royal botanic gardens edinburgh guided tour

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

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Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Just one mile from the city centre, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh offers visitors peace and tranquillity amongst 72 acres of stunning scenery.

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is one of the finest botanic gardens in the world.  A pleasure for all the family, the Garden offers fantastic views of the capital's skyline, featuring Edinburgh Castle, and is located just a mile from the city centre.  Visitors can discover its fascinating history, which dates back 350 years, learn about its plantings and walk around 72 acres of beautiful, awe-inspiring landscape.

Visitors can enjoy the serenity of the Chinese Hillside, explore the world-famous Rock Garden or stroll amongst the magnificent Giant Redwood trees in the Woodland Garden.   Plus, there are artworks to view in the Garden's exhibition space, Inverleith House.

The Botanics Shop, located in the John Hope Gateway visitor centre, offers a wide selection of gifts, souvenirs, crafts and plants.  Refreshments are available although check the website for up to date information.

Admission to the Garden is FREE. Please note that the Glasshouses are currently closed to the public as part of Edinburgh Biomes, the Garden's major restoration and construction project.  

Please see our access guide for more information on our inclusive and accessible facilities and services.

During the winter months, the Garden lights up with its magical, illuminated, botanical trail Christmas at the Botanics .  Tickets are now on sale at www.rbge.org.uk/christmas for this enchanting event which runs on selected evenings from November 16 to December 30.

Accessibility

• Hearing Loop
• Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
• Accessible toilets
• Wheelchairs or mobility aids provided
• Children's Menu Available
• Indoor Play Area
• Baby Changing Facilities
• Public Toilet Facilities
• Lunch Available
• Breakfast Available
• Cafe or Restaurant

Payment Methods

• American Express
• Credit Card

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Royal Botanic Garden Visitor Guide

Nestled in the heart of Scotland’s historic capital, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is a verdant oasis that promises an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. As one of the oldest and most important botanical institutions in the world, it’s a must-visit destination for nature lovers, horticulture enthusiasts, and curious travellers alike.

In this article, we’ll uncover the enchanting beauty and scientific significance of this green gem, offering you a glimpse into the experiences that await among its carefully curated gardens and glasshouses.

One of the best botanic gardens in the UK is located in Edinburgh, and a short bus ride from the city centre will allow you to explore over 13,000 different plant species in the most beautifully landscaped and manicured grounds you’re ever likely to see.

The Oxford Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in Britain, with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh coming in second. However, the garden in Edinburgh boasts Britain’s most diverse collections of plants, and across its 70 acres you’ll find yourself transported all over the world, from the low-lying mosses that live in the Peruvian mountains to the dense green vegetation of the Brazilian jungles.

As a place to relax away from the busy city centre, the gardens are only equalled by the Water of Leith for peace and quiet, which is why you’ll always find Edinburgh locals wandering through the grounds. For tourists, the facilities easily match those found at other Edinburgh attractions, with cafés, a restaurant, snack stations, a gift shop, and an information centre catering to the needs of visitors of all ages.

The Highlights

1: The RBGE is renowned for its collection of plants, which is among the richest in the world. Visitors can see a wide variety of plants from different climates and regions, including a large collection of Chinese plants, the famous Rock Garden, and a Scottish Heath Garden.

2: One of the most iconic structures within the Gardens is the Victorian Palm House, the tallest traditional glasshouse in Britain. It offers a unique glimpse into the Victorian fascination with exotic plant species. Inside, you can find a variety of tropical palms and plants, and the temperature and humidity make it feel like you’re stepping into a rainforest.

3: The RBGE is committed to education and conservation. It offers a variety of workshops, guided tours, and educational programmes for all ages. Visitors have the chance to learn about the importance of plants in our world and the efforts being made to protect them.

Visiting Tips

1: Download a map of the gardens from the RBGE website or pick one up on arrival to help you navigate the 70 acres of beautiful landscapes.

2: If you’re interested in a guided tour, look into the options and timings in advance. Tours can offer a deeper insight into the collections and the history of the gardens.

3: Visit the glasshouses early in your trip as they can become quite warm, especially on sunny days. This is also a good strategy to avoid potential crowds that gather later in the day.

