The Glasgow Botanic Gardens offer a peaceful escape right in the city, showcasing a diverse range of plant life and scenic spots.
Take an Avanti West Coast train and find yourself amidst the greenery in no time. We've got the details on how to get there and the highlights awaiting you.
How to get to the Glasgow Botanic Gardens
For visitors travelling to the Glasgow Botanic Gardens, several options are available. The closest subway station is Hillhead, which is a brief seven-minute walk from the Gardens.
To reach Hillhead from Glasgow Central Station, you’ll want to walk to St. Enoch subway station which is just a seven-minute walk away. Ride the subway towards Inner Circle via Kelvinbridge and you’ll arrive at Hillhead in less than 10 minutes.
If you prefer travelling by rail, Partick and Hyndland stations are both viable choices. Each is around a 25-minute walk from the Botanic Gardens and offers visitors a pleasant stroll through some of Glasgow's scenic routes.
What to do at the Glasgow Botanic Gardens
When you step into Glasgow Botanic Gardens, it feels like an open invitation to explore the world of plants. Take your time strolling through the various collections. Each one tells a unique story from different parts of our planet.
The most iconic of them all is the Kibble Palace. This Victorian-era glasshouse is home to many tropical plants. It includes beautiful orchids, tall palms, and rare ferns. While you're there, look up and marvel at the national collection of tree ferns. It's an impressive sight.
If you fancy a deeper dive into the garden's history and plant life, take a guided tour or enjoy an informative lecture.
If it's relaxation you're after, perhaps with a cup of tea, the Botanic Gardens Tearoom, nestled in the old curator's house, awaits. And if you're visiting with kids, don't miss the dedicated play area.
About the Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Back in 1817, a vision took root. Thomas Hopkirk was a renowned botanist in his time. With the help of local dignitaries and the University of Glasgow, he set up the Botanic Gardens.
Originally, the gardens were at Sandyford. Due to their growing popularity, they moved to their current spot by the River Kelvin in 1842.
In the gardens' early days, figures like William Jackson Hooker and David Douglas played pivotal roles. Under Hooker's guidance, the plant collection burgeoned from an initial 3,000 to an impressive 12,000.
Douglas, on the other hand, is famously associated with the Douglas Fir, a tree named in his honour.
A standout feature of the garden is the Kibble Palace. Erected at Loch Long, this monumental glasshouse found its way to the gardens in 1873.
It has hosted famous figures and events, like concerts and speeches by people such as Gladstone and Disraeli. However, its primary purpose is to display and protect tropical rainforest plants.
Over the years, the gardens have changed and grown. Yet their main goal remains a commitment to plants, education, and community. They offer both tourists and locals a peaceful place to enjoy botanics in Glasgow.
Ways to save on your train ticket to the Glasgow Botanic Gardens
A trip to the lush Glasgow Botanic Gardens needn't be expensive. Opt for a Family Ticket when travelling with both adults and children. And for the early birds, our Advance Tickets offer reduced rates.
For those little adventurers under five, you have the option of Child Tickets.
Carrying a Railcard? This can offer you a discount of between a third and 60%. And if you’re travelling during Off-Peak hours or with a large group? Check out Off-Peak fares and Group Tickets.
Get the Avanti app
Prepare for your green escape after securing your Glasgow Botanic Gardens tickets with the Avanti West Coast app.
Scan for the top ticket offers, reserve your seats, and pay with ease. This all comes with the bonus of no booking fees and the possibility to amend journey details.
