Explore Cambridge University Botanic Garden with us!

The founder of this botanic garden was Professor John Stevens Henslow, who was Charles Darwin’s mentor.

In a similar fashion to other gardens of the time, it was created as a place of research and learning, for medical students to learn about the medicinal properties of plants.

Above: a plaque hangs on the wall by the entrance to the gardens in commemoration of its founder, John Henslow

Over the years it has grown in size, and moved to its current site to expand the range of species grown. Henslow’s vision was to evolve the garden into a site for the study of plants and horticulture - not solely for medical students.

 Above: Inside the glasshouse

Inside the Glasshouse Range at Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Our favourite part was visiting the Glasshouse Range. Separated into different ‘rooms,’ the 80m glasshouse has various areas for different climates; from tropical rainforests with palms and giant monsteras, to arid lands of succulents and cacti.

Along the back of the glasshouse runs a lush corridor filled with a canopy of plants and green foliage from floor to ceiling, with doors leading to each room of the house.

Above: looking down the glasshouse corridor 

Exploring the garden's outdoor greenery

Outside of the glasshouses, the rest of the 40 acre garden is dedicated to different growing spaces.

The Stream Garden grows moisture-loving plants, alongside the stream running through the garden to its lake. The water from the stream flows from Hobson’s Conduit, built in 1610 to supply the city with fresh water.

 Above: the stream running through the garden

The Bee Borders provide a food supply for bees with flowering plants from Spring through to Autumn, during their foraging season. The plants have been cleverly selected for their visibility and accessibility to the bees - blues, purples and yellows, which are the colours bees can see the best.

Above: the Bee Borders featuring Echinops, Salvia, and Verbena

We saw a huge variety of bee-friendly plants in the Bee Borders, and the complete planting list is available on the Garden's website to recreate a similar border at home or in your planting space:

Echinops ritro 'Veitch's Blue', Salvia transsylvanica, Delphinium requienii, Verbena bonariensis and Echinacea pallida.

How to get there

1 Brookside
Cambridge
CB2 1JE

Travel: It is a short walk from Cambridge Station, or a 15 minute walk from the city centre. There is both a cafe and a shop, so make the most of your day out and enjoy all this garden has to offer!

Entry: £8.00 for an adult ticket, with concessions available.

Opening times: Monday-Sunday from 10.00am to varied closing times throughout the year. 

Visit the Cambridge University Botanic Garden website for up to date opening times and to book tickets online