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The 10 Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens to See in the UK

Immerse yourself in nature with a visit.

By: THURSD. | 27-05-2020 | 4 min read
Garden Plants
Botanical Gardens United Kingdom header on Thursd

Let’s face it: you can buy as many houseplants as you want, but there’s nothing quite like being surrounded by the real thing. Besides the fact that it’s pretty beautiful to look at, the natural world has proven benefits for our health; it can improve our mood, reduce stress levels and even improve our confidence and self-esteem. In fact, the benefits can be so significant that doctors in Scotland are now prescribing activities like bird watching and rambling to patients suffering from conditions ranging from mental illness to diabetes.

Botanical Gardens in the United Kingdom

If you want a slice of the action, you’re in luck - there’s a wide selection of botanical gardens across the UK for you to choose from, showcasing beautiful collections of plants for you to browse to your heart’s content. But don’t just take our word for it. If you’ve got no idea where to start, or if you just want to find your next botanical exploit, look through these natural gems and see what tickles your fancy, and plan your tour from there.

1. Kew Royal Botanic Gardens

A quick tube ride from central London lies Kew Gardens, home to the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse, inside of which lies some of the world’s rarest and most threatened species of plants.

 

Kew Royal Botanic Gardens
Kew Royal Botanic Gardens

 

2. The Eden Project

Over two decades ago, a china clay pit in Cornwall was transformed into a living theatre of plants and people. This visitor destination, cultural venue, and global garden showcase our dependence on plants and demonstrate technological ingenuity and the regeneration of landscapes and livelihoods. The Eden Project is an educational charity and social enterprise. Its global mission is to create a movement that builds relationships between people and the natural world to demonstrate the power of working together for the benefit of all living things.

 

The Eden Project
The Eden Project

 

3. National Botanic Garden of Wales

Nestled in the countryside of Carmarthenshire, Wales, lies the region’s national botanical gardens. You’ll want to make sure you add this one to your to-do list; it boasts a number of unique attractions including the world’s largest single-span glasshouse and a tropical butterfly house, home to butterflies including the huge blue Amazonian morphos.

 

National Botanic Garden of Wales
National Botanic Garden of Wales

 

4. The Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Situated on the outskirts of Birmingham, these botanical gardens offer a number of global and historical parks, including a dedicated Japanese garden that houses the national bonsai collection. And if that wasn’t enough, you could also visit the butterfly house and tea room, or take part in one of the guided tours.

 

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens

 

5. Cambridge University Botanic Garden

As one of the top universities in the world, what better place to learn about over 8,000 different species of plants than the University of Cambridge’s botanical garden?

 

Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Cambridge University Botanic Garden

 

6. Sheffield Botanical Gardens

Nestled close to the city center are Sheffield’s own botanical gardens, giving you the perfect excuse to trade the bustle of the city for something a bit greener.

 

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens

 

7. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Even in numbers, Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Gardens are impressive. Featuring 100,000 plants across 70 acres and 10 glasshouses, the living collection is nearly 350 years In person, however, you get to experience the true majesty which Edinburgh’s gardens have to offer. On top of the stunning glasshouses and 3,000 exotic specimens, the gardens boast panoramic views over the city’s skyline, making it an essential part of any visit.

 

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

 

8. Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum

Founded in 1621, Oxford’s Botanical Gardens are officially the oldest in the UK – and they certainly live up to their status. The gardens are home to nearly 6,000 different types of plants, including flowers, cacti, and a dedicated herbarium room, which boasts approximately 1,000 dried specimens.

 

Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum
Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum

 

9. Wakehurst Wild Botanic Garden

If you’re looking for a botanical garden with a difference, try Wakehurst. Situated across 500 acres of wild woodland, the garden is home to expansive meadows and developed woodland which is just waiting for you to explore.

 

Wakehurst Wild Botanic Garden
Wakehurst Wild Botanic Garden

 

10. University of Bristol Botanic Garden

As well as the usual glasshouses featuring tropical and arid displays, Bristol’s Botanical Gardens feature an evolution collection that tells the story of plants from prehistoric times to the present day, including how species have adapted to changes in their environment. Alongside the 4,500 plant species on display, you can also get involved at one of the workshops offered at Bristol, ranging from photography to landscaping.

 

University of Bristol Botanic Garden
University of Bristol Botanic Garden

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