Tourist Information

Due to their immense size, the gardens can be entered via several different gatehouses, so it’s a good idea to pick up a map at the visitor centre to get your bearings at the start of your visit.

The gardens themselves are divided into regions of the world that all flow seamlessly into one another, from alpine rockeries to a Chinese hillside garden. If you want to see the majority of Scotland’s wild plant life, then a walk around the Scottish heather garden is a must, and children will delight in exploring the abandoned croft within this area. You’ll even find a small loch nearby for that authentic Highland experience!

Although the gardens are free to enter, it’s well worth paying the entrance fee to get into the premier attraction of the RBGE which is the incredible jungle that lives inside the enormous glasshouses. These glasshouses contain some of the oldest plants in the entire collection as well as some of the largest, and in total, there are over 3,000 exotic plants that have been sourced from across the globe.

Other highlights include a woodland garden, a tree collection, a Rhododendron collection, alpine houses and a botanic cottage (which is used for education and community sessions), while the visitor centre houses exhibitions that change regularly.

In recent years, the RBGE has developed into a world leader for the conservation of plants and currently holds 4% of all known species from across the planet, either in the main garden at Inverleith or the three smaller conservation centres at Dawyck, Logan, and Benmore. In addition, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh holds Scotland’s national reference collection for horticultural resources, comprising over 70,000 books for the use of international researchers.

As previously mentioned, Edinburgh’s Botanic Gardens has its roots (no pun intended…) dating back to 1670 when Sir Patrick Murray donated his private plant collection to the city for preservation after his death. These plants along with other donations subsequently formed the basis of a leisure garden in Holyrood Abbey .

Before long, this site proved to be too small for the ever-expanding collection so it was moved to an area of ground to the east of the Nor Loch, in what is now known as Princes Street Gardens. A third location was developed at Leith Walk in the 1700s in an attempt to move the plant collection away from the pollution of the city centre, and there it remained until it was finally relocated to its current location at Inverleith Row.

Things to Do

Explore the Glasshouses: Discover magnificent glasshouses at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Each one showcases different climatic zones from steamy tropics to arid deserts, all filled with diverse and exotic plant species. You can walk amongst giant water lilies, towering palms, and delicate orchids, experiencing a botanical journey around the world without ever having to leave Scotland.

Stroll through the Rock Garden. This stunning garden is a haven for plant lovers. Showcasing over 5,000 alpine plants in a beautifully landscaped setting, you’ll be mesmerized by how delicate some of the leaves and flowers are.

Enjoy a Walk: The RBGE is set in over 70 acres of landscaped grounds with a network of well-maintained tarmacked paths running through the site. Go for a leisurely stroll through the woodland garden, the Chinese Hillside, and the Scottish Native Plants Collection, and enjoy a free day out that will keep the kids amused for hours on end.

Join a Guided Tour: The Royal Botanic Garden offers a range of guided tours that cater to all interests and ages. From British Sign Language tours to afternoon tea tours, there’s always something exciting happening.

Relax at the Terrace Café: After a day of exploring the gardens, unwind at the Terrace Café. Enjoy locally sourced food with table seating in a relaxed setting. With a menu that changes with the seasons, it’s the perfect place to sit back and reflect on your time at the RBGE.

Things to Do Nearby

The Water of Leith . Inverleith Terrace, Edinburgh EH3 5NU. 8-minute walk. A walkway that runs for 12 miles from the Colzium Hills outside of Edinburgh to Leith. The majority of the path is set on quiet pavement that runs alongside the river. Much loved by locals for its wildlife.

Dean Village . Dean Path, Edinburgh, EH4 3AY. 27-minute walk. The long-since-abandoned mills that used Leith water to power them were the inspiration for the development of Dean Village, a historic neighbourhood in Edinburgh. Today, the attractive buildings and scenic river provide a wonderful photo opportunity for visiting tourists.

Warriston Path . Edinburgh EH3 5JX. 7-minute walk. A disused railway line gives visitors to Edinburgh a picturesque walk from King George V Park all the way to Leith. It is split into Warriston, Goldenacre and Trinity sections, with Warriston being the closest to the botanic gardens.

