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Botanic Garden

Durham University's 10-hectare Botanic Garden is set amongst beautiful mature woodlands on the southern outskirts of Durham city. Open to the public, the Botanic Garden offers a wide variety of landscapes to explore and discover, with guests young and old visiting throughout the year.
A family exploring the glasshouse at the Botanic Garden.

Plan Your Visit

Find out everything you need to know to get the most from your visit: how to find us, opening times and more. Plus, everything you need to know if you or anyone in your group has any special needs or requirements. 

Please note, the Botanic Garden will close on Sunday 21 December at 4pm and re-open on Monday 5 January 2026 at 10am. 

Furthermore on the week commencing Monday 5 January, the gardens will operate at shorter opening times of 10am to 2pm for that week only. 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact us
Botanic Garden Visitor Centre in the background with a large area of grass, a path, and visitors sitting on wooden benches in the foreground.
Tickets and times
A child walking through some tall grass and running their hand through the long blades of grass.
Getting Here
The Vessels of Life sculpture in the Botanic Garden
Access
A person looking through a selection of cards in the Botanic Garden Visitor Centre Shop
Facilities

Upcoming events

What’s here

Explore this unique garden and discover something new around each corner across the changing seasons.

  • Art in the Garden

    Hidden within the pathways, trees and gullies of the Botanic Garden reside several sculptures for you to discover.
    Fun-Gate from afar

  • Glasshouses

    Home to a plethora of weird and wonderful life, in our glasshouses you will find everything from tropical rainforest to desert cacti.
    The Greenhouse Lawn at the Botanic Garden

  • Native Woodland

    The central areas of the Garden are surrounded by woodland native to the British Isles, perfect for a peaceful stroll to relax and unwind.
    The woodland at the Botanic Garden.

Art in the Garden

Hidden within the pathways, trees and gullies of the Botanic Garden reside several sculptures for you to discover.
Fun-Gate from afar

Glasshouses

Home to a plethora of weird and wonderful life, in our glasshouses you will find everything from tropical rainforest to desert cacti.
The Greenhouse Lawn at the Botanic Garden

Native Woodland

The central areas of the Garden are surrounded by woodland native to the British Isles, perfect for a peaceful stroll to relax and unwind.
The woodland at the Botanic Garden.
Learn more about what's here
Many unusual & exotic plants, ancient trees in well kept gardens, so informative. Plenty of seating & space for children to explore. Small gift shop & cafe, take a picnic & enjoy the surroundings.
Maggie672015
UK
The Department of Biosciences Research Showcase area at the Botanic Garden

Science and Conservation

The Garden is used for a range of scientific projects and plays a key role in Durham University’s commitment to conservation and biodiversity.

Learn more

Nearby attractions

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Oriental Museum

From Ancient Egypt to modern China, the Oriental Museum is devoted entirely to the art and archaeology of the great cultures of Northern Africa and Asia.

10 Minute Walk
A person looks at a display of Japanese arms and armour with a child who is in a wheelchair.

Museum of Archaeology

Charting the story of Durham from prehistory to modern times.
20 Minute Walk
A blurry person walking through a gallery.

Historic Libraries at Palace Green

Cosin’s Library was founded in 1669 by Bishop John Cosin to give local people access to ‘good books’.
20 Minute Walk
A person exploring the books at a bookcase in Cosin's Library.
A child smiling under a sculpture at the botanic Gardens

Learn

The Learning and Engagement Team offer a range of sessions suitable for early years and key stage one as well as self led options for Key Stage 2.

Schools and Home Learning Programme Book Your Session

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