Durham University Botanic Garden

Twenty-five acres of global botanical diversity, art, and woodland tranquility minutes from Durham city centre.

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Botanic Garden

A 25-acre botanical sanctuary nestled among mature woodlands on the outskirts of Durham city centre, this university-managed garden showcases diverse plant collections from five continents. Visitors wander through specialized zones including an alpine garden, winter garden, bamboo grove, tropical and desert glasshouses, woodland trails, and wildflower meadows. The site features modern art installations, a visitor centre with café and gift shop, and abundant seating throughout. Wheelchair access is available to main areas, though some woodland paths are steep. Open daily with modest admission fees.

A brief summary to Botanic Garden

South Rd, Durham, DH1 3DF, GB
+441913342887
Visit website
Duration: 1.5 to 3.5 hours
Budget
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 10 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday 10 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday 10 am-4:30 pm
Thursday 10 am-4:30 pm
Friday 10 am-4:30 pm
Saturday 10 am-4:30 pm
Sunday 10 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip; the woodland paths are extensive and some sections are steep, particularly in the lower garden areas.
Visit on weekday mornings to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience among the plantings and sculptures.
Download the free Science or Nature trails before arrival to enhance your visit with guided discovery and educational context.
Pack a picnic to extend your stay; benches are scattered throughout the garden, and the picnic areas near the visitor centre offer pleasant settings.
Allow at least two hours to experience the main attractions; the garden is larger than it initially appears, with new vistas around each corner.

Getting There

By Car

From Durham city centre, follow South Road southbound for approximately 1.5 kilometres. The garden entrance is clearly signposted on the left. Free on-site parking is available. Journey time from the city centre is approximately 5–10 minutes depending on traffic. Postcode DH1 3DF can be used for satellite navigation.
By Bus

Several local bus routes serve the South Road area near the garden. Journey times from Durham city centre are typically 15–25 minutes depending on the route and traffic conditions. Check local transport authority websites for current timetables and route numbers, as services vary seasonally. The bus stop is within walking distance of the garden entrance.
By Foot

Walking from Durham city centre takes approximately 25–35 minutes depending on your starting point. The route follows South Road, which has pavements throughout. The walk is relatively flat until you reach the garden entrance, though the terrain becomes hilly once inside the grounds. This option is practical for those staying in the city centre.
By Taxi or Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-share services operate throughout Durham. Journey times from the city centre are typically 5–10 minutes. Fares vary but are generally moderate for this short distance. The garden entrance has space for drop-off, and parking is available on-site for those using ride-share services.

Botanic Garden location weather suitability

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Botanic Garden

A Living Collection Spanning the Globe

Durham University Botanic Garden occupies 25 acres of carefully curated landscape, bringing together plant species from five continents. The garden functions as both a public amenity and an active research facility for the university, with collections that range from rare alpine specimens to exotic tropical varieties. Each section has been thoughtfully designed to recreate natural habitats and climatic zones, allowing visitors to experience botanical diversity without leaving the North East of England. The garden's layout encourages exploration across distinct themed areas. The alpine garden showcases hardy mountain plants adapted to extreme conditions, while the winter garden ensures year-round colour and interest during the colder months. A substantial bamboo grove provides a serene, almost meditative atmosphere, and the woodland garden integrates native trees with carefully selected understory plantings. The wildflower meadow supports local pollinators and demonstrates ecological gardening principles.

Glasshouses and Exotic Environments

The garden's most dramatic features are its glasshouses, which recreate controlled environments for plants that cannot survive outdoors in Durham's climate. The tropical rainforest house immerses visitors in humid, lush conditions and even features an interactive rain system. Inside, visitors encounter not only exotic plants but also living inhabitants—insects, scorpions, and tarantulas—that form part of the ecosystem. The desert house showcases an impressive collection of cacti and succulents adapted to arid conditions, demonstrating the remarkable diversity of xerophytic plants. These glasshouses serve dual purposes: they provide education about global ecosystems and climate adaptation, while also functioning as conservation spaces for rare and endangered plant species. The visitor centre, positioned at the garden's entrance, houses the glasshouse complex alongside practical facilities.

