Highlights
- Four glasshouses of tropical, warm temperate, alpine and succulent plants (weekdays only)
- A restored Edwardian formal garden
- Rock gardens, a water garden, herb garden and herbaceous borders
- Twelve permanent sculptures
- The Attenborough Arboretum nearby, opened by Sir David Attenborough in 1997
About the University of Leicester Botanic Garden
The botanic garden was founded in 1921 with help from the Leicester Literary and Philosophical Society and moved to its present site in Oadby in 1947. It is made up of the grounds of four houses built in the early 1900s, Beaumont, Southmeade, Hastings and The Knoll, which are now student residences or used for the garden's education programme.
The four gardens have been merged into 16 acres of cultivated grounds and glasshouses. The garden supports research and teaching at the university and runs education programmes, and it aims to be the most diverse garden in the region for plants and landscape features.
What to see
- Glasshouses: four houses displaying tropical plants, warm temperate plants, alpines and succulents.
- Edwardian garden: formal planting at the heart of the site.
- Rock gardens and water garden.
- Borders, herb garden and meadow: woodland and herbaceous borders, plus an arboretum area.
- Sculpture: twelve permanent works around the garden.
- Attenborough Arboretum: a separate five-acre site in Knighton (entrance on Carisbrooke Road, LE2 3PF), planted to show native trees in the order they arrived after the last ice age, with a boardwalk and medieval ridge and furrow.
Planning your visit
The garden entrance is on Glebe Road in Oadby, with free car parking on the road and bike racks at the entrance. Paths are suitable for wheelchair users. There is no café on site, and drones, large picnics and music are not permitted.
The glasshouses are closed at weekends, on bank holidays and on university closure days, so come on a weekday if you want to see them. The site closes for safety in high winds, ice or lightning. Guided group tours with refreshments can be booked.
Frequently asked questions
Is the University of Leicester Botanic Garden free?
Yes. Entry to the garden is free, except on some special event days.
Can I bring my dog to the University of Leicester Botanic Garden?
No. Only assistance dogs are permitted.
Where do I park for the University of Leicester Botanic Garden?
The entrance is on Glebe Road (LE2 2LD), where there is free car parking, and there are bike racks at the garden entrance.
Is there a café at the Botanic Garden?
No. There are no refreshment facilities, although refreshments are offered at special events and with booked guided tours.