Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh image

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Tourist attraction Botanical garden

One of the Most Revieweds in Edinburgh


Address

Edinburgh EH3 5NZ, United Kingdom

Website

www.rbge.org.uk

Contact

+44 131 248 2909

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (20.6K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Monday: 10 AM to 6 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: gardens (35) plants (18) garden (16) free (15) visit (13) beautiful (11) time (10) great (10) nice (9) year (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Katie P. 1 year ago on Google
    Gorgeous gardens. Free entry. Always have a wonderful time here! They have lots of different beautiful plants and areas to wander around and see. There’s a couple of ponds, a huge waterfall, rock gardens and a herb/vegetable garden section. Lovely way to spend a couple of hours & it’s nice being able to visit at various points throughout the year to see how it changes.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Liam M. 1 year ago on Google
    ***Note - This review only covers their Winter Garden Light Show *** This was a great family outing for Mid December (though make sure to wrap up warm as it's all outdoors). The presentation was great, all the lighting features were set up to make the most of the gardens plant life and features. Took some pretty nice photos. Also half way round they had a epic Santa, took his Xmas cheer job seriously. Kids were mesmerized. Well worth the entry fee.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hock Sing T. 1 month ago on Google • 1298 reviews New
    One of the must go places in Edinburgh. The air was so fresh and the scenery was so cool. Most of the plants were covered with ice. How wonderful it was during sunrise. Recommended to visit during sunrise. The Botanic shop was interesting. There were many versions of jellycat. Map is free, but £2 donation was welcomed

