Highlights
- The Kibble Palace, a large Victorian iron and glass conservatory filled with tree ferns
- The Main Range glasshouses, opened in 1884, with orchids and begonias
- The filmy fern house
- The Arboretum across Ford Road and walks along the River Kelvin
About Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Glasgow's botanic garden began in 1817, when the Royal Botanic Institution, led by Thomas Hopkirk with university support, opened a garden at Sandyford. The present site on the Kelvinside estate was bought in 1839 and the collection moved over the following two years. Sir William Hooker, Regius Professor of Botany, built up the collection before leaving for Kew in 1841.
The gardens are now run by Glasgow City Council and cover about 37 acres in the West End. They hold a documented collection of around 12,000 taxa, used for conservation, education and display, and remain a well-used local park as well as a visitor attraction.
What to see
- Kibble Palace: built in the 1860s as a private conservatory for John Kibble at Coulport on Loch Long, then moved to the gardens in the 1870s. It became a winter garden in 1881 and was restored between 2003 and 2006. Some of its tree ferns date from 1881.
- Main Range: a run of eleven glasshouse compartments opened in 1884, with the Palm House at the centre. It is known for orchids and begonias, and includes a filmy fern house.
- Arboretum: laid out from 1977 across Ford Road, beside the River Kelvin.
Planning your visit
The main entrance is at 730 Great Western Road. There is no general parking inside the gardens, only limited Blue Badge spaces, but on-street parking is available on Queen Margaret Drive. Hillhead subway station is around seven minutes' walk away. The tearoom is run by the council. The Friends of Glasgow Botanic Gardens run free guided tours in season. Accessibility information is available through AccessAble.
Frequently asked questions
Is Glasgow Botanic Gardens free?
Yes. The grounds and the glasshouses, including the Kibble Palace, are free to enter.
What are the opening times?
The grounds and Arboretum are open from 7am to dusk all year. The Kibble Palace and Main Range glasshouses open at 10am and close at 6pm in summer, earlier in winter.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on a lead in the main gardens. Dogs can be off lead in the Arboretum and on the Kelvin Walkway, but are not allowed in the glasshouses.
Is there parking?
There is no parking in the grounds apart from limited Blue Badge spaces. On-street parking is available on Queen Margaret Drive beside the entrance, and Hillhead subway station is about a seven-minute walk.