Art, Wildlife, and Seasonal Transformation

Beyond horticulture, the garden integrates contemporary art installations throughout its grounds. Sculptures and artistic interventions—including eye-catching pieces shaped like boots, bugs, and fungi—create unexpected moments of discovery as visitors move through the landscape. These installations encourage visitors to see the garden as a creative space rather than merely a botanical collection. Wildlife features prominently in the garden's design. A working beehive allows visitors to observe pollinator activity, and the diverse plantings support birds, insects, and small mammals. In spring, rare breed Manx Loghtan sheep graze in the parkland, adding a pastoral dimension to the experience. The garden's appearance shifts dramatically with the seasons: summer brings vibrant displays of poppies and cornflowers, while autumn transforms the landscape into warm, golden tones.

Accessibility and Visitor Facilities

The main lawn, visitor centre, and glasshouses are fully wheelchair accessible, making these key attractions available to visitors with mobility limitations. The broader garden paths are generally well-maintained, though the woodland terrain naturally includes steep sections unsuitable for wheelchairs or motorised scooters. The garden provides benches and tables throughout, offering numerous spots to rest and absorb the surroundings. The visitor centre includes a café serving refreshments and a gift shop stocked with plants, seeds, and garden-related merchandise. Picnic facilities with benches are available near the visitor centre, allowing visitors to bring their own food. Toilets are located within the main building. Free parking is provided on-site, and the location sits just minutes from Durham city centre via South Road, making it easily accessible for day visitors.

Educational Trails and Self-Guided Exploration

The garden offers free downloadable trails designed for different interests and age groups. The Science Trail appeals to older children and adults interested in plant biology and ecological principles, while the Nature Trail engages younger visitors through interactive discovery. These self-guided routes encourage visitors to observe specific features and solve nature-based puzzles as they explore. Maps are available at the entrance, and information boards throughout the garden provide context about plant families, conservation efforts, and design principles.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Kathedra

1.1 km

Explore the Kathedra in Durham, a stunning gothic stone chair by the river, perfect for history lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.

Maiden Castle Earthwork

1.2 km

Explore Durham’s ancient Iron Age promontory fort with its impressive earthworks nestled in tranquil woodland overlooking the River Wear.

Framwellgate Bridge

1.5 km

Durham’s oldest stone bridge, a medieval marvel offering iconic views of the cathedral and river, steeped in history and timeless charm.

Durham

1.6 km

Explore Durham Cathedral, a Norman architectural masterpiece and spiritual sanctuary with stunning views, sacred relics, and rich medieval heritage.

Market place

1.6 km

Medieval marketplace meets Victorian grandeur—Durham's beating heart of commerce, culture, and community.

Durham Band Stand

1.7 km

A peaceful riverside bandstand with one of Durham’s most iconic cathedral views, perfect for quiet moments and photography by the River Wear.

Durham Town Hall

1.7 km

Victorian civic landmark hosting culture, heritage, and community in Durham's historic heart.

Durham British Israel Fellowship

1.7 km

Discover the Durham British Israel Fellowship: A historical church offering community spirit, stunning architecture, and a glimpse into Durham's rich heritage.

Durham Viaduct

1.8 km

A majestic Victorian railway viaduct soaring over Durham’s River Wear, blending engineering excellence with stunning historic city views.

Maiden's Bower

2.1 km

Explore Maiden's Bower, a serene Bronze Age cairn nestled in Durham's Flass Vale, where ancient history meets tranquil woodland beauty.

Durham Obelisk

2.2 km

A hidden 90-foot sandstone tower concealed by woodland, marking Durham's forgotten astronomical heritage.

Ludworth Tower

8.1 km

A rare 15th-century pele tower standing as a testament to medieval border fortifications

The High Level Bridge

22.9 km

A pioneering double-deck Victorian bridge uniting rail and road across the River Tyne, symbolizing Newcastle’s industrial heritage.

Tyne Bridge

22.9 km

An iconic steel arch bridge spanning the River Tyne, symbolising NewcastleGateshead’s industrial heritage and modern spirit.

Quayside

22.9 km

Quayside is a dynamic riverside district where iconic bridges meet vibrant culture, blending industrial heritage with modern art and lively waterfront life.

Unmissable attractions to see

Oriental Museum

0.4 km

Britain's premier North East museum of Asian and North African art and archaeology, offering free admission and world-class collections.

What Lies Beneath Us

0.7 km

Explore the hidden layers beneath Durham’s historic streets and discover the city’s rich geological and cultural foundations.

The Count's House

0.9 km

A quaint neoclassical riverside summerhouse in Durham, steeped in history and linked to the legendary Count Boruwlaski.

Dog & Bicycle Sculpture

0.9 km

Experience the playful charm of the Dog & Bicycle Sculpture, a beloved landmark in Durham, showcasing the city's artistic spirit.

