Take a walk with us through Glasgow’s botanic gardens! 

Above: the River Kelvin

They were originally founded over 200 years ago by botanist Thomas Hopkirk, whose vision was the create a garden for the city that would serve as a site for education to enrich the university’s botany and medical teaching.

As the gardens grew and flourished, they moved to their current site on the River Kelvin, in 1839. Sir Joseph Paxton, notably known for designing the Crystal Palace in London, was commissioned to design the new garden by the river.

Above: Inside the Palm House of the Victorian Glasshouse

Inside the Victorian glasshouses at Glasgow Botanic Garden

The giant glass structure of Kibble Palace contains an extensive tree fern collection, carnivorous plants and tropical plants from across the globe. It was actually owned by John Kibble, before being bought by the gardens by the Botanic Institution. It had to be dismantled and transported from Kibble’s home in Coulport to Glasgow by barge.

Above: orchids in the Victorian glasshouse

The Victorian Glasshouses are home to many plants, including orchids, begonias, cacti, succulents, and large tropical palms.

Above: inside the Glasshouse

The garden has many interesting pieces of history that you may not be aware of

There used to be a railway line running through the gardens, and the Botanic Gardens had its own station.

Tomatoes were grown in the large Victorian glasshouses during World War II. 

Several marble statues within the plants in Kibble Palace were moved from the nearby Kelvingrove Art Gallery and rehoused in the botanic gardens.

Above: Eve by Scipione Tadolini (c. 1870)

Today, you can visit and explore Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens all year round. Why not start your walk along the banks of the River Kelvin, then explore the many acres of the garden. Tag us in your photos @stormflowersgarden to be featured on our feed, and share your stories of what you discover there.

How to get there

Glasgow Botanic Gardens,
730 Great Western Rd,
Glasgow G12 0UE

Travel: the nearest underground stop is Hillhead, or railway stations Partick or Hyndland. You can plan your bus journey on the First Group Bus website

Entry: Free

Opening times: 7am to dusk all year (grounds) with various opening times for the glasshouses and tearoom.

For more information visit the Friends of Glasgow Botanic Gardens website