Glasgow Botanic Gardens

Botanical garden · Hillhead

Glasgow Botanic Gardens

Botanical garden · Hillhead

4

730 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 0UE, United Kingdom

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Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null
Glasgow Botanic Gardens by null

Highlights

Glasgow's Botanic Gardens is a lush 27-acre urban oasis boasting Victorian glasshouses, tropical plants, winding paths, and serene spots for picnics and strolls.  

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730 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 0UE, United Kingdom Get directions

glasgowbotanicgardens.com

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730 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 0UE, United Kingdom Get directions

+44 141 276 1614
glasgowbotanicgardens.com

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Jul 31, 2025

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@michelinguide

2 Days in Glasgow

"Home to over 9,000 plant species, including notable collections of begonias and orchids. Features the iconic Kibble Palace." - The MICHELIN Guide UK Editorial Team

https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/travel/2-days-in-glasgow
View Postcard for Glasgow Botanic Gardens
@onthegrid

On the Grid : Botanics

"A botanical garden located in the West End of the city. It features many walking paths, glasshouses, a community gardens and educational hub, the River Kelvin runs down the centre and makes for a nice walk. Off the track, lies Glasgow's transport past with a disused platform from the former Botanics and Kirklee railway stations. Kibble Palace is a curved, iron framed space originally used for exhibitions and concert space. The glasshouses are probably the warmest parts of Glasgow and feature foreign cacti, succulents and flora from as far as New Zealand." - Kenna

https://onthegrid.city/glasgow/glasgow/botanics
View Postcard for Glasgow Botanic Gardens
@afar

"Glasgow: The Dear Green Place The Gaelic translation of Glasgow , Glaschu, literally means “dear green place”—an appropriate name for a city which boasts over 90 parks and gardens within its city boundaries. A fantastic example of this is the sprawling Botanic Gardens, which encompasses more than 40 acres of meticulously maintained lawns, flowerbeds, herb gardens, and exotic trees. Walking paths that wind among them make for some of the city’s prettiest spring- and summertime strolling; but even in winter, you can browse among the thousands of blossoming plants collected in the property’s twelve glass houses—including tropical palms, ferns, water lilies, and myriad species of orchids. The largest and most unusual of the glass houses is the Kibble Palace, an 1873-built wrought-iron wonder covering more than 20,000 square feet. For more information about the places and people who make Glasgow special, visit peoplemakeglasgow.us Sponsored by Glasgow City Marketing Bureau"

The Best of Summer in Glasgow
View Postcard for Glasgow Botanic Gardens
@afar

"Glasgow: The Dear Green Place The Gaelic translation of Glasgow , Glaschu, literally means “dear green place”—an appropriate name for a city which boasts over 90 parks and gardens within its city boundaries. A fantastic example of this is the sprawling Botanic Gardens, which encompasses more than 40 acres of meticulously maintained lawns, flowerbeds, herb gardens, and exotic trees. Walking paths that wind among them make for some of the city’s prettiest spring- and summertime strolling; but even in winter, you can browse among the thousands of blossoming plants collected in the property’s twelve glass houses—including tropical palms, ferns, water lilies, and myriad species of orchids. The largest and most unusual of the glass houses is the Kibble Palace, an 1873-built wrought-iron wonder covering more than 20,000 square feet. For more information about the places and people who make Glasgow special, visit peoplemakeglasgow.us Sponsored by Glasgow City Marketing Bureau"

Sport and Leisure, Glasgow Style
View Postcard for Glasgow Botanic Gardens

Kimberly Sypert

Google
Since it was a rainy day we visited the greenhouses at the garden. They went on and on. It was the perfect peaceful afternoon listening to the putter patter of rain on the glass windows. The inside gardens were well maintained and we were in awe with the number of plants. The gardens are all free to visit.

Iori Thorpe

Google
One of my favourite botanical gardens and favourite place in the city. The carnivorous plant house is my favourite! Feels like I'm on another planet. The gardens are such a calm oasis in a busy city and can transport you to the most exotic environments and escape Scotland on particularly wet, uninspiring days. Huge respect for the gardens and all the hard work that goes into them!!

carla ravey

Google
Such a beautiful place and massive bonus that its free. The glass houses are stunning and the park is a lovely place to stop and enjoy the sun. If you can dodge the scotch rail Amazing range of plants inside the glass houses, definitely worth a visit if you're in the area

Kathy Turner-Hart

Google
What a beautiful place! Visited in the rain to find 2 massive beautiful and extensively planted greenhouses. The larger one has multiple rooms and biomes. You could lose yourself for hours.

