Cambridge University Botanic Garden

One of my favourite places to go in Cambridge is the University Botanic Gardens. These are located just outside the city centre but you would hardly know that you were in a built up area as these gardens as so peaceful and interesting. I also went on one of my first dates with my now husband here so it does hold really special memories for me.

The gardens are located at:
1 Brookside
Cambridge
CB2 1JE
01223 336265

A few years ago these gardens were free to wander around but then have put the price up to £4 per adult now which is still a good price in my opinion. If you are a student at the university you get in free which I think is perfectly acceptable. The gardens are not large so you can see all they have to offer in an hour or so but there are so many spots where you can just sit and contemplate that you will spend much longer in here than just an hour.

According to their website," Since its opening in 1846, Cambridge University Botanic Garden has been an inspiration for gardeners, an exciting introduction to the natural world for families and a refreshing oasis for all our visitors.

This heritage-listed Garden has been designed for both year-round interest and seasonal inspiration so, whenever you visit, you will find plants to intrigue and enchant.

Like I've said above the garden is just outside the town centre. There are two entrances to the park, the front gate where there is a big ticket booth and a smaller entrance at the back with a small little ticket booth. When you purchase your ticket you will also be given a map to the gardens as well. My favourite part of the garden is the rock garden. Here you will come across a lovely pond with a beautiful rockery around it. There is a bench to one side where you can just sit and enjoy and I have taken some beautiful photographs from around here.

The garden flows in a way which enables you to walk around it in a circular fashion. You can walk around the edge of it and then take little trips in and out of it when you see something you like. There are lots of benches dotted around the garden which are great for spending time on, eating your lunch etc. If I have brought a packed lunch I like to eat it with my little girl by the fountain as there is a big expanse of grass there which she can run around on to her hearts content. There are also some quite big trees so you can take shelter if it gets too sunny or hot or starts to rain!

There is also a cafe located in the middle side of the park. It's basically just a big port-a-cabin with some seating outside and then tables outside too. They do a nice range of sandwiches, drinks, cakes etc and also provide a microwave if you have baby food you need to prepare.

The greenhouses inside the garden are really interesting too with lots of different climates and areas represented. There are tropical rainforest plants, arid lands and carnivore plants to name but a few.

A beautiful oasis in the heart of the city!