Visited a few Sundays ago during a weekend break in Durham. We walked from the city centre using part of the Riverside Walk &, in the glorious warm sunshine, it was a pleasant walk, but the signage is a bit lacking. Google maps got us there. The gardens are lovely. Lots to walk around, lovely outside seating area and a great hot house with its very own rainfall. Staff were friendly & efficient - being Mother's Day they were very busy. Would recommend a visit.

I visited the gardens one wet and windy afternoon, taking someone I am carer for. We had difficulty in accessing the entrance because someone we work with gave us the wrong postcode (for the park and ride car park behind the gardens). The entrance to the gardens there was closed but on pressing the intercom, someone let us in. We went to the pay desk which I'd also the cafe and the staff there were lovely. The weather was awful so we enjoyed tea and teacakes first. Nice little cafe area with plenty of seating. The staff were very kind to the young girl we had took who has additional needs. The gardens themselves will be lovely in Warner weather and there is plenty to see. Sculptures, bamboo groves, tropical greenhouse etc. We will be back.

My 1st visit and I am very impressed. Such a beautiful area of formal, colourful gardens and woodland in the heart of Durham city

Beautiful any time of the year! A gorgeous place for a stroll and watching the wildlife. Also wonderful for small children, lots of places to hide and have wholesome fun in. The cafe is lovely, soup and a roll on a cold day is gorgeous, as is a sandwich on the veranda in the sunshine! One of my favourite places.

First you have to log the registration number of your car if you have parked it in the car park, then pay admission charge (£4 per adult/£1.50 per child) at the cafe inside the visitor/reception centre. What do you get for your money? Not a lot, at least in February. A small collection of greenhouses with a few cacti, a pond full of fish and some small tanks holding the odd spider. Heading outside there is an uninspiring fountain then it's just grass and trees with paths leading uphill and down dale, interspersed with a few stones and artwork such as giant silver ants. Probably nicer in summer but I'm afraid I won't be going back to find out.

Nice botanic garden, good place to take your kids or just go for a chilled afternoon. Admission fee is not expensive either, just £4. Conservatories (desert and tropical) were unfortunately still closed.

Gorgeous collection of plants and trees, easy walking trails, very well laid out. You find a map at every corner, so you can’t get lost. At £4 per person, this is fantastic value. Family friendly walking, fresh air and educational. Parking, cafe and lots of outdoor seating options.

Had the most beautiful day. 1st time I have been to Botanical Gardens in Durham. It was the most lovely experience x

It is OK. Only bit worth seeing really is the entrance area. Rest of the gardens haven't been very well kept. Greenhouse was closed when we went, due to covid. Its way overpriced for what you see. Staff weren't very welcoming. A few nice sculptures & information on the plant species. If it was free entry, I would have given a higher rating, because that's fair enough. Wasn't too impressed.

Beautiful gardens to visit. The staff were lovely and friendly, there's easy access too, we paid for an annual ticket as we'd love to keep popping back as the seasons change. Everything is so well looked after. Well worth the visit.

Incredible place. Plants really well labelled. Loved every part of this place, kids especially loved the Chilean Rhubarb! Think there's probably something for everyone here though. I was particularly impressed with the info points all around. The staff were polite and friendly. I'm hoping to be back next year to see the friendship garden in bloom and also hopefully when all of the facilities are open.

A university botanical gardens with many different areas that focus on different climates, some in green houses and some outside. Cheap entry ticket prices. We took a wheelchair and had some difficulties doing all the walking trails due to the steep paths (Durham is hilly) especially beyond the fungi arch which is not good for wheelchairs. The café served tasty cream tea and cakes and had friendly staff. Great place to let your children round around.

Smashingly place to visit. Great gardens to wander through. Lots of interesting parts such as the indoor bits with fish and cacti. Very reasonably priced too. And a canny little cafe too.

Great place to enjoy and learn about plants and trees , and have a fantastic walk of short or long length. Particularly beautiful in autumn . My favourite part is the north American arboretum. Snacks are available in the cafe (and gifts too).

Absolutely great place to take the family, there was also lots of students about soaking up the beautiful gardens and tea room, will definitely be good back! Only £20 for an annual pass too!!!