Büşra Zeybek

Google
I loved the atmosphere here. Both the Kibble Palace and the park were so pleasant to visit, especially when the sun was out. Some areas are a bit rusty and could use more attention, particularly in the conservatory, but that's quite understandable considering the whole place operates through charity and volunteer work to offer free entry. It's definitely worth a visit to enjoy this oasis in the heart of the city..

Cody P

Google
A visit to the Glasgow Botanic Gardens was a relaxing escape from the city on a dreary day. There was lots of offerings that kept us entertained for at least an hour or two, and even if you’re not a plant professional, you’ll enjoy what these gardens have to offer. And the best part: free!

Beka O

Google
Beautiful free botanical garden. Lots and lots of interesting plants to see. Nice for a rainy day activity it's mostly inside... Well worth a visit. They had a big book sale on too...

Evelyn

Google
The Glasgow Botanic Gardens were an absolute must-see during my trip! Despite the chilly weather, stepping into the warmth of the greenhouses was so refreshing. The variety of species inside is incredible, and I loved wandering through the different areas, taking in the stunning plants and flowers. It's free to visit, though donations are welcome, which makes it even more accessible. The highlight for me was definitely the Kibble Palace. This glasshouse is truly breath-taking, filled with an astonishing collection of plants from different climates and zones. From carnivorous plants to a mini rainforest, there's so much to explore and appreciate. The craftsmanship of the building itself is also impressive—it's a perfect mix of nature and architecture. I could have easily spent the entire day there. The park is much larger than I expected, and it's a great spot for a relaxing stroll or a peaceful picnic. There are also plenty of opportunities to take beautiful photos, making it ideal for anyone who loves nature or photography. We spent about 1 to 2 hours walking around, and it was definitely time well spent. The gardens are well-maintained, and the peaceful atmosphere offers a lovely escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. There’s also a cafe and toilets on-site, which is always a bonus. Overall, Glasgow Botanic Gardens is a true oasis in the city, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting. You won’t regret it!
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Michelle L.

Yelp
These are beautiful and free gardens to visit. I saw cash donation bins. You can also donate to RSPB to aid Scottish wildlife with card. There was an ice cream and beverage station. There are water refill stations and toilets. Inside the greenhouses are pretty warm, and it's nice to take photos. There's a children's garden and plenty of paths to get steps in. There are also many restaurants and shops nearby.
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Dave C.

Yelp
Free attraction that can take anywhere between 2 hours and 6 hours depending on your taste. Has 2 good sized buildings with multiple rooms each with plants from all over the world running the gamut from rainforests to cactuses and even a Scooby Doo plant! The grounds contain local bushes, various trees, a rose garden, an open green area, a kid's playground, and a food stand. You can also walk to the river,
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Renee C.

Yelp
The architecture is beautiful, but the flowers it contains are even more beautiful. There are entire rooms dedicated to amazing flowers such as an entire orchid room, a snapdragon room, and a desert flower room. There is a large rainforest-esque room where the room is constantly in a state of misting rain and the foliage droops down to brush your shoulders when you walk by. It is one of best places in the world and made me so happy to just walk through this entire garden time and time again
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Bridget H.

Yelp
This is a MUST stop when in Glasgow. First, this place is free to go to! It's absolutely beautiful and quiet. These grounds are beautifully maintained, and you could easily spend a whole day here reading. They have a food truck here that many people where at. There have hundreds of species of plants to see. These botanical gardens are excellent and one of the best places in Glasgow. It's a quiet nature oasis to get out of the busy city.
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Maddie H.

Yelp
My friend and I were staying in a B&B near the botanic gardens and decided to walk through and explore since it was free admission. The main glasshouse is called Kibble Palace, named after its architect. Even though it was cold weather outside, the interior the glasshouse holds a variety of blooms. It was a nice, humid reprieve from the weather outside. We admired a few of the plants and then walked around the well-kept grounds. We spotted signs of an old railway station which used to be on this site. Even this was covered in green. I imagine that this is a nice place to visit no matter what time of year. If it is Winter and you are missing the bright blooms of Summer then the glasshouse has this. In the Summer I think the surrounding park would be perfect for a picnic or reading a book. One of the highlights of Glasgow!
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Gordon F.

