Walk amid tropical rainforests or arid displays dotted with cacti at this beautiful garden set within a collection of large glasshouses in a pretty city park.
The David Welch Winter Gardens in Duthie Park is a paradise of lush flora in the heart of the city. As one of the most expansive indoor gardens in Europe, the Winter Gardens display a huge range of exotic and beautiful plants from across the globe. Explore the spacious glasshouses to find specialized tropical and arid gardens, as well as a vast collection of bromeliads and giant cacti. Experience the humid climates of the tropical house to see verdant ferns and tall banana trees or spy the frog that lives in the glasshouse’s pond.
Explore the Winter Gardens’ historic tropical glasshouse, which was first built in 1899 to house the park’s exotic palm collection. The original glasshouse was replaced after destructive storms in 1969. Stroll through the humid gardens of lush banana trees, tree ferns and Spanish mosses. You might see plants from South America, including rare orchids and ginger plants. Smell the luscious natural aromas in the Corridor of Perfumes or admire the bright green fronds in the Fern House. Check out the Temperate House or visit the Arid House to see a vast collection of desert plants.
Bromeliads and cacti thrive in the dry heat of the Arid House. This display houses one of the largest collections of bromeliads and cacti in the United Kingdom. See the fascinating shapes and variegated colours of the succulents and learn about the plants that flourish in some of the harshest climates in the world. Just outside, you’ll find the Japanese Garden, which is dedicated to the victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Check out Duthie Park’s scenic lake, where you can rent a pedal boat and cruise around the water. A children’s playground is located nearby the park’s main entrance.
Duthie Park is open daily. The David Welsh Winter Gardens are open every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s and January 2. Closing times for the gardens vary according to the season.
Spend a few hours exploring the pretty gardens and refresh yourself at the Duthie Park café. The Winter Gardens are located on the northern border of the park and are approximately a 10-minute bus ride from Union Square and the city centre.
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