Cambridge University Botanic Gardens

Cambridge University Botanic Gardens

The gardens were opened in 1846 and provide habitat for a wide variety of plant species. There are a number of different habitat zones, including a Rock Garden, featuring alpine plants from every continent, Water Garden, Tropical rainforest, and glasshouses with seasonal displays. The Systematic Beds feature over 80 varieties of flowering plants.

Getting there:

You can walk to the gardens from the city centre - our family has done it, with an 11-year old - in 20-30 minutes. But there are also regular buses that run to a stop just outside the garden gates.

Summing up the Botanic Gardens

We had a lovely family visit, though the weather turned unpleasant and decided to shower us part way through. We sheltered in a gazebo through the worst of the downpour and had a wonderful - if slightly damp - stroll through the rest of the garden.

Families should find plenty of interesting places to explore and lots of space for children to burn off steam! And for adults, the variety of plants makes for a very enjoyable experience, whether you are blessed with a green thumb or not. I personally have an experienced 'brown thumb', but I enjoyed the gardens enormously, even at the end of a tiring day walking around Cambridge.