Yelp
I think the botanic garden plants are going into the new outdoor water park next to the transport museum. It's built in 2 yrs. It's going to be amazing. You should look it up. Like, a, big glass house, sauna, steam rooms etc big chutes. Next to the river Clyde.
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Nathan S.

Yelp
Extremely underrated spot. It's 100 percent free to enter and browse. Did it with my ex a few years back and had a blast. Man, it brings back memories of young love. We also had some kids find a dead rat and threaten to throw it in my bookbag, but hey, that's Glasgow, lol.
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Grahame G.

Yelp
What's not to love about the Botanic Gardens? An oasis of greenery in the West End since 1842, the Botanics houses an internationally-acclaimed collection of plants and trees. It was originally set up to provide a teaching collection for Glasgow University, to provide plants for botanical and medical courses. The magnificent Kibble Palace glasshouse was relocated from a private garden at Coulport on Loch Long in 1873, and was completely restored with millennium funding. Its collection of tropical tree ferns is a wonderful place to hang out on a cold winter day, and they have frequent exhibitions and events inside. The main conservatory is a veritable maze of glasshouses, each with different habitats showcasing different areas of the world - again, it's great to wander through here on cold days. There are lots of different areas to explore in the rest of the gardens, there's even an old railway running underneath the gardens and you can gaze down into the platforms. The gardens extend over the hilltop to give access to the River Kelvin Walkway at the rear, and if you go out the Kirklee gate and follow the signs you will find the 'extension' garden that is the Arboretum. This tends to be a lot quieter than the main part.
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Rebecca D.

Yelp
I have many happy memories from time spend in Glasgow's Botanic Gardens. From events like Bard in the Botanics and BBC Stargazing Live, to wandering around the glass houses and the Kibble Palace, to just sitting around eating ice cream, it's hard to think of a time I've been in the Botanic Gardens and not enjoyed myself. So what should you know? Well, first off it's bigger than it immediately appears, maybe about half the size of Kelvingrove Park. I spent a lot of time never venturing far from the glass houses, but there is more to see and it's worth exploring. Case in point: A little exploration will allow you to find the old Botanic Gardens Railway Station - one that has long been out of use. There's also a whole bunch of events that get organised here every year. Bard in the Botanics is one high light, with performances of Shakespeare throughout the summer which only occasionally get rained off. At other times of year events tend to take place indoors but there's usually something going on. The Kibble Palace is really amazing, not just for the plants (which certainly are amazing) but also for the architecture. It's all wrought iron and glass and it's full of statues and sculptures. It's free to explore it, so if you're visiting the gardens and you skip the palace, you're missing out. You can get onto the Kelvin Walkway from the Botanic Gardens too, and then you can follow it all the way to Kelvingrove Park without ever noticing that you've left green spaces. A brilliant opportunity to hide from the city.
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Michael B.

Yelp
A verdant oasis in the West End of Glasgow, created by a 19th century botanist to supply the nearby university. What's present today is an immaculately-kept outdoor space to wander around, escape the city and explore. They have plenty to see, from herb & vegetable gardens to massive Monkey puzzle trees. For me, the most visually impressive (man-made) part was the wrought iron framed glasshouse known as Kibble Palace - it was interesting to find out that part of it was originally a conservatory for John Kibble's house in Loch Long, before it was brought up the River Clyde by barge and reconstructed in the park. The main range of glasshouses, just above KP, is where the majority of the plants are kept, in various environmental conditions (from dry desert heat to dank rainforest). Some of the specimens we came across were unbelievable - you'd never seen plants like it before. My expectations of the place were really exceeded - if it's a fine day I'd thoroughly recommend a visit.
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Eilidh G.

Yelp
I love the botanic gardens, I live near one of the entrances and often use it as a short cut to get to Byres road. There is the main bit of the gardens where the glass houses are. It's great if you have a day to just wander about and investigate. There is an old underground train station near great western road that you world easily miss. There's also a route that take you all the way down to the old big Blu and then if you keep going you'll arrive at Kelvingrove park. I love going all through the year as its changes so much with the seasons. There is also a lovely little children's play area and childrens garden to.
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Monique D.

Yelp
This was our morning walk spot everyday we were in Glasgow. It's quite large, very beautiful and lots of great paths are available for exploring. I love Glasgow!
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Katerina H.