The Georgian House . 7 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, EH2 4DR. 27-minute walk. The National Trust for Scotland, which is in charge of this genuine Georgian house, has restored each room to appear exactly as it would have in the 18th century. The historic attraction offers fine paintings, costumes, and furnishings to view on a self-guided tour.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society . 28 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 1JX. 25-minute walk. There are two venues for the SMWS in Edinburgh – The Vaults in Leith and Queen Street in the city centre. The Queen Street site offers one of the biggest single malt whisky collections in Scotland as well as a superb restaurant and private tasting rooms.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you need at the edinburgh royal botanical gardens.

The time you spend at the RBGE can vary widely depending on your interests and the pace at which you like to explore. If you’re a plant enthusiast you could easily spend a whole day exploring the various glasshouses, gardens, and exhibitions. If you’re a casual visitor, you might spend between 2 to 4 hours. This would give you enough time to stroll through the gardens, visit the glasshouses, and perhaps have a snack at one of the cafes on site.

For those with limited time, you can focus on particular sections of the garden. For instance, you might choose to visit the Rock Garden and Chinese Hillside, the Glasshouses, or the Scottish Heath Garden in about an hour.

Is the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh free?

There is no fee to visit the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. There is a fee to visit the RGBE Grade-A listed glasshouses.

Is the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh worth visiting?

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is worth visiting for a multitude of reasons. Plant Diversity : The garden is home to more than 13,500 plant species, making it a paradise for nature lovers. It’s an opportunity to see and learn about a vast range of plants from all over the world, including many rare and endangered species. Beautiful Views : With its perfectly manicured gardens, stunning glasshouses, and picturesque views, the Royal Botanic Garden is a must-visit attraction. The Rock Garden, Chinese Hillside, and the Queen Mother’s Memorial Garden are some of the highlights. Events and Exhibitions : The garden regularly hosts events and exhibitions such as art exhibitions, plant sales, workshops, and festivals. Relaxation : It’s a perfect place to relax and unwind. You can enjoy a peaceful walk, read a book, have a picnic, or simply sit and enjoy the scenery. Accessibility : The garden is largely accessible for wheelchair users and people with mobility issues, and there’s a good range of facilities on-site including cafes and shops.

Where is the east gate at the Edinburgh Botanics?

The east gate entrance is located on Inverleith Row/B901, 350 feet from the junction of Inverleith Terrace. Postcode EH3 5LP.

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Craig Neil is the author, photographer, admin, and pretty much everything else behind Out About Scotland. He lives near Edinburgh and spends his free time exploring Scotland and writing about his experiences. Follow him on Pinterest , Facebook , and YouTube .

THE ROYAL EDINBURGH TICKET

This unique ticket is all you need to explore the Royal splendours of Scotland's capital. Valid for 48 hours, The Royal Edinburgh Ticket includes fast track admission to three majestic attractions in Scotland’s capital. Hop-on, Hop-off three Edinburgh Bus Tours as you explore the city between each attraction with panoramic views from the top deck.

48 Hours on our 3 Tours

ENTRY TO 3 MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

Edinburgh castle, the royal yacht britannia, palace of holyroodhouse.

Edinburgh Castle The Royal Yacht Britannia Palace of Holyroodhouse

• Edinburgh Bus Tours ticket sellers will reserve your time slot
• Home to the nation’s Crown Jewels, including the Stone of Destiny
• The One o’ Clock Gun - the famous time signal, firing since 1861
• Spectacular views across the capital
• St. Margaret’s Chapel – the oldest building in Edinburgh
• See Mons Meg – one of Europe’s oldest siege guns

Part accessible see website for details

Which tours go to Edinburgh Castle?

• Follow in the footsteps of Royalty and discover their former floating palace.
• Fascinating audio tour available in 30 languages.
• Discover how the Royal Family and 220 crew lived.
• Relax and enjoy waiter service in the Royal Deck Tea Room.
• Scotland’s best attraction for 12 years.
• The Royal Yacht Britannia is open 7 days a week*
• * The Royal Yacht Britannia is closed 11-23 March and 25-28 June 2024 incl (no alternative offered)

Wheelchair accessible

Which tours go to The Royal Yacht Britannia?

