Botanic Gardens

Botanic Gardens showing a garden
Botanic Gardens featuring interior views and a garden
Botanic Gardens showing interior views and a garden
Botanic Gardens showing a garden
Botanic Gardens which includes a park and interior views


Tour the park and arboretum with century-old trees, have a picnic on the lawn, watch a concert, or admire the design of the impressive 19th-century glasshouses.

Discover tropical plants, stroll along the banks of the River Kelvin and picnic on the bright green lawns at the Glasgow Botanic Gardens. Glaswegian Thomas Hopkirk, a botanist, founded the gardens in 1817 with a core of 3,000 plants. The gardens moved to its current location in 1839 and opened in 1842 as a members-only garden. Today, this public park attracts almost half a million visitors per year.Check the website of the park to see if you can join a free guided tour, or explore the park at your own pace. Start at the Kibble Palace, the glasshouse dominating the 42-acre (20-hectare) gardens. Inventor and engineer John Kibble designed the impressive structure in the 1860s for his private residence. Enter the glasshouse to see the collection of Southern Hemisphere fern trees as well as sculptures and statues, including King Robert of Sicily by the famous Scottish sculptor George Henry Paulin. Find orchids, begonias and tropical plants in the Main Range houses, which are old Victorian buildings from the 1880s.Pick up a map of the Heritage Trail inside the Kibble Palace and set aside two hours to complete it. Admire the 30 historical sites, including bridges and train stations. Check out the tall black oak and 200-year-old weeping ash tree in the arboretum. Enjoy a picnic on the lawns in front of the glasshouses or buy lunch in the garden’s café.Come during the weekend to enjoy public events, such as crafts markets, theater, book fairs or concerts. Check the official Glasgow Botanic Gardens website for the calendar of events and live performances.The Glasgow Botanic Gardens in West End is open daily, but closes at dusk. Entrance is free and there are public toilets. The glasshouses, the Visitor Centre and the Tearoom open mid morning and usually close earlier than the park grounds. The site is a 40-minute walk from the city center. The Hillhead Underground Station is a five-minute walk away and you can also get there by bus or car from the city center. Free and metered street parking is available nearby.

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Reviews of Botanic Gardens

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
93
5 - Excellent 59%
4 - Good
46
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
17
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Interesting history and great to go in if it's a cool day! Very good tea room with delicious scones! Lawns and seats to relax and watch the world go by, all free of charge to visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Mezzer

Lovely relaxing place to visit. Being a Crystal Palace fan I loved the fact that it was inspired by the old Crystal Palace.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Interesting place to spend a couple of hours; tea room is excellent. Can easily walk from here to Glasgow Uni Hunterian and Kelvingrove.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Within walking distance

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Things to do near Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Gardens in Glasgow offer a delightful array of activities, including vibrant theatre performances, captivating art exhibitions, and live music events. Visitors can also explore the local tours available, providing insights into the rich history and natural beauty of the area. Whether you're enjoying the tranquil gardens or engaging in cultural experiences, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this picturesque setting.

Shopping

The nearest shopping centres to Botanic Gardens are Buchanan Galleries, St. Enoch Centre, and Argyll Arcade, each about 1.2km away, offering a mix of high street fashion, entertainment, and family-friendly options. If you're up for a drive, explore more unique shops in the city centre for local souvenirs.

Recreation

Hampden Park, located 2.5km from the Botanic Gardens, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. The Barrowland Ballroom, 1.9km away, enhances your experience with vibrant music events. For relaxation, Queen's Park, also 1.9km distant, provides tranquil green spaces ideal for unwinding amidst nature.

Adventure

The West Highland Way Trailhead, located 2.5km from the Botanic Gardens, offers stunning hiking experiences through breathtaking scenery. The Glasgow Climbing Centre, 1.2km away, provides thrilling climbing adventures for all skill levels. Explore the Hillside Path, 1.9km from the gardens, for a delightful outdoor stroll amidst nature.

Nightlife

In Botanic Gardens, Glasgow, the Kings Theatre and Theatre Royal, both 1.6km away, offer captivating performances in a romantic setting. A bit further, the Pavilion Theatre, 1.2km away, adds to the vibrant cultural scene, making for an enchanting evening filled with entertainment and charm.

Find the best attractions near Botanic Gardens

Exploring the Botanic Gardens in Glasgow offers a delightful mix of attractions, including entertainment venues, historic universities, and vibrant squares. Visitors can immerse themselves in cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. For a comfortable stay, consider nearby hotels that provide easy access to the gardens and other local points of interest. Whether you're keen on nature or city life, the area around the Botanic Gardens promises a memorable visit.

  • OVO Hydro: Experience world-class entertainment at the OVO Hydro, an iconic arena known for hosting concerts, sports events, and family-friendly shows. With its lively atmosphere and cutting-edge facilities, it’s a fantastic spot for a night out.
  • University of Glasgow: Immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning architecture of the University of Glasgow, one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world. Wander through its beautiful campus and soak up the vibrant cultural vibes.
  • Buchanan Street: Explore Buchanan Street, a bustling shopping precinct filled with high street brands and delightful cafés. This pedestrian-friendly area is perfect for families and offers a lively outdoor experience.

Best time to go to Botanic Gardens

The best time to visit Botanic Gardens is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January37.8°F (3.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February38.7°F (3.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March41.0°F (5.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
September53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
November42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December39.0°F (3.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Botanic Gardens

To save money on your visit to the Botanic Gardens in Glasgow, plan your trip during the off-peak months of January or October to November when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your stay about a month in advance, especially on a Monday, can yield the best rates. Consider using Expedia's last-minute deals for additional savings, and refine your search by budget and preferences for the most affordable options. Additionally, explore free activities in the Gardens and combine your hotel, flights, and activities for potential package discounts.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Botanic Gardens are January and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Botanic Gardens about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Botanic Gardens is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Botanic Gardens is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results by price, displaying the most affordable hotels at the top of the list. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at the Botanic Gardens with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

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