Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

About Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Known locally as the Botanics, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has a history that reaches back to the 17th century. Today it covers more than 70 acres at Inverleith, about a mile north of the city centre, and is one of four gardens run by RBGE alongside Benmore, Dawyck and Logan.

It is a working scientific garden as well as a place to walk, and much of its planting reflects plant collecting and research around the world. The higher ground gives a broad view across the city to Edinburgh Castle.

What to see

• Palm Houses: the older house dates from 1834 and the taller rectangular house sits beside it. Both reopened on 2 October 2026 after a five-year restoration, part of the wider Edinburgh Biomes programme. Other glasshouses remain closed for now.
• Rock Garden and Alpine Houses: one of the garden's best-known features.
• Chinese Hillside and Rhododendron Collection: plants from Asian mountains, with a strong spring display.
• Woodland Garden, Pond and Arboretum.
• Heath Garden: home to the Scottish native plants collection.

Planning your visit

The main entrances are the East Gate on Inverleith Row (EH3 5LR) and the West Gate on Arboretum Place (EH3 5NZ). Parking is metered and on-street near the West Gate, with Blue Badge spaces on Arboretum Place. There is a shop, café, toilets including accessible toilets, and pushchair-friendly paths.

The Palm Houses use timed tickets, and booking ahead is recommended. Children under 5 do not need a ticket. Some parts of the garden have temporary access restrictions during the Biomes work, so check the website before you go. The garden can close in extreme weather.