Plant yourself in nature’s wonder with this Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh guide!
When life gets a bit too hectic, I find nothing beats a wander in the great outdoors. There’s something about being surrounded by nature that feels like hitting the reset button, and for me, there’s no better place to do that than the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh.
Spanning 70 lush acres, this green haven is a feast for the senses, offering stunning views of the city skyline, historic architecture, and an up-close encounter with some of the world’s rarest and most fascinating plants.
If it’s your first visit there, I’ve put together a guide to help you make the most of your time in this enchanting spot!
Things to Know
Address: 20a Inverleith Row
Contact Details: +44 131 248 2909
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Admission Fee: Free for general entry
How to Get to the Royal Botanic Gardens
By Bicycle: You can park your bicycles at the bike stands at either the West Gate or East Gate.
By Bus: You can easily reach the Garden’s East Gate on Inverleith Row using bus routes 8, 9, 23, or 27 from the city centre.
The West Gate, which features the John Hope Gateway Visitor Centre on Arboretum Place, is conveniently served by Lothian Buses 29 and 24 passing through Stockbridge, as well as the Majestic Bus Tour.
By Car: Metered street parking is available close to the Garden’s West Gate, near the John Hope Gateway on Arboretum Place. Additionally, designated Blue Badge (disabled-friendly) parking spaces can also be found on Arboretum Place.
What are the Royal Botanic Gardens?
The Royal Botanic Gardens is Edinburgh’s primary scientific centre for plant study and conservation. This 70-acre garden complex houses numerous flora displays, ranging from common shrubs to the rarest orchids in the world.
What to Do at the Royal Botanic Gardens
Watch the gardens light up during the Christmas at the Botanics event every year
– Media from rbgedinburgh
Operating Hours: Runs from November to December
Christmas at the Botanics is nothing short of a holiday tradition for anyone seeking the ultimate festive experience in Edinburgh. The garden transforms into a vibrant wonderland with snow-dusted paths illuminated by dazzling light displays.
As someone who has spent countless winters wandering through the serene Royal Botanic Garden, I can confidently say there’s no better place to feel the magic of the season!
Tips:
- Keep in mind that daily entry to the garden is capped, so it’s essential to confirm your preferred date and time before purchasing tickets. Be sure to plan ahead and secure your spot through this designated booking portal.
- Royal Botanic Garden members enjoy a £3 discount on tickets during the holiday season event. Discover more about the benefits of membership here.
Go on a guided tour around the beautiful garden grounds
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Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:30 am onwards
Duration: 90 minutes
Admission Fee:
£10 per person
£100 per group of 10
While you’re free to roam around the garden grounds on your own, I highly recommend booking a guided tour if you’re dropping by in a group. This is the best way to learn everything there is about the gardens, its history, and why it stands relevant today.
Tours are given in English and take you through the different attractions inside such as the Chinese Hillside, the Inverleith House, the Woodland Garden, the Pond, the Vegetables Garden, and so much more.
Tips:
- Note that while the tour takes you to virtually every part of the gardens, it doesn’t include a visit to the Glasshouses. This attraction is currently temporarily closed for maintenance works and requires a separate admission fee when completed.
- I highly recommend booking a guided tour at least 2 weeks in advance. This is to ensure that your group will be accommodated according to the time slot you provided in the booking portal.
Marvel at the beauty of the Inverleith House
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Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:30 am to 4:30 pm
Contact Details: +44 131 248 2849
Built in 1774, the Inverleith House stands as one of the most iconic structures inside the gardens after it was relocated there in the early 1800s. It used to be the site of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art before it was moved in the 1980s.
Today, the historic house showcases botanical art and artefacts from newspapers and books over the decades since the gardens opened. If you have an eye for art, this house is definitely a must-visit while you’re here!
Tips:
- Even though artworks from the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art are no longer housed there, you can still view some sculptures left behind around the house.
- The house lawns are a popular site for weddings and events. If you wish to host your big day here, you’ll need special permission. I recommend booking this spot at least 6 months to a year in advance to ensure you get it on your preferred date. Learn more about hosting events here.
Explore the beautiful flora collections inside The Glasshouses
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The Glasshouses are one of the most popular sites inside the gardens. If you’re a major plant lover, this is where you’ll find some of the world’s most endangered and rare plant species.
Here, you’ll find a temperate house housing tall trees, a tropical palm house, an orchids and cycads house, a ferns and fossils house, and a rainforest house.
There’s lots to explore in this beautifully constructed attraction, and I highly recommend watching this short film about it before your visit!
Tips:
- The Glasshouses are currently closed for maintenance and restoration works in line with the Edinburgh Biomes project. Many of the plants here are slowly and carefully being transferred to temporary locations. Stay tuned here for updates on the next opening!
- Note that entry to this attraction is not for free. You’ll need to pay an extra £5.50 per adult to gain access inside. Children below the age of 16 years old are free of charge!
Where to Eat in the Royal Botanic Gardens
The Terrace Cafe
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Address: Inverleith Row, Royal Botanic Garden
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
Contact Details: +44 131 552 0616
Pricing: ££
One of my favourite spots to dine in the gardens is the Terrace Cafe. This quaint cafe located by the beautiful lawns of the Inverleith House is where you can unwind while enjoying stunning views of the Edinburgh skyline.
Whenever I visit, I can’t resist the freshly made pastries and desserts; they’re just the thing to pair with a warm cup of tea after a stroll. The soups and sandwiches are equally delightful, making it the perfect place to pause and recharge during your day.
Tip:
- One of the best ways to experience dining here is by booking a Cream Tea at The Terrace Tour. You essentially get a guided tour around the garden grounds and end the experience with a serving of the cafe’s signature cream tea and a few finger foods. All ingredients were harvested from the nearby Kitchen Garden, by the way!
- Although they close at the same time as the garden, they stop accepting orders as early as 3:15 pm. Make sure to get those orders in before the last call!
The Gateway Cafe
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Address: Arboretum Place, Royal Botanic Garden
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Contact Details: +44 131 552 0616
Pricing: ££
The Gateway Café, located near the Garden’s West Gate, is a bright and inviting bistro where you can sip tea or other refreshing drinks while soaking in the stunning architecture and views from within its tall glass walls.
I like to think of it as The Terrace Café’s modern counterpart. It’s perfect for a heartier meal, offering delicious options like sandwiches, salads, and comforting daily specials such as chicken curry, roasted veggies, and creamy macaroni and cheese!
Tip:
- Note that the cafe doesn’t accept table reservations, so if you want to snag a great seat, I highly recommend coming in early (around 11:00 am to 2:00 pm for a late lunch).
- Tables get filled up fast here. If you’re dropping by with a family, I recommend having them sit down and secure a table while you order (you pay as you order here).