Yelp
Admittedly these are not the best or biggest botanic gardens in the world, but hey, the entrance's free! It's a great place to go for a walk, to wander around on a sunny afternoon or just sit and relax for the moment. There's not much to see on the outside, besides a wee herbal garden, a rose garden, the remains of an old train station and a whole lot of squirrels, but the glasshouses make up for it. There are 2 big glasshouses divided into various parts - including an orchid or a carnivorous plant collection and there's also usually artwork displayed in one of them (the Kibble palace). No matter what the season, there's always something blossoming and there are people making the best of what the day has to offer - whether it's by sun bathing or making snowmen!
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Leanne G.

Yelp
So this evening my family and my husbands family decided to have a night out in Glasgow. So we decided to take ourselves to the light show at the Botanic Gardens. Well - if you haven't bought tickets yet - DONT BOTHER. Really all it was, was some colored lights in the trees - nothing fancy nothing different just lights. No up beat and fun music - just droning noise at some points throughout the park. My son & my niece - aged 11 were bored out their face. Myself and my husband were just looking forward to going home as was my sister and brother in law. This is a park in Glasgow that should have lights like this all year round and not a paid event.
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Austen M.

Yelp
I love the Botanics. Trudie M and I had our wedding pics taken here so it always brings back great memories when we go for a walk through it like we did tonight. There is no better way to celebrate the start of spring. (Hopefully - Fingers crossed) It is a beautiful spot when the sun is out, it's great for walking the dog or sitting on a bench and watching the world go by. It's always rammed during summer as people look to soak up the rare Glasgow Rays. Looking forward to summer already!
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Christina R.

Yelp
I love going here such a beautiful well kept place such beautiful flowers love to walk around the gardens and glass house would recommend everyone to go visit this beautiful place
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Amieelynn B.

Yelp
So beautiful, I could've spent all day here if I had time. A must see if you are in Glasgow. Also, historical significance for people interested in that.
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Brooke U.

Yelp
Even when google said we would be going at the busiest time, we hardly saw anyone!! Enjoyed each greenhouse, and really enjoyed the individual gardens. It was gloomy and slightly raining but the beautiful greenery and bright flowers made for an impeccable sight. I loved every moment. Probably my favorite spot in Glasgow!
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Ian M.

Yelp
When the sun comes out in Glasgow, there's only a handful of places worth heading to, the botanics is one of those places. With an amazing display of green fingered prowess and some international flavour on my doorstep, the botanics is where I head to get some space or catch up with friends over lunch. With access to the Kelvin Walkway closeby its definitely one of the nicest gateways to some of the places that make Glasgow a dear green place.
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Lindsay C.

Yelp
I love visiting the Botanics - on a sunny day it's glorious and on a cold rainy day the warm humid glasshouses provide a tropical escape. The trees, plants and flowers display a wonderful array of colours, shapes and patterns. The Kibble Palace houses a lush jungle of ferns, palms, and plants from around the world. There's a fish pond at the entrance with rooms at either side exhibiting carnivorous plants and cacti. Entry is free, and there are often art/craft fairs, plant sales, etc. at the weekend. Special events are also held here like the Bard in the Botanics performances and Electric Gardens, plus the Kibble Palace can also be hired as a venue for private events.
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Laura S.

Yelp
I love this place! It's perfect for me to chill out in my lunch hour in the sun. If I want to do more then there's paths to wander, a children's play park if you have kids, there's an indoor fish pond, lots of outdoor flower and plant displays & a big indoor flower building (no idea what you call these!). There are toilets and a van selling food & drinks. A must do if you are visiting the west end.
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Brian S.

Yelp
I really loved visiting these gardens on the West side of Glasgow. With free entry and spread over a large area, the Botanic Gardens really make for an excellent afternoon. We visited on a beautiful (though chilly) Spring day, and loved exploring the various different climates simulated in the glass houses. There are two large houses of this type, both containing a wide array of fascinating, colourful plants. It was cool to walk from very dry, arid conditions, to extremely humid rainforest, only going through one door. There is a very professional team taking care of the gardens, keeping plants watered, and available to answer the public's questions as well. There are interesting explanations provided for several plants, and I enjoyed the themed areas such as "South America". Also on site is a tea room. I took a look at the menu, which looked quite nice, and the place was certainly very busy, including the outdoor seating area. However, we were a little pressed for time, so didn't partake in tea here at the gardens. Definitely somewhere worth visiting. An excellent facility for the people of and visitors to Glasgow.
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gareth v.

