Edinburgh · Stockbridge and the Water of Leith
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
A large garden north of the New Town with glasshouses, a rock garden and a long view back to the castle. The grounds are free to enter, and the restored Palm Houses need a booked ticket.
- 2 h
- Free
- Booking: not needed
- Stockbridge and the Water of Leith
Data checked on October 5, 2026
The garden holds plants from many parts of the world on about 70 acres. A broad lawn climbs to a view of the Old Town skyline. The Palm Houses reopened on 2 October after a long restoration, and they use advance booking. Other glasshouses stay closed while restoration work continues.
What to look for
- The restored Palm Houses
- The rock garden
- The view back to the Old Town
- The long herbaceous borders
Opening hours
| Monday | 10:00 am–5:00 pm | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10:00 am–5:00 pm | |
| Wednesday | 10:00 am–5:00 pm | |
| Thursday | 10:00 am–5:00 pm | |
| Friday | 10:00 am–5:00 pm | |
| Saturday | 10:00 am–5:00 pm | |
| Sunday | 10:00 am–5:00 pm |
From February to October the garden is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, and in November and January to 16:00. It is closed on 25 December and 1 January.
Source: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, checked October 5, 2026
Tickets and booking
Free. Entry to the garden grounds is free. The Palm Houses need an advance ticket, so check the price on the garden's page.
Getting there
It is about 20 minutes on foot from the centre, and Lothian buses serve both gates.
Tip
Check which glasshouses are open before you go, and head for the rock garden and the hilltop view first.