Weekend breaks usually mean plenty of walking around exploring a busy, bustling city.
But when it’s time for a break, we think there’s no better way to abscond from the city than getting lost in a botanic garden, amongst finely cultivated lawns and flower beds.
1.Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh was formed at St Anne’s Yard, near Holyrood Place, in 1670, before moving to its current location adjacent to Inverleith Park in 1820. Since the move, the garden has blossomed to become one of the world’s finest botanic gardens and is now home to around 13,500 plant species spread over 116 hectares.
The capital’s botanic gardens offer something for anyone, which is why over one million visitors visit each year visit to enjoy one of Scotland’s most beloved urban conservation areas.
The extensive glasshouses are perhaps the main attraction, with ten to explore containing over 10,000 plants and information for learning as you wander about.
Add it to your Edinburgh to-do list — it’s ideal for a few hour’s downtime over a picnic or just simply reading a book amongst the vibrant colours and wonderful natural scents.
2.Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Founded back in 1840, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, 30 minutes from central London, is renowned as one of the most important gardens of its type in the world.
Kew is home to over 30,000 plants and 7 million specimens, all perfectly preserved, in an area that’s brimming with so much fascinating history you won’t know where to start. You might simply want to stroll, enjoying the gardens and river running alongside, or you could look inside the many historical buildings nestled neatly around 300 acres.
The Palm House is home to the world’s oldest potted plant — which has been at Kew since 1775. Explore the warm rainforest environment, imagining you’re in a hot and humid jungle.
The Temperate House, the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse, is home to rare and endangered plants, while the Skyline Walkway offers 360 views from 18 meters.
The gardens are also home to Grade I listed Kew Palace, the smallest royal palace in the world.
3.The Birmingham Botanical Gardens
At only 15-acres in size, Birmingham Botanical Gardens are smaller than those in Edinburgh and Kew, but no less impressive, with over 7,000 different plants on show.
Opened in 1832 – with the Tropical House, seen by many as the main attraction, opening twenty years later in 1852 – the gardens are brimming with plenty of Victorian history.
The numerous footpaths which wind around the lawns and woodlands are perfect for finding a quiet area of the garden for a moment's respite from a day’s exploration. The Japanese Garden, cultivated by the Botanical Gardens and the Friends of the National Bonsai Collection (FNBC), opened in 1993, and is wonderful in full bloom.
Look out for exhibitions, whether that’s guided heritage tours or beginner nature photography lessons, and truly enjoy this well-maintained oasis in central Birmingham.
Hotels Near Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh<o:p></o:p>
Our Mercure Edinburgh City Princes Street is just over a mile away from the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh and is the ideal place for a good night’s rest after a day in the city.
Searching for hotels near Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh? Our hotel is just over a mile away. Book today.
