spring, almost Easter, and few plants had come out and/or were blooming. However, some of the rhododendrons were really showing off. Nice. The glasshouse will be visited after a needed renovation, so we’ll be back after that, in 4 years or so. And the slightly later in the year. To see the continual changes. Maybe there will be some QR-codes by some of the plants in addition to the names.We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your visit and thank you for sharing your thoughts on our plant interpretation. There are plans to incorporate QR codes into future interpretation displays. Hope to see you back again later in the season!Written 5 April 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 March 2024
- Longun13London, United Kingdom717 contributionsBeautiful gardensI just love places like this in a city. Away from all the busy parts of the city and it’s completely free. Stunning gardens , clearly well maintained by the staff who were all really friendly. We left a good donation when we left, the right thing to do.We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your visit and thank you very much for donating. Your donation will help support the vital research and conservation work of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Hope to see you again in the future!Written 5 April 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten 2 April 2024
- Hugh MEdinburgh, United Kingdom50 contributionsOrder coffee and die waiting.The gardens are well worth visiting on most months of the year. I’d have rated it 5 out of 5 had it not been for the queue to order coffee and then the wait for your buzzer to tell you it’s ready. Incredibly poorly organised. Head’s should roll!Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 April 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
7,875 reviews
Excellent
5,675
Very good
1,775
Average
313
Poor
65
Terrible
49
Adam D
Hartlepool, UK33 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
The 3* review is reflective of the glass house as the covid restrictions are a little extreme. There is 5mins between groups entering, as such we didn't see another group during our visit but waited 30 mins to get in.
Four out of 10 of the glass houses are shut and the houses that are open are partially shut inside. We were informed that the 4/10 glass houses were shut after paying.
They still charge £5 per person for entry and we were in and out in about 10-15 mins max.
The rest of the gardens are lovely and I happily gave a donation for the chance to walk round.
Four out of 10 of the glass houses are shut and the houses that are open are partially shut inside. We were informed that the 4/10 glass houses were shut after paying.
They still charge £5 per person for entry and we were in and out in about 10-15 mins max.
The rest of the gardens are lovely and I happily gave a donation for the chance to walk round.
Written 27 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carly T
Yorkshire, UK49 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Stunning gardens, lots of trees, giant sequoias, gorgeous flowers, lovely pond with tiny fish.
Glass houses are being restored and increased so currently closed but the looked amazing even from outside.
Would recommend taking a picnic, food available is currently limited. Lots of benches everywhere to sit and eat or on the grass.
FREE to enter! But book in advance (don’t be one of the people who walks a long way there without checking the details and then leaves a one star review because you can’t get in, that’s your fault for not checking 😑)
Parking on the streets outside, we paid £7.70 for 4 hours.
A really peaceful lovely afternoon 🌻
Glass houses are being restored and increased so currently closed but the looked amazing even from outside.
Would recommend taking a picnic, food available is currently limited. Lots of benches everywhere to sit and eat or on the grass.
FREE to enter! But book in advance (don’t be one of the people who walks a long way there without checking the details and then leaves a one star review because you can’t get in, that’s your fault for not checking 😑)
Parking on the streets outside, we paid £7.70 for 4 hours.
A really peaceful lovely afternoon 🌻
Written 7 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sunnydays
Glasgow, UK72 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
I came here with my daughter in law and grandchild. We had a really lovely few hours walking around the beautiful gardens and then stopped for a coffee in a pleasant cafe where we were attended to by lovely staff.
On leaving the cafe at 2.50pm we were literally frog marched out of the gardens as we were told rather abruptly that you were closed and we must leave by the opposite gate to where we came in. I complained and said my car was parked in Rodney Street but I was still told we must leave due to the light show about to start.
We had to walk quite a distance with a screaming baby and I for one was not happy at the treatment we received by this heavy handed female.
We were considering booking for the light show but not sure we would return here which is sad.
On leaving the cafe at 2.50pm we were literally frog marched out of the gardens as we were told rather abruptly that you were closed and we must leave by the opposite gate to where we came in. I complained and said my car was parked in Rodney Street but I was still told we must leave due to the light show about to start.
We had to walk quite a distance with a screaming baby and I for one was not happy at the treatment we received by this heavy handed female.
We were considering booking for the light show but not sure we would return here which is sad.
Written 10 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bsandrs
Portsmouth, UK22,650 contributions
Aug 2020
Whilst we had visited the City regularly for the Festival over a number of years, for some strange reason we had never made it to the Botanic Gardens, so with the venue being one of the sites re-opening under lockdown regulations, we were very pleased to obtain tickets on line. A revelation for us, on a dry but misty day the green shades really came to the for and we spent a delightful couple of hours strolling the route and checking out many of the famous feature such as the high hedge, the huge borders and the pond. Now we have discovered the Gardens we will be back soon.