Yelp
As a fan of long, lonely walks, I often start at The Botanics when I fancy a stroll down the Kelvin. The grounds are large enough to get lost in, and there is a herb garden and an underground railway station, now abandoned and relatively inaccessible, unless you are happy clambering over fences. It is also the home of the annual Shakespeare festival. Here, you can see straightforward productions of the Bard at cheap prices, in something like site specific spaces. It is conventional enough in production- don't expect a post modern Macbeth, but last year's Richard III was a god run through of the murderous Tudor propaganda piece. I also saw Belle and Sebastian do a huge free gig here a few summers ago. There was something about this show that captured the best of Glasgow- a tipsy crowd, peaceful and chilled, listening to a local band who had hit the headlines without loosing their Glasgow touch. I had a picnic in the same place this summer... without even mentioning the extensive conservatories, I have realised how much I enjoy lazing around in this delightful park.
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Jordan S.

Yelp
Beautiful gardens; a great relaxing spot for people of all ages. A full walk through the gardens can take several hours: lots to see.
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Steven B.

Yelp
I remember going here when I was a kid with School. We got lost, and we got into loads of trouble. With hindsight, I can only imagine we went there with School because it was free. Now though, I still go every now and then when I am over on the West End. It is in a good location, near Hillhead tube station and loads of local shops to pick up some munchies and go on a wee adventure. It's hard to miss, with the huge glass dome and once inside, there are a lot of different flowers, in areas with different temperatures. It is well maintained and a nice way to disappear for an hour if its raining outside. It's also a lovely place to go when it is NOT raining, lazing around outside on a lazy summer day. I doubt if I would go if it wasn't free, but that is not to fault the place. Well worth a look.
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Nicola H.

Yelp
What a beautiful part of the city. You really feel like you are in your own little oasis of calm. Very very busy on the rare sunny days that we have but plenty of benches around to perch on. On this visit we tried to get a space up in the tearooms to sit outside but it was far too busy. I always mean to spend more time here and i think i will do if the lovely weather stays like this!
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Tracy W.

Yelp
A lovely (and free) green space in Glasgow. It's got all kinds of plants, trees, flowers and more. I just like to walk around, or maybe score a nice seat on a bench in the sun. Pro tip: the bathrooms are a good stop when wandering down the Kelvin Walkway! Just cross the bridge and walk up the massive flight of stairs.
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Jeevan M.

Yelp
How have I not reviewed this place?!! The Botanics sit off two of the busiest streets in Glasgow, yet as soon as you move past the old gates, it feels like you've walked into tranquil oasis. I always used to think of the Botanics as the posh park of the west end (it is) and a bit boring, but having lived (almost) opposite it for the last 6 months, I've begun to see it in a completely different light. Walk away from the kibble palace, main grass bank & the greenhouses and it really does feels quite secluded the farther away you go. The rose garden at the top of the slope is a tranquil little spot, with specimens from across the globe. It's great for catching the sun away from marauding kids & chatting parents. In addition to the rose garden, there's a kids playground, the old Botanics underground station, the amazing tropical greenhouses (my favourite part), the beautiful Kibble palace to keep you wandering, as well as access to the Kelvin Walkway. If you've spent all day in the sun, there's a wee trailer selling drinks and food, or if you're out to treat your grannie, there's even a tearoom. There are regular events on in the palace & the park, from book/craft sales to Yoga and walking groups. I love the tranquility of this beautiful Victorian oasis, for a small park so close to a main road, it's remarkably easy to find a spot to tune out the world & catch up with friends or read your book. Due to its location on the hillside, you get great views of the setting sun, making it an ideal place for a few pictures or a romantic walk with your s/o (or just your dog). For such a small park, there're a lot of attractions meaning that whether you're in Glasgow for a day or a wegie 4 life, there's no reason not to visit this magical place
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Francesca P.

Yelp
Love love love waking around the Botanics. It's so pretty to walk around and is looked after extremely well. I went on Saturday and there were enough benches that weren't completely full, so my friends and I were happy we could sit down and chill. It's nice watching people with dogs etc walking by and the atmosphere in Botanics is always great. Nice little park for a lunch time or weekend stroll.
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Darryl R.

Yelp
The Botanical gardens are far classier than Kelvingrove Park. The warden's make sure of that. A lovely garden just off Great Western and Byres Road, this place has the classic botanical greenhouses (Victorian style), children's play area, and of course, plants! It's a great place to go and chill out - buy an ice cream and take a stroll around the gardens - they even have paths which lead down to the river Kelvin, and beyond. The greenhouses themselves are mighty impressive. With plants from all over the world, a koi-carp pond (these fish are HUGE!) and graceful statues adorning the edges, they are beautiful. The Botanics are popular with familys, and locals alike, as they also hold cute little events - story reading for the kids, and sometimes even puppet shows, or Shakespeare readings for the adults. Fantastic. The West End festival parade also travels through here... So, to sum up? It's a great place to get lost in for a few hours...
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Gordon W.

