The Botanic Garden

THE BOTANIC GARDEN (also known as the Botanical Garden) formerly occupied the site of the Museums and Lecture Rooms in the middle of the Town. This site was purchased in 1762, and presented to the University for the purpose, by Richard Walker, D.D., then Vice-Master of Trinity College.

He was very impressed by the lectures and experiments on plants, and purchased the site in order to show their uses in Medicine, by Dr. Heberden, then resident at St. John's College. This fulfilled his wish of providing the University with the means of furthering the science of botany.

In 1854 the site of the garden was changed to the Eastern side of Trumpington Road, and it comprises nearly forty acres.

Today Garden has a collection of over 10,000 labelled plant species in beautifully landscaped settings, including Rock Garden, Lake, Glasshouses, Winter Garden, Woodland Walk, and nine National Collections.

There is also a facinating Genetics Garden showing how related plants have evolved in different ways.

The Botanical Garden is kept in immaculate order, is often used by students, and is open to the public during the greater part of each week-day. The main visitors' entrance is on Hills Road, another is on Bateman Street.

Opening Times

10 am - 6 pm April to September

10 am - 5 pm February, March and October

10 am - 4 pm November to January

Website: Cambridge University Botanic Garden