Royal Botanic Gardens - Edinburgh

Overview

Update - The Gardens are open but the Glasshouse is closed at the time of writing (17 Dec 2024) as part of a major renovation of the gardens.

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh are one of Scotland's favourite attractions welcoming over 660,000 visitors each year. Originally founded in Holyrood, the Garden moved to Leith and finally, settled and expanded in Inverleith in 1820.

The Edinburgh Botanic Gardens are especially beautiful in the Spring or on a hot Summer day when the inhabitants of the city come to the gardens to relax. A great place to visit, if you want to escape from the city's busy streets. We also recommend the gardens as the end destination of a romantic walk along the Water of Leith from Dean Village.

There is a self-service coffee shop in the centre of the gardens, with tables outside for enjoying a drink on a lazy sunny afternoon. A recent addition is a new restaurant at the West Gate main entrance. This is a very nice place to go if you want a more refined dining experience with table service.

Well worth a visit on a sunny day if you are feeling the need to escape the noise of the city. No matter how busy it gets, you always seem to be able to find a quiet corner to yourself. The gardens are also home to some very tame Grey Squirrels so you might want to bring them some nibbles.