It's been a long time since we've been here. But from the lovely daffs by the entrance and the trees all around it was a lovely, spring walk. Sights, sounds and smells fresh and calming. Tulips starting to come out, blossoms fading and still to come, primroses and much more to enjoy. The white of the silver birch bark was eerily beautiful. Birds singing. A great time.

Very pretty place to visit, lots of cool plants. Entry is also reasonably priced. Overall I would recommend.

Really family friendly place. Sounds like a small thing (But it made a big difference) but the cafe made sure our 3 year old daughter's jacket potato was cut open extra wide to cool down quicker - and as parents know there are few things worse than a hungry child sat in front of a hot plate of food!! Gardens are fab with lots for kids to see & explore

Absolutely fantastic place, amazing trees from around the world and plants, so peaceful, definately worth a visit, I do some security for the university but this place is fantastic

Stunning, didn't complete the whole forty gardens. Plenty of benches to sit and reflex the scenery. Can't wait to go back in a couple of months for flowers to come out. Ideal for picnic, little cafe which sells tea, coffee, sandwiches and cakes.

Lovely place to wander through , a bit uphill in places but also lots of seats to rest on! There's plenty to see and they offer puzzle sheets / hunts for children to do. Cafe and gift shop with nice seating area both indoors and outside.

This is such a fantastic place to visit with all the family. The staff were all very helpful on arrival we were given a map of the gardens and also informed about all the facilities on site. There is something for everyone and the children will love exploring the gardens, following the trails. There is so much to see and it’s really very good value price wise. There is a nice cafe and plenty of seating areas around the gardens great place for a picnic or just if you need a rest you can sit and take in the beautiful surroundings.

Lovely place for a peaceful walk. First daffodils are out 😍🌺 June Update: it's magical here with all the flowers out. If you can, come and have a walk. There is a lovely cafe serving light lunch and great cakes plus ice creams. You can get an annual membership to Friends of the Garden and come anytime you want. Love it here.

Lovely place but flower area is very small when expecting a decent size being a admission garden and professionally looked after.

quite quiet but little bit messed up.

Went for a function but had a very interesting look round whilst I was there.

nice deceiving place.i didnt think there was much here to begin with but after my visit i liked the place.the woodland/forest area is lovely to explore straddling a small stream.tropical house,cactus house,afew bugs and creepy crawlies nice gardens

Magical

Cafe was good. Many items clearly labelled.

Love this garden

I was expecting to see lots of colourful plants but it turns out the main exhibits are trees! Nevertheless it's worth a visit as there is quite a bit to see and it's eminently affordable. There is a good tea room too if you need another reason to stop!

I was expecting to see lots of colourful plants but it turns out the main exhibits are trees! Nevertheless it's worth a visit as there is quite a bit to see and it's eminently affordable. A great garden with lots of stunning and different planting plans. Nice to wander around and then a great cafe. Staff are friendly and helpful.

It's a nice place for a walk or stroll but I personally don't think there is much to see. Since it is close to the hill colleges I do recommend going at least once as a uni student. They have an area for sakuras but it was a little underwhelming.

I thought Durham Botanic Garden was a lovely place to stroll around on a sunny spring day. Planted across 25 acres, the garden has several sections connected by footpaths. They include a North American and Alpine garden plus a zone with bamboo. The greenhouse hosts plants from jungle and desert areas. With a café, it was easy to spend three hours at the botanic garden.

Durham City, Botanical Gardens. Beauty surrounds us, in a Rich, Deep, Array. More so in Spring and Summer, each & every day. Some; with Green Fingers and the conviction to Dress their Garden by Hand. Add a Contribution to the Bloom of England's Green an Pleasant Land. For those able to visit The Botanical Gardens in Durham there is a Feast. A Plethora of Colour to Savour in Sunshine, for a Few Hours at Least. Awesome Surroundings, Comfortable Seating, relaxing Walks, A Vista of Splendour to Savour, as Nature 'Talks'! We MUST Value the Assets that this One World Offers ALL. Before the Veil of Catastrophe comes to Befall!

Well worth a visit and easy to get to and park at . The Durham Botanic gardens are on a huge site and there is a lot to see , all different themed areas of natural beauty ! There are many benches and seating options as you walk around ideal for a break or a picnic in addition the nice cafe / gift shop at the entrance . It's well,worth the small entrance fee of a fiver ( pensioners and children cheaper and also an option of £20 for year season ticket ). Will definitely returnxas so much to see in just one visit and the flowers and plants are always naturally changing ! plus the gardens host.various events through the year :)

Beautiful and organised. You can have snacks, pack your own picnic and have a great family time. Good value for the money and nice day out.