• His Majesty The King's official residence in Scotland
• Magnificent State Apartments used by the Royal Family
• Historic chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots
• Romantic ruin of Holyrood Abbey
• Audio tour in 9 languages
• Palace is CLOSED TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY each week and no alternative is offered (open 7 days July – September only)
• In addition, Palace is closed 29 March 2024, 16 - 25 May 2024, 27 June - 5 July 2024, 25 and 26 December 2024. 

Which tours go to the Palace of Holyroodhouse?

3 great bus tours

• Unlimited travel on our 3 City Tours
• Hop-on, Hop-off our tour buses to visit the Royal attractions
• Valid for 48 hours

Wheelchair and Class 2 mobility scooter accessible

Which tours are included?

• Children under 5 years travel FREE (maximum 2 per paying adult)
• Group discounts available in advance, please call 0131 556 2244 for details (minimum 10 people or minimum 15 people for The Royal Edinburgh Ticket)
• Point to Point fares also available (bus only)
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The Royal Botanic Garden

The Royal Botanic Garden, a natural oasis in Edinburgh

Travel through different climate zones.

Established in 1670, it’s the oldest botanic garden in Scotland. Your visit to the Gardens is like a trip around the world, as you wander through the ten Glasshouses, each built for a different climate zone , including Rainforest Riches, Arid Lands, Orchids and Cycads, and Ferns and Fossils.

These also allow you to enjoy the Royal Botanic Garden in any weather !

Useful Information

10am - 5pm.

Last time slots are 4pm.

Garden Entry

Glasshouse Entry

Glasshouses are currently closed as part of Edinburgh Biomes, the Garden’s major restoration and construction project.

You won’t be lacking for things to see outdoors too, with collections including the Chinese Hillside, the Woodland Garden, the Rock Garden, and the Scottish Heath Garden .

You can also browse the herbarium, which has over 3 million preserved plant species inside.

Seasonal experiences

You might assume that spring and summer are the best times to visit the Botanics, but every season brings a unique experience. See a riot of flowers in bloom in spring, especially in the Rock Garden and Alpine House. Get lost in a sea of green in summer, but still see colour in the Herbaceous Border and the Arboretum.

Admire the changing colours of the leaves in autumn, and spot the fruits and berries appearing in the Glasshouses. Continue to see tropical flowers blooming in the Glasshouses, even in winter , and play in a perfect winter wonderland if it snows.

In December, you can also enjoy the annual Christmas at the Botanics trail , where the Gardens are transformed into a dazzling display of illuminations.

The Royal Botanic Garden can be found next to Inverleith Park, to the north of the New Town, accessible by bus or a 20-minute walk from the city centre.

Get directions to Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden.

Related Activities

As these are gardens, not a public park, bicycles, scooters, balls, kites, and other such toys are not allowed inside.

Don’t miss...

The Victorian Temperate Palm House, built in 1858, and still the tallest palm house in the UK!

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Edinburgh bus tours: Lothian Buses launches new 'Regal' route to highlight Capital's royal connections

Lothian Buses ' has launched a new sightseeing tour to highlight the Capital's royal connections.

Edinburgh Bus Tours, the company's open-top bus division, introduced its brand-new Regal Tour on Sunday March 24. It joins the two existing tours on offer - the guide-led Edinburgh Tour and the CitySightseeing Edinburgh Tour.

The 80-minute Regal Tour takes in key attractions such as the Palace of Holyroodhouse , the Royal Yacht Britannia , and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh , as well as Leith and Newhaven, where visitors can hop off to explore the independent shops, bars and restaurants lining Leith Shore and Newhaven Harbour.

With a multilingual audio commentary highlighting all the key sights as visitors work their way around the city, Lothian Buses says the Regal Tour is a great way to see landmarks and attractions while exploring further afield beyond the city centre boundaries.

Managing director Sarah Boyd said: “We’re delighted to welcome visitors on board our new Regal Tour, which adds another dimension to our already fantastic five- star tour portfolio. We hope visitors to the city will take advantage of our ‘hop-on-hop-off’ tours and take the opportunity to explore our stunning capital city from the top deck.  All of our tickets include excellent added value offers from key partners across the capital.

