Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Cambridge University Botanic Garden is a botanical collection between Trumpington Road and Hills Road featuring over 8,000 plant species from different climates and habitats. The garden is organized into specialized sections, including a winter garden, glasshouses, and areas for Mediterranean and alpine plants.

Professor John Stevens Henslow founded this place in 1831 for Cambridge University as a center for research and teaching. The public gained access in 1846, making it an important educational resource for the city and beyond.

The garden holds several national plant collections that visitors can explore, showing how botanists gather and protect plant diversity. These collections reflect decades of work and support the university's research mission.

The garden is open from April through September with extended hours, while winter months have reduced access and an admission fee is charged. It is wise to wear comfortable shoes and check the weather, as most of the visit takes place outdoors.

The winter garden shows specialized displays from December through April, demonstrating how plants grow and survive in cold British seasons. This section is often overlooked but offers unexpected colorful blooms and interesting leaf patterns when the rest of the garden appears gray.

Location: Cambridge

Inception: 1831

Part of: Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge

Website: https://botanic.cam.ac.uk

GPS coordinates: 52.19380,0.12789

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:29