Written 11 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HectorsHouse99
1 contribution
Mar 2020
I walked to the john hope gateway from the east gate, and entered at what was a seemingly obvious entrance and then noticed inside, as I had walked through the doors that there was a sign saying 'garden closed' which you would only see if you were walking out the building. I am a student who has chosen to audit the John Hope Gateway from a selection of uni options and stepped back out of the door to take a photo of the cladding with no intention of going into the garden. however a certain female, young, curly dark brown haired, European staff member notified me that the garden was closed, I understood this despite the confusion of the sign as it was not on the outside of the building. When inside I explained to the staff member that i was doing a university project on the building and wanted to know if there was a way to take a photograph of the rear side of the building. Once again my request was seemingly ignored for her to only say, extremely patronisingly and in a tone inferring I was stupid "the garden is closed" In a tone similarly to that which you see English people speaking to foreign people in parody, slowly and loudly. I felt this was extremely unhelpful and offensive, I also suspect she was speaking to me in this manor as I was younger than the average visitor (20), and do not expect that she would've treated a more elderly customer in this way. I felt uncomfortable to finish my audit and hence left lacking in information for my 3rd year university project, with little intention of returning despite the gorgeous gardens and architecture. I would have merely appreciated a 'I'm sorry madame there is no way you can take a photo today, please try another day or look online' or something along these helpful and polite lines.
Written 12 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lornahb
Doncaster, UK13 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Loved our visit. The garden is extremely well looked after with a huge variety of plants. We especially loved the Alpines. It’s a shame we couldn’t visit the conservatories as they looked very impressive but I understand why.
Staff were lovely and facilities were good even under the circumstances. Booking was easy and meant we encountered very few crowds.
Staff were lovely and facilities were good even under the circumstances. Booking was easy and meant we encountered very few crowds.
Written 9 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mrsmack182
Inverness, UK62 contributions
Sept 2020
Lovely place to visit despite astronomical on street parking charges at the West Gate! Take some peanuts and you’ll be able to get up close and friendly with the squirrels who literally eat out of your hand. You might want to save some for yourself as the prices in the cafes within the gardens are ridiculously expensive for mediocre coffee and filled rolls etc. Take a picnic and enjoy it on one of the many benches to avoid the enormous slow moving queue and those who either cannot or will not socially distance. Thankfully we visited on a nice day and enjoyed the outside space as there was a 45 minute wait to enter the glass houses.
Written 30 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Allotmenteerconsumer
Lincolnshire, UK216 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
First visit ever !
I’m a keen hobby Alpine gardener and wanted to visit for years. Whilst on holiday in Northumberland made the 2 hour trek to visit. I had high expectations and it exceeded them. The garden, particularly the Alpine area, were fantastic and the staff were extremely welcoming and happy to talk.
You have to book a timed slot (although tickets are free). We did this easily on line. We chose the East Gate and travelled by car. Of course Edinburgh is a busy city so allow for delays etc. Parked on the road (Sat Nav EH35LP). Pay at meter £2.50 per hour. The park is surrounded by houses and the East gate is near to above postcode up a small but signposted pedestrian walkway. Entry was straightforward and efficient after scanning your QR code on your email.
Small takeaway shop at the entrance is open and we enjoyed our cappuccinos sat on one of the many benches along the generous walkways.
I think it’s fair to describe the site as a mix of arboretum, beds and specialist areas. Whilst there was a number of people there at the same time the site is generous and social distancing was easily achieved. A charming mix of local families and tourists from around the world.
We headed directly to the Alpine areas. If you have any interest in this subject it’s a must see. There’s a traditional Alpine House complimented by a contemporary fairly new purpose built display building. Outside there are cold frames, many various sizes of trough and rockery borders. The range of plants is absolutely fantastic. I’ve taken so many photos to work through at my leisure.
We also enjoyed the fruit and vegetable growing area. The staff were very happy to talk to a fellow grower/Allotmenteer!
There’s an outstanding and huge beech hedge with artistic opening cut into it. The beds in front of it are just colossal.
Of course at this time of year in this location borders and trees are just getting going. You can tell from the web site that later in the year there is other things to see. May/ June is a key time to see Alpines at their best.
All in all a wonderful visit. Thank you to all concerned.
