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Glasgow Botanic Gardens

Scotland

Booking Glasgow Botanic Gardens

  • Step into Kibble Palace, a restored 19th-century glasshouse with an impressive national collection of tree ferns and orchids.
  • Explore the Main Range greenhouses with tropical plants, cacti and succulents in climate-controlled conditions year-round.
  • Meander raised lawns, open flowerbeds, and riverbank paths along the River Kelvin - a peaceful escape inside the city.
Prices from: Free!
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A leafy oasis in Glasgow’s West End, with grand Victorian glasshouses, exotic plant collections and riverside gardens set along the River Kelvin.

Times

Gardens open daily 07:00 until dusk.
Glasshouses open daily: 10:00 to 18:00 (October–March close at 16:15). View all available times here

Attraction Duration

2 hours

Age Range

Fun for all ages

Attraction Overview

Founded in 1817 and relocated to its current 27-acre West End site in 1842, Glasgow Botanic Gardens today showcases over 9,000 plant species housed in majestic Victorian glasshouses such as Kibble Palace and the Main Range. These structures shelter collections of tree ferns, orchids, palms and succulents, many of which are national or conservation highlights

Outside the glasshouses, winding paths lead past rose beds, herb gardens and wooded lawns along the riverbank, offering both shade and scenic views. Visitors can join free guided heritage tours led by the Friends of the Gardens on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays

Be sure to explore...

  • The Kibble Palace dome, with tree ferns over 120 years old and Victorian cast-iron columns.
  • Tropical and desert zones in the Main Range glasshouses, filled with palms, succulents and orchids.r
  • A self-guided Heritage Trail dotted with around 30 info points and scenic river views.
  • Quiet corners like the rose, rock and herb gardens, offering a moment of calm among the flowers.
  • Seasonal events and exhibitions, from rare plant sales to occasional talks in the glasshouse setting.

How to get here

Located on Great Western Road in Glasgow’s West End beside the River Kelvin. The main entrance gates are near Hillhead, with pedestrian access from the adjacent streets. Just follow traffic signage for “Botanic Gardens” visible from the road.