“The launch of the Regal Tour marks an exciting moment in our long history in the city of Edinburgh and we look forward to welcoming visitors on board. With Edinburgh Bus Tours, visitors can be confident of quality, reliability and value for money”.

And the new tour was welcomed by Neil Christison, regional director at VisitScotland. He said: “It’s great to see Edinburgh Bus Tours investing in the visitor experience in the city and expanding their exceptional tour offering. Edinburgh is steeped in the history of Scotland’s monarchs, and recent events have shown there remains a keen fascination from visitors to our royal connections. Bus tours are a fantastic way to get around Edinburgh and help encourage visitors to explore beyond the city centre and into the bustling communities of Leith and Newhaven.”

The Regal Tour, like the other two, costs £18. Edinburgh Bus Tours’ visitors can also enjoy discounts and offers to other city attractions, such as Lind and Lime Gin Distillery, Johnnie Walker Princes Street, and the Real Mary King’s Close.  And customers can also buy tickets directly from its ticket sellers and drivers for Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Zoo, Edinburgh Dungeon and Dynamic Earth.

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The Bonnie Botany Tour

Explore RBGE’s wonderful Living Collection of plants across its four stunning Garden locations.

The Bonnie Botany Tour is a long distance driving route in the south of Scotland, conceived for lovers of gardens, scenery and Scotland, to complement the North Coast 500. It takes in some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery and offers drivers the opportunity to see the very best of Scotland at their own pace.

Featured in ‘ Take the Slow Road: Scotland ’ by writer, camper van explorer and TV presenter, Martin Dorey, the 380 mile loop links up RBGE’s four gardens, through the Galloway Peninsula (Logan), near Peebles in the Scottish Borders, in Argyll and Bute (Benmore) and Edinburgh.

The Royal Botanic Garden at Edinburgh is the start and finish of this epic drive around Scotland, especially if you are flying in and want to hire a camper or motorhome. As cities go, Edinburgh is one of the finest, with wide streets and a cosmopolitan feel. Stay as long as you like but take the M8 towards Glasgow when it’s time to make your escape. It’s not wildly exciting for the first section, but once you cross the Clyde on the Erskine Bridge and follow the A82 up the western bank of Loch Lomond it starts to get interesting. As with Route 4, take the A83 at Tarbet up to the Rest and Be Thankful before hitting the southern shores of Loch Fyne on the A815.

You’ll enjoy fine views of Inveraray Castle opposite as you drive right along the lochside to Strachur, where the A815 turns southwards towards Benmore Garden along the shores of Loch Eck. You’ll know when you have reached Benmore as you’ll notice the trees get larger here.

From Benmore, travel south on the A815 into Dunoon to take the Western Ferries’ crossing to Gourock. Now you’re on the coast you’ll skirt the shores of the Firth of Clyde until you reach your next stop at Logan Botanic Garden . Follow the A770 south and then join the A78 towards Ayr via Largs and West Kilbride and then turn inland at Ardrossan. At Turnberry the road hugs the coast again, along a stretch of road that’s at once beautiful and a bit grubby, busy but isolated. Continue travelling south on the A77 to Stranraer and take the A716 along the coast on to The Rhinns of Galloway towards Logan Botanic Garden. This is a great part of the drive and includes some lovely stretches of unspoiled costal road, with views over the bay to the Galloway hills.

On leaving Logan Botanic Garden travel north to the A75, which takes you all the way to Dumfries. At Dumfries take the A701 to junction 15 of the M74 where you cross the motorway (don’t go on to it) and pass through Moffat before continuing on the A701 to the source of the River Tweed. This will bring you neatly to Dawyck Botanic Garden . From here it’s a relatively easy roll back into Edinburgh on the A703. And you’re done.

Driving route and map (courtesy of Martin Dorey  ‘Take the Slow Road: Scotland, Bloomsbury Publishing)

Map illustrated by David Broadbent

Discover more

• Climate House Presents
• What's On in the Regional Gardens
• What's On at Edinburgh
• Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE
• Edinburgh Science Festival 2024
• What's On at Logan
• What's On at Benmore
• What's On at Dawyck
• Family Friendly
• Events Calendar
• Art in Edinburgh Garden

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