Arctic Botanical Gardens (Lystigardurinn), Akureyri

Advantages: SEE THE WHALES, THE DOLPHINS and THE PUFFINS
Disadvantages: STILL EXPENSIVE

...Akureyri lies in the North of Iceland, which lies between the North Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean. The whole island was created by volcanic activity and the area to the South East of Akureyri is still extremely active and eruptions occur at almost any time. This country belonged to Norway, then Denmark before declaring Independence in 1944. It was first settled, in the 9th century, by the Vikings, It owes much of its language, music, poetry and art to the Vikings. Akureyri has been the home of some of Iceland’s most famous literary figures. David Stefannson, the poet, lived here as did Jon Sveinsson. The Matthias Jochumsson Memorial Museum commemorates the poet who wrote the words for Iceland’s National Anthem. History over! Now let us get to the more interesting bit, but enough culture!! It was from here that we went out on a fairly... Read review

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Advantages: It is FREE!!!!
Disadvantages: none. But you have to like plants and trees!

...In 1593, Henri IV, very much interested in curing diseases by plants, asked Pierre Richer de Belleval, an anatomy and botanical teacher, to create a Royal Garden inspired by famous Italian "medical garden". The Botanical Garden of Montpellier later became the model for the famous Botanical Garden in Paris built later in 1635. Used only to gather all plants with a medicinal power, the Royal Botanical Garden was an incredible tools for all students in medicine, (the University of Medicine, the oldest in France, is just a stone away) but the Garden quickly became more than that and turned into a powerful tool for all botanical studies, which was unique and never done before in France. In the XVII century, the Garden became a Scientific Garden, housing plants from all over the world. You will have to understand that it was really new... Read review

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Advantages: A beautiful place to relax
Disadvantages: The Glasgow Weather

...Glasgow's Botanic Gardens lie in the West End of the City close to the BBC. They run seamlessly into Kelvingrove Park, providing long leisurely riverside walks. There is no admission charge and the gardens are open all year round. It is a wonderful place to drop into for a few minutes of peace after the bustle of the nearby pubs and shops. The greenhouses are magnificant, although sadly, one of the main ones, is currently undergoing major refurbishment and will not be open again until 2006. However, this should not spoil your enjoyment as there is still plenty to see in the park itself and in the other greenhouses. Situated just outside the gates to the Botanic Gardens is an old Police Box just like the Dr Who Tardis. It has been converted into a Coffee Bar called Copperchino! Worth a visit, the range of coffees and other drinks... Read review

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