Yelp
Why can't entry to all Botanic Gardens be free like this one? The Botanic Gardens at Benmore, near my home town of Dunoon, ain't free. But the Glasgow Botanic Gardens are just as lovely, if not better. The fact that anyone can get in for free is a credit to Glasgow City Council. I do criticise the council a lot, but you can't take that away from them, nor the massive amount of work which no doubt goes into the upkeep of a place like this. The huge lawn near the main entrance is a very popular spot for young, student sunbathers in the summer, with a very relaxing vibe in the air. The impressive Kibble Palace, as well as having lots of tropical orchids and plants, has a pond containing abslolutely HUGE koi carp - I haven't seen fish this big since my grandpa's last goldfish. There are plenty of walking routes in the gardens; it is particularly nice to have a stroll through the woods or along the River Kelvin. And better still, it seems to be quiet most of the time, the way beautiful places like this should be.
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Gordon M.

Yelp
My nearest park and what a lovely lovely place on a summer's day. For such a small space there are plenty of corners to hide away in if you want some peace and quiet, plenty of places to wander round, indoor and out and as it's on my route down to Byres Rd I often pause here on one of the benches to take in the view. It's always busy at the weekends (weather dependant of course) but never crowded. If you are lucky you'll find the hidden Subway station, or the 'scent' gardens, you might even get to hand feed a local, friendly, squirrel! There is a great wee coffee stall too and if the rain does come on, just duck into one of the 'greenhouses' for some amazing exotic foliage and flowers.
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Caleb D.

Yelp
I'm not sure if i can speak any higher of this place. Its by far one of the best free things to do with your time in Sunny or if the case may be un Sunny Glasgow. Well, what to say. First of all the Sunny stuff. Sunny days in Glasgow are a bit like nice conservatives, hard to find and too suprising to your being for you to actually enjoy them. If however your able keep yourself from reeeling in suprise enough to enjoy the bright fiery balls annual display in these parts, then the Botanics is one of the best places to enjoy it. The crowd at the Botanics is more familly orientated than that of Kelvin Grove, whichh is nice when you have a little one and want to avoid the slightly drunken mob feel which has been known to raise its head in the latter. Beutiful lawns are interspersed with shady wooded areas, benches, a recently added pond and an outdoor garden area (for a kids group mostly but open to all us big folk as well). It truly is a an excellent area to just relax and enjoy the fresh air. If however the Glasgow weather is behaving itself and not acting all nice in front of company, you know like the dog who humps everything until you take him to the vet, and by behaving i mean pissing it down, then the green houses and the Kibble palace (the big white old one near the front) really come into there own. Inside you'll find a wide array of exotic plants, trees etc, as well as benches (in the kibble) a pond with fishy fishy fishes and some cool nudie statues (old school porn). This is a god send for those with kids looking for a place to let them roam for free on a crappy Scottish day. Its warm, safe and such a cool envirenment to be in. So yeah. A real jewl in Glasgow's crown and a must visit for Glasgowites and visitors alike, and hey, its only a 5 min walk form the Hillhead Subway so no excuses ok??
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Jen L.

Yelp
Visited April 2015: "A walk in the park" We walked around the premises, and went into both of the glassed gardens. We went through Kibble Palace first. In the map, there's a color coded legend with the areas of the world the plants originate from. It was nice to walk through a warm area on a cold Glasgow Morning. We then walked to the Main Range where my friend has some issues with her allergies over the blooming flowers. We saw cacti from where I reside, along with a rain forest. Most of the beds on the grounds were not in bloom yet but we were able to see some herb, veggies, chronological gardens. We were worried about our parking, so we did not get to the 9/11 memorial. While walking back to the car, we noticed a woman and her 2 children whom were trying to pet the squirrels. The Squirrels were coming up to the children that they were practically stepping on the childrens' shoes. After they left, I checked my purse for any provisions. I located a nutria-grain bar, and sat down on the pavement. The moment the bar came out of my bag, and as I proceeded to open it - I had one squirrel in front of me "assisting" with gaining entry to the enclosed item. He took a piece from my hand, as well as one of his other friends. One of the friends was shy, but came close to pick up the food nearby me. My friend took pictures of the event, and a video.
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Donald M.