  • 5/5 Emma M. 2 months ago on Google • 66 reviews New
    Even in the winter, this was such a beautiful landscape! With greenery and quiet surrounding you, you will fell as if you stepped into a safe haven. It is free to get into and so worth your time! I can’t imagine how beautiful it is when it’s warm out.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rory F. 3 months ago on Google • 21 reviews New
    Visited for the winter lights event and was blown away with how good it was. The route is massive with plenty to see without being too long and tiring. The staff were fantastic, friendly and helped take some photos. Great value for tickets with plenty of refreshments on the way round. Will love to come back in summer to see the gardens in bloom.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dharmesh P. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful place with lots and lots of different types of plants and trees. There is a waterfall as well and the water flows in between the garden. I especially enjoyed my time in the cafe in the garden which was very peaceful and quiet. You will find description at each place. No entry fees for anyone. It's a photographic place.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Angela H. 1 year ago on Google
    What a stunning place to visit; a beautiful garden to stroll around on a lazy afternoon for anyone with even just a passing interest in flora and fauna. Even more amazing is the free entry (the glasshouses have a small entrance fee when they are open, but there is more than enough to see without this). There is an opportunity to make a £5 donation before you leave, and if you don't you need to have a word with yourself - Amazing - 5 star plus.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Laura C. 1 year ago on Google
    A must see location in Edinburgh. Beautiful experience, just Wow! Mooched around the gardens on a sunny day and we were not disappointed. Staff friendly on entrance and the gardens and outside were all well signposted. Easy navigation around and everything really was pristine. Pitstop at one of the coffee shops and had a great cream tea! Toilet facilities clean and accessible.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shwetha G. 3 months ago on Google New
    It is a beautifully laid out garden and a fabulous collection of plants and trees. Since it was winter there were no flowers. It was green and fresh and full of Christmas lights. I'm sure spring will be delightful with the blooms of the season
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 tony m. 1 year ago on Google
    If you love plants, you will love Botanic Garden at Edinburgh. Amount of unique plant ☘️ is staggering, you could spend entire day wandering around and try to hunt new species. Depending on time of year could be more or less spectacular ,but always equally amazing. If you love heat , visit Large greenhouse area ( which is paid) to enjoy tropical plants and usually one or another is blooming so always something new is ready to unfold it's beauty. Coffee ☕ available on site in multiple areas. This is one of iconic places which should be visited multiple times to truly appreciate its beauty.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David W. 1 year ago on Google
    Large, beautifully kept gardens with excellent labelling of plants and explanations. The best way to get there is a 23 bus which stops outside the East Gate. The gardens are free to enter; the glasshouses which are charged for are closed for an extended renovation. It is worth paying £1 for a map at the entrance - a helpful man circled the main places to see at this time of year, some of which we would have missed, such as the Alpine house tucked away behind the area under renovation. There is a great view of the city centre from the hill above the Chinese garden.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jass V. 1 year ago on Google
    Wow! This botanic garden is amazing! I can’t believe it’s free either. We went when the weather was nice and sunny. Lots of different types of flowers to see. Plus there is a waterfall there and also a lake. The whole place is really nice and peaceful. Highly recommend this place even if you aren’t into flowers
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tara K. 1 year ago on Google
    A beautiful and sprawling botanical garden, some of the most interesting plants I've ever seen and it was a lovely day out in the city. We got there early and were in the gardens until they were closing and didn't even see everything. Beautiful landscapes and flora, cute cafés, an eye opening art gallery and a shop filled with everything an aspiring botanist could desire. All of this and entry is completely free!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Hania R. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely gardens, amazing variety of flowers. The glasshouses were closed on my visit and I'd say that was the only lettdown, other than that really worth it. Nice for a picnic or a long walk. Family friendly. Some paths aren't wheelchair accessible.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alin C. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely lovely place, nice walk around the garden filled with a vast diversity of plants. My favourite was the rock garden, absolutely stunning, the amount of work must be tremendous, well done to all staff for keeping it tidy and healthy. Unfortunately this time the glasshouse was closed, guess because of the covid restrictions, but I'll come back some other time for that. After we walked all around the premises we had a nice cup of tea at the main entrance, the gateway, stunning architecture, it was lovely to end this walk with a cup of tea and a cheese scone out there on the sunny terrace.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 The Romanian G. 4 weeks ago on Google • 131 reviews New
    The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, Scotland, is a breathtaking oasis of natural beauty and botanical diversity. Spread across 70 acres, this historic garden is home to a stunning array of plant species from around the world, meticulously curated across themed landscapes and glasshouses. Visitors can explore lush gardens, tranquil ponds, and vibrant floral displays, while learning about the important conservation and research efforts undertaken by the garden. With its rich botanical heritage and serene atmosphere, the Royal Botanic Garden offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and a fascinating educational experience for visitors of all ages.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Louise A. 1 year ago on Google
    Great way to spend an afternoon without spending much money as the gardens are free to enter. There's plenty of open grass and benches that you can sit and had α picnic and enjoy the views. The gardens are very well manicured and maintained and tell you the species of plant or tree. There are also α couple of cafes in the grounds along with public toilets. There is no dedicated parking however, there is alot of on street spaces surrounding the gardens and α couple entrances.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Charlotte 2 years ago on Google
    We came to visit the botanical Gardens light display. It was fantastic, our little one loved it. There was plenty of room for people to distance. The light show was well put together and the walk around had plenty of stopping points for refreshments and toilet facilities.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tomin J. 2 months ago on Google • 10 reviews New
    The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh offered a captivating experience with its diverse plant collections and meticulously manicured landscapes. Exploring the lush greenery, vibrant blooms, and historic glasshouses made the visit both educational and visually stunning. The garden's serene atmosphere provided a delightful escape, making it a memorable destination for nature enthusiasts.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nathan W. 2 years ago on Google
    This was really great place went to the light show and wow what a great experience. The different displays in each section were really good and mesmerising. This is one of the best light shows i have been too. Can wait to see it in the day. The food here was also very nice. Would recommend visiting if nearby.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nizam H. 1 year ago on Google
    Always a pleasure and a delight, so close to the city centre and beautiful gardens, flowers, shrubs and trees. Hard to beat and it's free, an abundance of places to sit and picnic together with excellent cafes. Do experience it at different times of the year
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 martin C. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a beautiful place to visit and to pass many an hour walking around the vast gardens. It's a shame that at the moment the massive glasshouses ate out of bounds and will be for 5 to 7 years as they restore them, we were aware of this before we visited so it wasn't too much of a disappointment. We visited on Good Friday so there were a few people about, the weather was kind with lovely sunshine. Nice restaurant, prices were a bit steep. I can highly recommend a visit here and the admission is free.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ian M. 2 years ago on Google
    Xmas lights were fantastic. A slow winding trail round the gardens with various lights on show and different things lit up. Good background music to set the atmosphere off. Also lots of staff about making sure everything went smoothly
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amber W. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful gardens that are free to visit. When we went the green houses were closed but we still spent about two hours wandering around the grounds. The staff is very friendly and even helped us call a cab back to the Royal Mile. I would definitely reccomend visiting!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael R. 1 month ago on Google • 334 reviews New
    Beautifully designed gardens with lots of different features and areas that offer something different to each other. I visited in February and considering it had rained the last few days and it was very cold, the gardens were all very well maintained and in order. I particularly enjoyed the rock gardens. I would highly recommend.

  • 5/5 Valerie “Queenbee” L. 4 months ago on Google • 115 reviews
    These gardens are beautiful, so surprised the entrance is free. My disabled husband was able to hire a mobility scooter for free so that he could get around. Cafe serving cold snacks and hot meals. Thoroughly enjoyed.

  • 4/5 Gordon M. 3 months ago on Google • 34 reviews New
    Not as good as last year but still a lovely night out. Only 3 food stalls, one vegan so very little choice and no tea/coffee. Other than the Santa, there's very little for kids although they will love all the lights. Security are very nice. We've been going 3 years now and love it but should be looking to improve year on year.

  • 5/5 Santosh P. 1 year ago on Google
    We visited this beautifully kept gardens with excellent labelling of plants and explanations. The gardens are free to enter. the glasshouses which are charged for are closed for an extended renovation. It is worth paying £1 for a map at the entrance . There is a great view of the city centre from the hill above the Chinese garden. Lots of bench and refreshments areas.