I’m a keen hobby Alpine gardener and wanted to visit for years. Whilst on holiday in Northumberland made the 2 hour trek to visit. I had high expectations and it exceeded them. The garden, particularly the Alpine area, were fantastic and the staff were extremely welcoming and happy to talk.
You have to book a timed slot (although tickets are free). We did this easily on line. We chose the East Gate and travelled by car. Of course Edinburgh is a busy city so allow for delays etc. Parked on the road (Sat Nav EH35LP). Pay at meter £2.50 per hour. The park is surrounded by houses and the East gate is near to above postcode up a small but signposted pedestrian walkway. Entry was straightforward and efficient after scanning your QR code on your email.
Small takeaway shop at the entrance is open and we enjoyed our cappuccinos sat on one of the many benches along the generous walkways.
I think it’s fair to describe the site as a mix of arboretum, beds and specialist areas. Whilst there was a number of people there at the same time the site is generous and social distancing was easily achieved. A charming mix of local families and tourists from around the world.
We headed directly to the Alpine areas. If you have any interest in this subject it’s a must see. There’s a traditional Alpine House complimented by a contemporary fairly new purpose built display building. Outside there are cold frames, many various sizes of trough and rockery borders. The range of plants is absolutely fantastic. I’ve taken so many photos to work through at my leisure.
We also enjoyed the fruit and vegetable growing area. The staff were very happy to talk to a fellow grower/Allotmenteer!
There’s an outstanding and huge beech hedge with artistic opening cut into it. The beds in front of it are just colossal.
Of course at this time of year in this location borders and trees are just getting going. You can tell from the web site that later in the year there is other things to see. May/ June is a key time to see Alpines at their best.
All in all a wonderful visit. Thank you to all concerned.
Written 19 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vessi80
North Lanarkshire, UK1,213 contributions
Aug 2022
The blooms have bloomed and the glasshouses are closed for repairs but on a busy, hot Festival day this 70 acre space is the perfect retreat.
Entrance is free . With a £1 map, you are garden ready . Donations are encouraged but the £8 tour at 11 am was a great way to give and grow. XXL thanks to Caroline , a superb guide and to the ultra welcoming staff at both gates.
Enjoy the stylish interior and displays at the John Hope Gateway and then the Goldsworthy striking stainless steel East Gate. Sculptures by greats like Hepworth are also a must see.
The Chinese Sections were oriental object d'art and the rockery really 'rocked'.
You could spend all day here , it's just fortunate there isn't a maze - only a suggestion RBGE !
Entrance is free . With a £1 map, you are garden ready . Donations are encouraged but the £8 tour at 11 am was a great way to give and grow. XXL thanks to Caroline , a superb guide and to the ultra welcoming staff at both gates.
Enjoy the stylish interior and displays at the John Hope Gateway and then the Goldsworthy striking stainless steel East Gate. Sculptures by greats like Hepworth are also a must see.
The Chinese Sections were oriental object d'art and the rockery really 'rocked'.
You could spend all day here , it's just fortunate there isn't a maze - only a suggestion RBGE !
Written 12 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bella
14 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
Great free day out. Recommend if you’re looking for something quiet and peaceful to do in Edinburgh. Lots of great gardens, all well presented.
Best of all it is free to visit.
There’s 2 cafes on site and a gift shop - would recommend the cafe near Inverleith House as it has a nicer vibe.
Only suggestion would be that the cafe makes more scones as they had run out by 4 pm !!
Best of all it is free to visit.
There’s 2 cafes on site and a gift shop - would recommend the cafe near Inverleith House as it has a nicer vibe.
Only suggestion would be that the cafe makes more scones as they had run out by 4 pm !!
Written 23 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are booked for the illuminated trail at the East Gate in December. What is the parking like?
Written 9 September 2024
On the streets outside but gets very busy
Written 10 September 2024
Are the gardens open all year long? Is anything blooming in September?
Written 6 September 2022
How far from bus station or princess Street
Written 4 February 2020
Takes me about 20 mins and I'm 67 years old with a heart condition!
Written 8 May 2020
Ciao,l'ingresso durante il periodo natalizio si paga?Ho letto che sul sito del giardino appare la dicitura ''book now''
Written 24 October 2019
ooops! Scusa ma ho visto solo ora il tuo messaggio... In ogni caso non avrei saputo rispondere ma , credo, non sia necessario prenotare in anticipo ( salvo limitazioni covid in auge di questi tempi). Io, lo scorso anno, sono arrivato all'ingresso e fatto il biglietto. Viva la Scozia!
Written 16 August 2020
I'm sorry but not sure. I can't remember seeing any dogs.
Written 12 May 2019
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