Cambridge University Botanic Garden
A research botanic garden of about 16 hectares, with planning input from Henslow, Darwin's mentor. Its greenhouses, rock garden and arboretum make for a relaxed half-day stroll.
The garden moved to its current site in 1846 and was designed under Professor John Henslow, Darwin's teacher. It holds around 8,000 plant species and offers a peaceful escape from Cambridge's crowds. Highlights include the long row of glass greenhouses (tropical rainforest, alpine plants, cacti and carnivorous plants), a rock garden arranged by geographical region, systematic plant-classification beds, a lake area and a winter garden. The garden also has an apple tree grafted from the Newton apple tree. Adult admission is about GBP 8 (check the official website), and there is a café on site. It is about a 10-15 minute walk from Cambridge railway station and about 15 minutes from the city center, so it works well on arrival or before departure.
Opening hours
Usually 10:00–18:00 (winter closing moved up to 16:00; check official website)
Nearby sights
- The Polar Museum
- Round Church, Cambridge
- Fitzwilliam Museum
- Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences
- Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
- Museum of Zoology, Cambridge
- The Eagle
- Cambridge Market Square