  • 5/5 Fiona S. 1 year ago on Google
    I loved the gardens! They were all I expected and more, so many different areas with different plants and flowers, each had their own feel about them. Unfortunately, when we went, the glasshouses were closed for refurbishment so will be back when they re-open. Also, there is a lovely cafe with a varied selection of tasty food and treats

  • 5/5 Gemma C. 2 years ago on Google
    Visited for #christmasatthebotanics and must say I was very impressed. We went at 5.30pm on a Friday night and admittedly it was busier than I would have liked but the displays were far better than I was expecting. It took around 1 and a half hours to walk through. My children were 9 and 10 and enjoyed it but I would say it's better for kids who are in a pushchair or for adults as even though it is breathtaking after a while (for a child) it's just more lights and it loses the wow factor. For adults though, brilliant date night. With food and drink stops along the way, music and various displays.

  • 5/5 Mona A. 3 months ago on Google New
    Best Christmas attraction, especially with kids. I wish it was less expensive, we would have went several times. Grab a hot chocolate and enjoy it! Magical!

  • 4/5 Sukhmani S. 3 months ago on Google New
    The botanic garden is beautiful and must visit for nature lovers but the place is best enjoyed during spring/summer. I went during winters so there wasn’t really much to see in terms of flora.

  • 5/5 Rebecca B. 2 years ago on Google
    A magical experience. Been at least 3 times now to the Christmas Light Trail...always having a lovely time 🎄 No Glühwein this year due to restrictions but the usual food and drink and marshmallow fire pit were there 🍡

  • 5/5 David C. 2 years ago on Google
    Considering the time of year (and the rainy weather on the day) there gardens are amazing. Really impressive collection of plants in varied zones around the gardens. Very well labelled and maintained plants and gardens in general. Nice shop, cafe and interesting exhibition at the west entrance and there are also facilities at the east entrance. I look forward to visiting again in the spring with hopefully better weather!.

  • 5/5 mor z. 11 months ago on Google
    Its free. The water lilies were off season but the rest of the gardens are amazing, teaching, well treated and relaxed. Amazing views of the city as well. Ive been to several botanical and bahay gardens before, these gardens have mystery to them, unique experience, highly recommended. The restaurant is great if you're hungry, coffee and cake also. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • 4/5 Sanjeev M. 9 months ago on Google
    The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a renowned botanical garden located in the capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh. Founded in 1670, it is one of the oldest scientific institutions in Scotland and is dedicated to the study and conservation of plants. The garden spans over 70 acres and features a stunning collection of plants from various regions around the world, including a remarkable array of Scottish plants. One can explore the Garden's diverse landscapes, including the Rock Garden, Woodland Garden, and the beautiful Victorian Palm Houses.

  • 5/5 Giuseppe D. 11 months ago on Google
    The Botanical gardens are really stunning in spring. The entrance is free but you can donate 5£ with tap&pay and 1£ if you want to have a map of the whole park with main attractions. I enjoyed the sequoias, the Japanese gardens, the alpine house and the cherry tree. To walk around the entire part it takes 2 hours so plan your visit in advance so you don't have to rush around and actually enjoy the stunning plants.

  • 5/5 Réka S. 1 year ago on Google
    Just visited the park. There's no fee for the general admission, which is amazing. The park is beautifully tidy and neat. The lights are ready for the evening Christmas trails (which must be truly wonderful).

  • 5/5 Symon L. 1 year ago on Google
    Great Christmas experience. Fantastic evening with the family around the beautiful Botanics looking amazing with the well thought out Christmas lights. Some food and drink vendors on site, tasty but expect to pay more than you would think possible.

  • 5/5 Ray H. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice development at the gate, comfortable seats, good coffee, the ham and cheese roll was a bit bland , I'd probably choose something else next time. Nice terrace to sit out on, scrupulously clean toilets. Shop is nice too though with a very limited selection of plants.

  • 5/5 Gareth C. 1 year ago on Google
    What a beautifuly maintained park. We went late winter and it was great then. In spring and summer it must be magnificent. The paths are well laid out and maintained so they are easy to navigate, and the access is easy for all abilities. There is such a variety here so you can't get bored by one planting style. The visitors centre is incredibly modern with a well stocked gift shop, and like the rest of the place, it's immaculate. Parking is available on the street outside on a first come first serve basis but there is plenty available. Overall a great place to spend a couple of hours, especially as admission is FREE!

  • 5/5 Steve D. 2 years ago on Google
    Weather was against us today but a very relaxing experience through some absolutely stunning gardens designed with a blend of engineering, biodiversity and climate in mind. Would recommend for anyone living in the area, but as a must for anyone visiting the area. Credit to everyone involved in the creation and maintenance of the gardens, a truly visual masterpiece.

  • 4/5 Rupankar S. 1 year ago on Google
    This would be an interesting place if one is interested in botany. This has the largest collection of Rhododendrons in the world. The spectacular view of the daffodils from the cafe is mesmerizing. The staff at the people's center at the west gate are very helpful and cooperative. You can book from the reception. The dining area on the first floor of the people's center is worth a visit. Tea, coffee and other snacks can be jad at reasonable prices.


Call +44 131 248 2909 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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