Highlights
- The Glasshouse Range, showing plants from rainforests, arid lands and oceanic islands
- Limestone and sandstone rock gardens for alpine plants
- The Winter Garden, at its best from December to April
- The Systematic Beds, island beds arranged by plant family
- National Collections including species tulips, hardy geraniums and saxifrages
About Cambridge University Botanic Garden
The University of Cambridge had a small botanic garden in the town centre in the 18th century, but in 1831 Professor John Stevens Henslow secured a much larger site south of the city. The new garden opened to the public in 1846 and was laid out in stages, with the eastern half developed after the Second World War under director John Gilmour.
Today the 40-acre garden holds more than 8,000 plant species, grown for teaching and research as well as for visitors. It mixes Victorian glasshouses and mature trees with modern landscapes, and remains a working part of the university.
What to see
- Glasshouse Range: restored houses arranged as a tour of plant diversity, including tropical rainforest, arid lands, oceanic islands and carnivorous plants.
- Rock gardens: limestone and sandstone gardens for alpines; the first rock garden here dates from the 1860s.
- Winter Garden: coloured stems, bark and scent, best from December to April.
- Systematic Beds: island beds that group plants by family.
- Scented garden, ponds and trees: around 2,000 trees, plus several National Collections.
Planning your visit
The garden is a 15-minute walk from the city centre and about five minutes from Cambridge station. There are entrances on Trumpington Road (Brookside Gate) and Hills Road (Station Road Gate). There is no visitor car park, so Park and Ride, the bus or the train are the easiest options; bike racks are available at both gates, but cycling inside the garden is not allowed.
Tickets can be bought on arrival or online in advance, with a discount for advance booking except on special event days. There is a café, a shop and toilets at several points, including accessible toilets. Last paid admission is 30 minutes before closing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit Cambridge University Botanic Garden?
Standard adult entry is £8.60, or £9.50 if you add the optional Gift Aid donation. Children up to 16 go free, and booking in advance gives 10% off the standard price.
Can I bring my dog to Cambridge Botanic Garden?
No. To protect the collections, only trained assistance dogs supporting a disabled handler are allowed.
Is there parking at Cambridge University Botanic Garden?
There is no parking at the garden. The garden recommends Park and Ride; there is limited pay and display parking on Trumpington Road and Bateman Street, and the garden is about five minutes' walk from Cambridge station.