Guide to Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Don’t go to Cambridge without a visit to Cambridge University Botanic Garden. The garden is just a 5 minute walk from Cambridge station so it’s great to start your day here. The Botanical garden is home to 8,000 different plant species from all over the world. A lot of research and studies are carried out here as well as information used for research workers and at lectures.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Essential Information for Planning Your Visit:
Location and How to Get There
Located on Brookside road this botanic garden is easy to spot as you walk from Cambridge train station. A short 5 minutes walk will take you straight to the gates and a further 15 minutes walk is Cambridge city centre.
Cambridge Botanic Garden Tickets and Opening Times
Cambridge University Botanic Garden opens everyday at 10:am to 6:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased on the day of arrival at the ticket office by the entree gates. But if you prefer to book online, you can do that too, buy tickets here.
The Best Time of Year to Visit
The Botanic Garden can be visited any time of the year since the majority of the plants are inside glasshouses. So it really doesn’t make a difference what season you visit, but to truly enjoy the gardens spring and summer are perfect.
Disclosure: Some of the links on this page contain affiliate links. This just means that if you choose to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
Things to See at the Cambridge University Botanic Garden
There are several garden areas to explore, from the glasshouse and fen displays to the grass maze. All areas are marked with signs and you can get a map of the garden upon entry. The Botanical Garden also holds events throughout the year, so it’s always best to check out what’s on before you visit. A favourite of mine is the Festival of Plants when the garden is in full bloom. During the festival, the garden shop sells new books and all things plant-related. There are pop-ups along the way and ice cream vendors as you walk the trails. It’s really a fun time and enjoyable for families with children
The Garden Café and gift shop
The Garden Cafe is a great stop for lunch or a quick bite. There are plenty of tables and chairs, so there is no need to reserve a table. The gift shop is also worth a browse; you can look through books, plants, arty crafts, and anything that would make a great addition to your own garden at home.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Day
How Much Time Do You Need?
I spent about two and a half hours at Cambridge University Botanic Garden but could have spent longer if I hadn’t needed to go to the city center. You can easily spend an entire day there, from opening to closing, since you can bring a picnic to enjoy in the garden or perhaps bring a book to read.
What to Do Nearby: Extending Your Cambridge Itinerary
Exploring the Historic University Colleges
I recommend taking a walk into the city centre and checking out:
- King’s College Chapel
- Mathematical Bridge
- Trinity Lane, an iconic spot where you’ll see Tudor chimneys
- The Corpus Clock
- Great St Mary’s and go up the tower for stunning views of Cambridge
Punting on the River Cam
A visit to Cambridge city centre is not complete without going punting on the River Cam. It’s a very popular activity and highly recommended. You get to see iconic buildings as you sail down on the river which is operated by a tour guide. The tours are fun, informative and usually last up to 25 minutes.
Best places to eat in Cambridge
- Fitzbillies is a must visit as it’s famous for their delicious Chelsea buns.
- Jack’s Gelato is another great spot, their ice cream is super good.
- Bill’s restaurant is one of my fave places to go when in Cambridge.
- The Eagle is a historic pub that serves good pie and chips.
- Bread and Meat is great for homemade sandwiches and they are super delicious.
More travel inspiration posts for you to read:
