Glasgow Botanic Gardens

Two centuries of gardening

The gardens began in 1817 on a site at Sandyford, run by the Royal Botanic Institution of Glasgow, and moved to their current home in 1842. They are listed in Scotland's Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes.

The Kibble Palace

The star of the show was built in the 1860s for John Kibble at his home in Coulport on Loch Long, then taken by barge up the Clyde and re-erected here in 1873. Inside you will find the national collection of tree ferns, along with orchids and carnivorous plants. Pick up a trail leaflet in the Kibble Palace before exploring the rest of the grounds. The glasshouses keep shorter hours than the gardens, especially in winter.

Making a day of it

A heritage trail runs from the gardens down to the Kelvin Walkway and into the arboretum along the river, which continues towards Kelvingrove Park. It pairs well with a visit to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or the University of Glasgow, and the cafés and bars of Byres Road and Òran Mór are on the doorstep. Drivers should note there is only on-street parking on Queen Margaret Drive.

Highlights

• Free entry to all areas
• Kibble Palace glasshouse, re-erected here in 1873
• National collection of tree ferns
• Heritage trail to the Kelvin Walkway and arboretum

Good to know

• Hillhead subway is about a 7-minute walk.
• Parking is on-street on Queen Margaret Drive, with limited blue badge spaces inside.
• Glasshouses close earlier than the grounds, particularly in winter.

Frequently asked questions