The Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a paradise of plants, offering nature lovers of all ages a safe and serene place to explore and enjoy Scotland’s wide range of gardens, trees and vegetation. This extensive botanical garden houses numerous interesting facts and information that will educate and fascinate visitors. Moreover, with its prime location in the heart of Edinburgh, a trip to the Royal Botanic Garden makes for an ideal day out for families or solo travelers alike. In this travel guide, we will take a closer look into the fascinating history of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and provide an overview of some of its major attractions, in addition to offering a few practical tips to make the most of your visit.

Interesting Facts About The Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh

1. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is the second oldest botanic garden in the world, and the oldest in the United Kingdom.

2. The Garden was founded in 1670 by the royal physician, Dr Robert Sibbald, and court apothecary, Sir Andrew Balfour.

3. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Scotland and the second most visited botanic garden in the world.

4. The Garden holds Scotland’s National Collection of rhododendrons, as well as a large variety of trees, shrubs, herbaceous and alpine plants.

5. The Garden also has a herbarium, housing over 4 million specimens of dried and preserved plants.

6. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is home to the UK’s National Tree Seed Bank. This bank stores and preserves seeds from around the world and is used for conservation purposes.

7. The Garden hosts an annual garden festival called Gardening Scotland which takes place each May.

8. The Garden runs a number of educational resources and activities for visitors of all ages to learn about plants and horticulture.

9. There are over 20,000 plants in the garden, representing around 4,000 species from all over the world, including an incredible desert bed.

10. The Garden is home to a resident colony of Grey Herons which nest among the trees and can often be seen fishing in the Garden’s ponds.

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History & Information About The Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is located in Edinburgh, Scotland, and is the second-oldest of its kind in the world, after the Oxford Botanic Garden. Founded in 1670 as a physic garden to grow medicinal plants for the University of Edinburgh Medical School, it is an impressive 75-acre garden featuring over 13,000 different varieties of plants from a wide range of habitats, as well as an extensive library, museum, café, and shop. The garden also includes four glasshouses, one of which houses 13 tropical and temperate habitats. Throughout its history, the RBGE has played an important role in plant research and conservation, most famously introducing the world to acclaimed plants such as the Giant Monkey Puzzle Tree and the Himalayan blue poppy. It has also served as a research site for scientists such as the influential botanist Joseph Dalton Hooker, who helped establish the first systematic analysis of the plant kingdom. The botanic garden is now a scientific and educational organization, and its four sites—including three around the world—promote sustainability and foster appreciation for the richness and diversity of the natural world.

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Travel Guide For Visiting The Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh

Welcome to the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh! This stunning garden is set on 70 acres of nature and is home to some of the most varied and beautiful displays of national flora, trees, and plants. Visitors come from far and wide to experience the beauty of the gardens and learn about the rich history of one of Scotland’s most celebrated cultural attractions. Here is a visitor’s guide to the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh:

Getting There:

The best way to get to the Royal Botanic Garden is to take public transportation. It is located at 20A Inverleith Row, just a short walk from the Princess Street tram stop. You could also take the bus, or drive and park in one of the designated parking areas.

Visiting Hours:

The gardens are open from April through October, between 9:30 am and 6:30 pm. During the winter months of November through March, the gardens are open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Attractions:

The Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh offers several attractions for visitors to explore and enjoy. These include the historic Kibble Palace; the botanical glasshouses; the Rock Garden and Mountain Garden; the Wild Garden; and much more. There are also special events and activities throughout the year, like occasional concerts and lectures for adults, and educational activities for children.

Touring Tips:

If you plan to spend more than a few hours at the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, it is recommended that you take advantage of the guided tours. The Knowledgeable guides will provide you with an informative and entertaining tour around the garden. Additionally, the garden offers audio tours that can be rented for 1 GBP. Finally, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera to take pictures of the many scenic spots in the garden.

We hope that this guide will help you make the most out of your visit to the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh. Enjoy!

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh

Q: Where is The Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh located?

A: The Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh is located in Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh. It is situated in the heart of the city on the edge of Holyrood Park.

Q: What is the history of the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh?

A: The Garden was established in 1670 and was originally intended to be a physic garden for the study of medicinal plants. It now covers 70 acres and is home to over 13,000 different types of plants.

Q: What are the opening hours of the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh?

A: The Garden is open daily from 10am to 4pm (last admission 3.30pm).

Q: Is there an admission fee?

A: Yes, admission fees apply for visitors aged 16 and over. A ticket valid for one day is £7.00 per adult, while children under 16 enter the Garden for free.

Q: Is the Garden accessible to disabled visitors?

A: Yes, the Garden has good access for visitors with disabilities. Wheelchair and powered scooter hire is available and there is a unique lift to the John Hope Gateway building. Regular access statements can be accessed on the Garden’s website.

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