Yelp
The Botanical gardens can be found at the corner of Great Western and Byres Road, entry is free of charge. There is a glass house with marbled Italian statues and tropical plants and flowers. Outside there are well manicured gardens with seating there is a ice cream stall and a tea room there. An ideal day out in the summer with the family.
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Francesca R.

Yelp
Glasgow certainly isn't lacking in parks, but the Botanic Gardens has a serious advantage over all the rest--two enormous greenhouses where you can find all manner of living, blooming fauna year-round. What could be better in a city renowned for its perpetual rain and chilly temperatures? Not only that, but one of the greenhouses--the Kibble Palace--is a bright white monument to Victorian aesthetics at their best. Both greenhouses are warm and smell fantastic--all those flowers in bloom can't help but win over your senses and lift your spirits. The park itself is a lovely little meander, with plenty of interesting plant life of its own being cultivated. Plus kiddies--it's all free!
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Kacie M.

Yelp
When the sun actually peaks its way out, there's nothing nicer than a day at Botanic Gardens. It's a great place to lounge about on the grass alone or with friends or to take a walk and look at the flowers. It's a popular location when the weather's nice, but even then it's easy to find a nice spot for yourself on the grass.
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Robert C.

Yelp
What a fantastic place! A proper old Victorian glasshouse complex with different plant zones to explore - warm rain forest, desert, temperate and all that stuff. Of course, being free is a big bonus too. A great place to spend a rainy, haily, snowy day in Glasgow.... like we did!

Sara M.

Yelp
A beautiful park with a very relaxed and family friendly atmosphere. Things to do at the Botanics: Grab a coffee from "the tardis" at the park gates Check out the Kibble Palace Find the train tunnel which runs right through the park Follow the path down to the Kelvin Walkway Visit the Children's Garden Have a picnic Have afternoon tea at the Tea Room Take in a Shakespeare play during the summer at Bard in the Botanics Pretend you're in the rainforest in the greenhouses Explore the night sky at Stars Over the Botanics
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Martin R.

Yelp
Glasgow's Botanic Gardens is my favourite of Glasgow's wonderful parks. Not the biggest by any means, but perfectly formed with something for everyone at any time of the year. Entering from the top of Byres Road, the fine gatehouses which flank the entrance are wonderfully grand. Continuing into the park the path curves round revealing the beautifully restored Kibble Palace glasshouse. Here are a collection of statues, plants, art, and fish - perfect for relaxing and reading a book, people watching, or just strolling round. Interesting factoid: the goldfish moved here from Edinburgh's Royal Museum when it closed for refurbishment and they faced an uncertain future! Continuing through the park is the tearoom, main lawn and main glasshouses - full of fascinating flora from around the world - my highlights being the Orchid collection and hot, humid jungle. There's a great kids playground, with climbing wall, lots of spinny things, psychedelic things, noisy things. My niece loved it, despite being a bit too young for most things. For older kids, there's a children's' garden too. Herb gardens, woodland, ice cream and coffee kiosks, the gardens Arboretum, and hidden subterranean railway station will also keep you occupied. In summer the main lawn is bustling with people enjoying the sunshine and picnics, while the winter sees wrapped-up walks and a warm-up in the glasshouses. Winter also features the Electric Gardens (started 2014, repeated again in 2015) where the gardens are illuminated with lightscapes, light and sound installations, performers and interactive exhibits (ticketed event). My favourite autumn or spring Sunday afternoon starts with a wander through the park and glasshouses, a coffee, then descend the steps (near the tearoom) to the river Kelvin. A stroll along the Kelvin walkway to Kelvingrove Park, perhaps stopping off at Inn Deep enroute winds up the afternoon nicely!
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Katie A.

Yelp
Let me give you a little tip. When you're cold and wet and wishing for hot summer days, here's what you should do. Preferably get yourself a friend or two, although this can be done just as well on your own. Make a little trip to one of the endless food shops on Byres road and pick yourself up a little picnic. Then, head up to the Botanic Gardens and walk up through the beauty of the gardens. Feeling better already? I thought so. Once you get into the main part of the park, head off into the big Victorian-style greenhouses on your right. Make your way beyond the Wardens (they can be quite mean....) and into the main body of the green house. Once you're there, pick a bench (preferably one out of sight of anyone else) and sit down to your picnic. Not only is the greenhouse full of bright plants and bushes - it also gets really really hot in there. Now, sit back and pretend it's summer. Perfect!
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Gavin M.