Prebends Bridge

1.0 km

Experience the beauty and history of Prebends Bridge in Durham, a stunning architectural gem connecting the city to nature's tranquility.

Gary's Wood Entrance

1.1 km

Discover the natural beauty and tranquility of Gary's Wood Entrance in Durham, a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Durham Cathedral

1.2 km

Discover Durham Cathedral’s Norman grandeur, sacred relics, and breathtaking views in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stone Spiral

1.2 km

Discover Durham’s tranquil Stone Spiral, a unique outdoor stone arrangement inviting reflection and quiet contemplation in the city centre.

Stone Circle

1.2 km

A quiet Bronze Age stone circle just south of Durham city, perfect for history lovers, photographers, and those seeking a peaceful moment in the countryside.

Department of Classics and Ancient History • Durham University

1.3 km

Classical scholarship in a medieval setting: Durham's premier centre for ancient languages, philosophy, and Mediterranean studies.

Department of Classics and Ancient History • Durham University

Durham Museum

1.3 km

Medieval heritage and local history in the heart of historic Durham, near the cathedral.

Museum of Archaeology • Durham University

1.3 km

Explore northeast England’s ancient past in a historic university library at the heart of Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Museum of Archaeology • Durham University

Low Burnhall (Woodland Trust)

1.4 km

A peaceful 68-hectare woodland near Durham with ancient trees, bluebells, riverside paths, willow sculptures and a bird hide – perfect for short walks and dog walking.

Palace Green Library

1.4 km

Explore Durham’s historic Palace Green Library, a treasure trove of rare books, exhibitions, and heritage in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Palace Green

1.4 km

Historic green heart of Durham, framed by Norman cathedral and castle, blending medieval power with academic heritage.

Authentic Turkish flavors and vibrant dining in the heart of historic Durham with stunning river and landmark views.

Fat Hippo Durham

1.5 km

Savor bold, inventive burgers in a quirky multi-level venue on historic Saddler Street, Durham’s heart of casual dining.

Discover stylish, locally crafted fashion accessories at Sasa Girls, Durham’s charming boutique for unique and trendy pieces.

The Boathouse

1.6 km

Discover unique clothing and accessories at The Boathouse in Durham, a charming shop showcasing local designs and a welcoming atmosphere.

A lively British pub in Durham blending traditional charm with modern dining, drinks, and sports in a welcoming atmosphere.

A compact, neon-lit nightclub on Groat Market serving late-night dance, chart and urban sets in an intimate city-centre setting.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

Discover Botanic Garden with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

Durham University Botanic Garden

A brief summary to Botanic Garden

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

By Car

By Bus

By Foot

By Taxi or Ride-Share

Botanic Garden location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Botanic Garden

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Botanic Garden

A Living Collection Spanning the Globe

Glasshouses and Exotic Environments

Art, Wildlife, and Seasonal Transformation

Accessibility and Visitor Facilities

Educational Trails and Self-Guided Exploration

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Kathedra

Maiden Castle Earthwork

Framwellgate Bridge

Durham

Market place

Durham Band Stand

Durham Town Hall

Durham British Israel Fellowship

Durham Viaduct

Maiden's Bower

Durham Obelisk

Ludworth Tower

The High Level Bridge

Tyne Bridge

Quayside

Unmissable attractions to see

Oriental Museum

What Lies Beneath Us

The Count's House

Dog & Bicycle Sculpture

Prebends Bridge

Gary's Wood Entrance

Durham Cathedral

Stone Spiral

Stone Circle

Department of Classics and Ancient History • Durham University

Durham Museum

Museum of Archaeology • Durham University

Low Burnhall (Woodland Trust)

Palace Green Library

Palace Green

Essential places to dine

Whitechurch Durham

The Rabbit Hole

Amaani at the Pumphouse, Durham

The Undercroft Restaurant

Zen

Lebaneat

Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill Durham

The Townhouse Restaurant

Zizzi - Durham

Notch Durham

The Cellar Door

Flat White Kitchen

Tango Durham

Akarsu Turkish Restaurant & Grill

Fat Hippo Durham

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

The Cathedral Shop

The Cutting Edge

7 Day Store

The Georgian Window

Italian Clothes Room Inside Georgian Window

Circle Vintage Durham

The Mugwump

Waceland Durham

Rohan Durham - Outdoor Clothing & Walking Gear

Oxfam Shop

Cloth