Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Species-rich botanic garden at the heart of Cambridge.

from 5457 Google reviews

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About the garden

Cambridge University Botanic Garden is the most visited garden of its kind in the UK and it’s not just botany students that flock to its extensive collection. Among the visitors are more than 100 species of bird, including a pair of sparrowhawks and the increasingly rare song thrush.

Established in 1846, the garden boasts over 8000 species encompassing nine national collections from fetching Fritillaries and elegant Bergenias to unusual shrubs. The much older western side is framed by a canopy of mature trees and home to Systematic Beds, with herbaceous temperate plants laid out to aid teaching.

The eastern half of the garden, which was developed in the 1950s opens out onto a drought-tolerant meadow, a scented garden and spectacular planting arrangements. Amongst these ordered gardens, pollinators dance between the bee borders, and brave visitors sniff out the Titan Arum, aka the Corpse Plant, for its pungent whiff. It’s worth noting that the garden is almost as interesting in winter as it is in summer, with plenty of colour and structure throughout the colder months of the year.

A visit to Cambridge University Botanic Garden wouldn’t be complete without paying homage to the famous apple tree, said to be a descendant of the specimen under which Newton discovered the theory of gravity. Family-friendly activities range from craft workshops to educational talks and tours. Don’t miss the cafe, which serves Fair Trade coffee and hot chocolate, with delicious tea and cakes also available.

Opening times

Apr - Sep: 10AM - 6PM Feb, Mar, Oct: 10AM - 5PM Nov - Jan: 10AM - 4PM Last Entry 30 mins before Closing Time.

Useful details

Garden area

40 Acres

Dog walking

No - Guide dogs only.

Cafe or restaurant

Food and drink facilities include a food stall and a cafe/restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating.

Family

Yes - Children of all ages.

Bicycle storage

Yes - Yes - You can lock up your bike.

Wheelchair access

Very accessible (all paths flat and paved).

Shops

Yes - There is a gift shop and plant shop.

Cambridgeshire, CB2 1JE

Check local coronavirus guidance before you visit

Weather forecast

Find the garden

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Cambridgeshire

CB2 1JE

Sat Nav Postcode

CB2 1JE

Public Transport

**Train:** The main Cambridge Railway Station (CBG) is a 5-minute walk from our Station Road Gate.

See National Rail Enquiries for more information.

**Bus:** Please visit the Stagecoach and Whippet websites for the latest updates of bus routes and bus stops.

For information about the Cambridge University Universal bus please visit the Universal bus website.

**Car / Park & Ride:** There is no parking at the Botanic Garden, we recommend the Park & Ride services.

The Trumpington Park and Ride bus stops outside our Brookside gate, on Trumpington Road.

There is limited pay and display parking on Trumpington Road and Bateman Street.

Alternatively, see Cambridge City Council’s parking map.

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Things to see

No features yet for this season

Google reviews

4.7
from 5457 Google reviews

Rebecca Louise

3 months ago

Well worth a visit during October. The trees were beautiful this time of year with all the reds and yellow leaves. Very autumnal. It took an hour and half to walk around the whole place. Its worth the money. We paid standard adult price to get in. There is a cafe there reasonably priced. There are toilets around. Friendly staff at the gate and in the shop.

Carole Dickens

9 months ago

The flowers on the cacti were blooming very beautiful. The walks around the Gardens are very well laid out . Plants are labeled in most places. Lovely flowers and trees,, great map for layout. There is historical information at various points. It was quite beautiful and such a lovely day. The restaurant was busy but great. I had a wrap, which was really nice, cake and coffee which were also excellent. Then bought plants, herbs in the shop and a few other things. I had a wonderful day out and will definitely go again when next I visit my daughter and family. Well worth visiting.

Elizabeth Jackson

12 months ago

A lovely botanical garden in the centre of Cambridge. There is so much to see even in the winter, I'm looking forward to returning during the summer months. A short walk from Cambridge railway station. The winter garden is really beautiful and scented, a real lift during the dull day's. Lot's of places to sit and relax. We went to see the snowdrops, you can't believe that there are so many varieties.

Katarzyna Stopa

8 months ago

I absolutely loved this place! Whether you love plants and are interested in exploring them in a lot of detail or you're looking for a relaxing spot to feel connected with nature and rest for a little bit, this is the perfect place! Not too pricey and so much to see! I loved the green house but every bit of the gardens have many different varieties of plants to explore and enjoy. Totally worth a visit.

Madeleine Lock

7 months ago

The Cambridge botanical gardens are absolutely beautiful. You can tell they are well loved and maintained, the grounds are well looked after and you could truly spend a whole day here just roaming the gardens. I particularly loved the cacti section of the massive greenhouse, so unique and such a great vibe to the whole area.

Contact the garden

01223 336265

botanic.cam.ac.uk/

facebook.com/CUBotanicGarden/

twitter.com/CUBotanicGarden

enquiries@botanic.cam.ac.uk

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