Yelp
If you can blank out the guitar strummers, the Botanic Gardens is as pleasant a place to sit on a summer's day as you'll find in Glasgow. It's also mercifully free of the Magners swilling students whom plague nearby Kelvingrove Park every day it's not raining, and offers a far more serene, genteel experience. As a nature lover who truly feels at one amidst the rich vegetation, I highly rate the glasshouse as well.
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Eleanor M.

Yelp
There's nothing more relaxing than a walk through the Botanic Gardens, tourists and locals alike. Whenever I have friends who live abroad staying with me I always take them to the Botanics, it's so chilled out and on a nice summers day it's great having a browse around and then heading for some lunch in one of the many cafes the West End has to offer. I also really enjoy sitting outside the Botanic Gardens in the summer with a wee picnic or to look over some Uni work ahh, the simple things in life! As well as the occasional yob with a Buckfast bottle soaking up the sun there are still a lot of boho's that enjoy sitting in Botanic Gardens. A guy I used to go to Uni with invited me here a few years ago as he was heading down with some friends with an accoustic guitar and a shisha pipe to "embrace the goodness" I guess that sums it up really.
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Em C.

Yelp
The Botanics is a gorgeous park, compact enough to get around easily. There are some beautiful flower beds (best seen in spring) well kept grass, the Kibble Palace, the flower hothouse (plentiful in plants), and....a burger van. Guess you can't escape from good old Glasgow for long! But in all seriousness, it's lovely. Grab a brew at the van and enjoy a walk on one of our milder winter days, sprawl out on the grass in the summer and marvel at the vibrant colours of autumn. It is truly a park for all seasons. Out of all the parks in Glasgow I find this to be a bit swankier than the rest. Interpret that how you will, but I guess I mean in the summer it's a better place to take a visiting relative or a younger family. There's a small playpark for the kids, lots of trees to climb and the hothouse is a great place to give them a wee bit of education about nature at its most beautiful. If you're sticking to the main streets there's a way in just off Byres Road, but if you're taking the scenic route the beautiful Victorian Bridge on the Kevlin shall lead you in. It's altogether a classy park, and it's evident how much it's cared for. Boozing is more Kelvingrove, plant biology lessons and buggies are more Botanics.
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John M.

Yelp
To me the Kibble Palace is the Botanic Gardens and it was quite a wrench on visiting the park on and off over the last few years to watch them being completely dismantled. As you can imagine a building made from cast iron and glass standing after 130 years, originally as a concert venue and exhibition space, and used for most of that time as a glass house for tropical pants will need a bit of tlc. In the long run I'm positive that it's for the best that, like a giant meccano set, the Kibble Palace was completely re-built from the ground up and where as some of the character and grime, and a lot of rust and cracked glass have now gone, this space will be here for a long time to come to let people see all manner of interesting tropical plants as well as being able to admire the building itself.
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Kathryn S.

Yelp
The Botanics is a lovely green space, of which there are many, in Glasgow. But what stands out about this spot, is that rain or shine, the Botanics can sooth that need to be outdoors that every city dweller feels on occasion. If it's pissing it down, you can feel like your in a tropical climate by stepping into one of the greenhouses. The Kibble Palace is prettier on the outside and arguably on the inside, but the other greenhouse is much much more interesting, with a gorgeous section devoted to a multitude of orchids. On a warm sunny day, the Botanics is packed to the gills with those trying to soak up the rare beast called spring or summer. There is no better feeling than sitting with happy Glaswegians enjoying a sunny day in the Botanics, even the sunburned fools.
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Qype User (ade197…)

Yelp
A wonderful place to spend a summers day sunbathing (if the weather permits!) or an autumn afternoon running through the leaves. The park is well looked after by the council, and is certainly one of the best features of the west end. From the numerous glasshouses to the meandering path ways, this is a great place for kids and adults alike. The Kibble Palace Glasshouse, which is an A listed 19th century building, has recently been restored and refurbished and is the centrepiece of the Gardens, with its interesting greenery and magnificent statues.

Liz S.

Yelp
Must visit when in Glasgow! The grounds are so gorgeous & there's so much to see. Perfect for a picnic & for the kids to run around.

Glenda R.

Yelp
Very attractive but just not quite as good as Edinburghs ones. Lovely for a walk any time of the year though.
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Gordon C.

Yelp
Beautiful place and its free of charge! Make sure you bring some monkey nuts to feed the squirrels!