Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Species-rich botanic garden at the heart of Cambridge.

from 4880 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

from 4880 Google reviews

Anna Solecka

7 months ago

This is one of the most fantastic places for families with children. All the garden is just Great, with so many beautiful places that are hidden on the way. Every time we go there we can see different species, different flowers. My family love this place ❤

Charlotte Howie

9 months ago

Beautiful place to spend a couple of hours. There was a good range of plants and flowers which were all well signed. We went in early spring so unfortunately missed a lot of the flowering but there was still plenty to see. Imagine it must be incredibly beautiful when everything is in bloom! There were some nice areas which were more interactive, perfect for children to explore. Only downsides are that it's reasonably pricey to enter if not a Cambridge student or friend of the garden (£6.90 per adult as of spring 2021) and there isn't a great deal of parking available. That being said, I would recommend a visit if you're in Cambridge and a fan of gardens.

Keith Hibberd

a year ago

Lovely gardens. Expensive cafe, take a picnic.

Marko Velić

a week ago

A lovely place in the very centre of Cambridge. Lots of impressive trees, an excellent duck pond and rockery and a nice fountain. The kids loved it. There is always some sort of treasure hunt. Last time there was a fox too. There are decent sandwiches at the café.

John Brook

9 months ago

A fun visit with kids. Well labelled, albeit mostly in Latin. Look out though for the Coca-Cola plant in the dry climate garden, pretty sure that's not Latin. Stepping stones across water features, gratuitous bridges across nothing in particular, paths through the trees, and the chance to get up close and personal with some of the natural plant world all adds up to an inspiring experience.

Contact the garden

01223 336265

botanic.cam.ac.uk/

facebook.com/CUBotanicGarden/

twitter.com/CUBotanicGarden

enquiries@botanic.cam.ac.uk

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