Cambridge University Botanic Garden

A wonderful oasis of horticultural wonder. I visited the botanical gardens last weekend and l loved it, simply can't wait to come back soon. The glass houses are full of rare, tropical plants: Cacti, palm trees, orchids, shrubs with water features dotted around and a wonderfully hidden basin with koi fish in the very middle, there are benches inside to sit and take it all in at a slower pace if one wants to. The outdoor garden doesn't disappoint either and even on a fresh February day it's a marvelous park full of different gardens , pathways and some of the most majestic trees one can behold, one of which is an absolute beast of a Lebanese cedar that simply took my breath away. This beautiful botanical garden can be enjoyed by anyone from single explorers to multi generational families with small children. The facilities on site are spotless and extremely well taken care of plus it has a beautiful gift shop with high quality goods- a great place to pick a gift for someone special. Wholeheartedly recommend this place.

The Botanical Gardens are always lovely any time of year. They are great value for money and very family friendly as they always have free activities for children and there is no charge for them to enter. Lots of lovely plants and different areas from the greenhouses to winter gardens. Only negative points...the food is very expensive and wasn't particularly good (a very bland salad today...apparently it was supposed to have raisins in...I got one! At £6 a bowl I expected flavour and *gasp* a dressing). The other is parking. Not the gardens fault, but there isn't any. This is particularly difficult for disabled people. You can park for 3 hours but that's very little time to visit given the extra time and effort it takes with a disability. There are NO disabled spaces and the pavement is is dangerous for either a mobility scooter or walking aid users. The Council needs to revaluate this! Also wish they'd keep the shop open till 5pm so you can buy stuff on the way out! They are missing a trick there.

Visited to see the Christmas lights show.. Fun laser displays.. Very interesting displays indeed. Lots of spots to take photos. Kids will love it. They have also got a lot of small kiosks selling winter specialties like mulled wine, hot chocolate, waffles etc. Enjoyed it.

The Cambridge Botanic Garden is absolutely amazing—an easy 10/10 if Google would let me. It’s genuinely one of the best places I’ve visited, and I’d rank it right up there with the Fitzwilliam Museum. If I were to return to Cambridge, this would be one of my top stops, whether going alone or with a child. The layout is stunning, the atmosphere is calm and inviting, and you can clearly see how carefully and lovingly the whole place is maintained. Walking through it gave me a vibe similar to gardens in Marrakech, like the Jardin Majorelle beautiful, vibrant, and full of character. I’m extremely happy I got the chance to visit, and I’d recommend it to absolutely anyone. It’s a true hidden gem in the UK and one of my most memorable experiences in Cambridge.

Fun fact: This garden was started by Charles Darwins teacher John Stevens Henslow. He taught his students to observe and draw. So please encourage drawing. We went for the Christmas lights trail. It was a good experience. The children were especially fond of the fairies. I would say a visit is needed around Christmas time.

Good place for a walk! Quiet with lovely fresh air. Some flowers were even blooming outside and the greenhouses are very pretty.

Beautiful well maintained garden, with an interesting variety of plants. Well worth a visit for a peaceful walk, there is also a cafe and a small shop.

We love botanical gardens when we travel. This is my highest recommendation for a visit. The atmosphere and garden itself is emasculate, beautiful and pristine. One of the best £8 you could spend for a day or even hour stop. Nice staff, good food, well maintained. Would definitely go back, you can get lost in the vast beauty of each section for hours!

It is an amazing place to visit if you are going to Cambridge. Try visiting during spring/summer. Even though now, during autumn / winter the colours are amazing. My pictures will describe the place more than my reviews

Such a wonderful way to spend the afternoon! What I particularly love about this garden is its charisma. It is dedicated to the upkeep, but also dedicated to give its plants a little bit of freedom. It's nicely organized, but also full of chances to get lost and explore. There are a lot of styles of plants, as well as landscaping, so there will definitely be something for everyone! Then, be sure to pop in for a snack in the restaurant!

I went to Kew Gardens a few weeks after my visit to the Cambridge Botanic Garden, and I spent the majority of my time saying to myself "it's not nearly as good as the Cambridge Botanic Garden". Why? Whereas Kew Gardens is overpriced, oversold, and a bit of a letdown in general, Cambridge Botanic Garden is the exact opposite. It is an intimate retreat, the perfect place for reflection. The glasshouses are well-kept, and there's a wealth of exciting different plants from around the world to discover in each section. Even though we went in the winter when it was thick with snow, there was still an amazing number of interesting things to see. Even the trees are varied and beautiful. Many gardens I've visited in the past have had too many screaming kids, too much unused space, or have been a little soulless. The Cambridge University Botanic Garden is an absolute treasure, and I have no idea how they manage to keep it so well when the entrance fee is so low. It's a must-visit.

No walk around these Gardens is ever the same twice. The Botanic Gardens are a lovely place to escape the hustle and bustle of town. Beautifully landscaped, with each garden offering something new and interesting, you could wile away hours just taking in the fresh air and the beautiful borders. Well positioned benches allow you to rest your feet whilst admiring the plants, and a handy café provides the perfect place for a quick cup of tea, and a snack lunch. What's more, from mid-November until the spring, entrance to the Gardens is free, allowing you to have a lovely day out without spending much at all. This is a great place to bring young children who just want to have a run around. You don't have to be a plant lover to love these Gardens, and I would recommend anyone who is in the area to have a stroll in and see what the Gardens have to offer - you wont be disappointed.

Whether your a horticultural expert, or someone who knows nothing, you can still learn from and enjoy the University Botanic Gardens! A magnificent array of colours and an aroma so delicate, yet so divine hits you immediately. Its cheap as the soil in the plant beds too!

This is the real treasure of Cambridge, a peaceful, verdant, immaculate space. It's easy to forget just where you are here, just metres away from one of the busiest corners of the city. It's perfect for young children too, safe and clean with no drunks, broken glass or dog crap to worry about.

What a tranquil place to be, especially for a good old reflection. It offers very interesting view such as water garden, rock garden, glasshouse with display of hundreds of species of plants; the list goes on and on. Now something for Eco friendly environmental efficient people (EFEE) this botanic garden has thousands of labelled plant specie arranged beautifully in extraordinary organized beds. It is a great place where the young and grown ups can learn a lot about plants from all over the world. They offer a range of courses such as garden structures, tree identification etc on diffent days, you can visit the website for more details. The best part of your visit will probably be an encounter with the ever-clever squirrel who can take nuts from your hands, cheeky little things they are. It is a lovely place in summer; you can just sit on one of the benches in the beautifully mowed lawn and bath in the sun. It is usually open for visits and group visiting and viewing can be made as well. Verdict: Eco friendly

If you work for the University you may get concessions for this great magical almost secret garden in Cambridge. Very beautiful, quiet oasis of colour and shapes! During the summer its tranquil and relaxing to just take a packed lunch and a book and enjoy. They cater for all in the family too! Try it and see - take a rug, lunch and a book!