Situated on the banks of the River Kelvin and founded in 1817 by Glaswegian botanist Thomas Hopkirk, the Glasgow Botanic Gardens began life with just 3,000 plants. The garden relocated to its current location in 1839, and today the beautiful space attracts nearly half a million visitors every year.
The park runs free guided tours, so check the website before visiting if you would like to join. Alternatively, the park is perfect for exploring in your own time. Begin your visit at the large glasshouse called Kibble Palace, the main structure in the 20-hectare gardens. The glasshouse was designed in the 1860s by the engineer John Kibble, and was originally used as his own private residence.
Kibble Palace houses an impressive collection of sculptures and statues, including one by the Scottish artist George Henry Paulin that depicts King Robert of Sicily. The glasshouse is also home to a collection of beautiful fern trees, while the 19th-century Victorian buildings called the Main Range Houses contain a selection of tropical plants, including begonias and orchids.
If you have the time, you should follow the Heritage Trail, a map of which is available inside Kibble Palace. Taking about two hours to complete, the trail takes you through 30 different points of historical interest, including train stations and bridges. The arboretum along the trail is home to a tall black oak as well as a weeping ash tree that dates back over 200 years. There is a small café in the gardens, perfect for a rest stop. Alternatively, bring your own picnic and relax on the lawns in front of the glasshouses.
The Botanic Gardens play host to various public events during weekends, including arts and crafts markets, concerts or theatre performances. See the official website for more information on what’s taking place during your visit.
Open every day and free to enter, the Glasgow Botanic Gardens closes at dusk. Bear in mind that the Visitor Centre, the Tearoom and the glasshouses all open mid-morning and usually close earlier than the rest of the park.
The gardens are located about a 40-minute walk away from Glasgow’s city centre. You can come by bus or take the underground to Hillhead station, which is just a five-minute walk away. If you come by car, you can park in the streets surrounding the gardens.