Lovely botanical gardens and small woodland area to walk through. Accessible with pram and excellent facilities. Really welcoming too. Lots of space and plants/tree and things for children to explore and discover.

Absolutely amazing walk around this beautiful place! Plus enjoyed a lovely lunch at the cafe. Will definitely be returning

Perfect flowering plenty of hard work must of went into this place

I love visiting the Botanic garden, friendly staff and beautiful walks

Very nice place to visit

Superb bacon buns!

Great addition to the university! Tidy garden and a nice place to have a coffee or two.

A lovely place even in the winter season.

Many plant varieties, well maintained and very cost effective to visit for regular walks.

Good for viewing plants etc from different parts of the world in well kept gardens. Very nice cafe with friendly staff.

Lovely

Gorgeous!

Had a lovely walk around a beautiful garden. There was scientific information as I wandered around and also general information. Some beautiful autumn colours and leaves to walk through. The children I saw were enjoying spotting the pictures of animals and ticking the boxes. I had a very tasty lunch in the tea rooms.

Beautiful views, with a family friendly attitude. Fantastic place to go with the family. Plenty of interesting things to see and various routes to take around the Gardens

Beautiful place to visit very reasonable prices plenty to entertain the kids

Not many more scenic, serene places to relax on a sunny afternoon than this amazing place. Some areas need a little attention. And at weekends/holidays it’s usually pretty busy.

The Botanic Garden does not fulfil its purpose when it is closed! We are in desperate need of stimulating open spaces during lockdown. Please reopen as soon as possible.

Lovely stroll around interesting and beautiful gardens and woodland also excellent tea shop !

Lovely place, definitely going back in the spring, lots of nice walks and places to sit, cafe with shop at the entrance, plenty of parking, wide variety of trees, shrubs and plants, a bird hide to watch the birds feeding. Greenhouses with exotic plants.

This is the second time I have taken a class of ten year olds. Mike could not have been more helpful. He explained everything brilliantly with good scientific information but presented so the children understood. We walked from the station and the class were engaged throughout. Definitely recommend

A great garden with lots of stunning and different planting plans. Nice to wander around and then a great cafe. Staff are friendly and helpful.

Great place to visit with lots of interesting features - I particularly liked visiting the greenhouse area with lots of fascinating plants, insects and fish - it is also lovely and warm in there - even in winter. Lots of fascinating and interesting factual boards, a nature trail, a Japanese cherry blossom retreat and loads of other botanically inspired things to do.Close to the park and ride. Highly recommended.

1st visit today lovely place ,nice walk , cafe lovely service, really good prices definitely something different for day out

Beautiful place for a walk. Kids loved it. Only thing is we couldn't find a bin.

Beautiful scenery, can spend a whole day!

Quite an uphill walk, but fine you are in a car. Just called for a latte and chat with friends. Lovely cafe with pleasant staff. Gardens are worth a walk round in summer or autumn.

Beautiful grounds and tropical houses and very reasonable prices in the cafe

We went for the Lumiere for the second time running. Unfortunately the weather was absolutely terrible and the ground was sodden so it was not as pleasant as the first visit two years ago. Its a shame the exhibits are excellent and the staff are very nice and very helpful. Fingers crossed for the next one 🤞.

Nice for Sunday Walker

Wonderful place, so much to see and all beautiful and interesting. Café lovely too.

Lovely walk around the botanic gardens today, my boys loved it! The cafe is really nice, does toasties, jacket potatoes and general bakery items. All round great experience

Beautiful gardens... Lovely cafe

(Translated by Google) Very nice greenhouses. Unfortunately, in winter the garden does not go crazy. nice place for walks. entrance fee for an adult £ 3. They accept student discounts (Original) Bardzo ładne szklarnie. niestety w zimie ogród nie robi szału. fajne miejsce na spacery. wejsciowaka dla dorosłego £3. Akceptują zniżki studenckie

Beautiful place for those who love nature. My kids found the quiz and science trails very interesting.

Lovely place to visit give self 2 hrs look around. Cafe good value and tasty food. Worth a visit when in area

An enchanting place.