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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 04 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Annabelle Thorpe

More than simply a beautiful place to visit, the Botanic Gardens has been at the forefront of horticultural research for 175 years. There are over 8,000 plant species from all over the world, separated into different areas; a spectacular array of trees flank the main walk, with glasshouses, a raised walkway and rose gardens, meadows and Mediterranean gardens all ablaze with colour and scent.

More than just a place to come and stroll, this will appeal to keen gardeners, and anyone fascinated by plants.

Price from: £6
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 10+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The garden is five minutes’ walk from Cambridge train station, and fifteen minutes from the town centre. On weekends there are free tours of the garden – check the website for timings.

When to do it

The gardens are open all year round, seven days a week. The garden is particularly beautiful from late spring through to autumn.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

The Clayton Hotel

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.6 miles]

A big bustling hotel with one of the city’s most glamorous cocktail bars, a stone’s throw from the beautiful Botanic Garden.

Official star rating:

Gonville Hotel

Cambridge , Cambridgeshire , United Kingdom (UK)[0.7 miles]

One of Cambridge’s best boutique hotels, with a renowned restaurant and separate spa. Ideal for couples, looking for a romantic base among the bustle. 

Official star rating:

Hotel du Vin Cambridge

Cambridge , Cambridgeshire , United Kingdom (UK)[0.8 miles]

A beautifully converted former university building, serving up Hotel du Vin’s classic brand of hedonistic charm, with a buzzing bistro and predictably excellent wine cellar. 

Official star rating:

University Arms

Cambridge , Cambridgeshire , United Kingdom (UK)[1 miles]

A re-imagined Victorian hotel, with one of the city’s best restaurants and elegant rooms with a Modern British design.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Cambridge

Cambridgeshire , United Kingdom (UK)

A picturesque, charming city steeped in learning, architecture and history. It’s home to two world-class art museums and one of the world’s oldest and most famous universities.

Website >
Overview >

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Fitzwilliam Museum

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.9 miles]

A world-class collection of art and architecture, ranging from illuminated manuscripts to sculptures from Ancient Greece.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Cambridge University Colleges

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (UK)[1.4 miles]

One of the world’s most illustrious universities, Cambridge consists of 31 magnificent colleges rich in history, architecture and stories, most open to the public.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Punting on the River Cam

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (UK)[2 miles]

Quintessential Cambridge and the best way to enjoy the glorious architecture of the university colleges and their ‘backs’ – the gardens that stretch down to the river.

Best for ages: 6+ | £20 | 2 hours

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Overview >

Kettle’s Yard art gallery

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (UK)[2.1 miles]

An impressive collection of 20th-century art, including works by Joan Miro, Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore, housed in the collector’s former home.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

View of the mathematical bridge over the River Cam
Experience

The Mathematical Bridge

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (UK)[1.3 miles]

Originally built in 1749, and rebuilt twice to the exact specifications, this bridge across the Cam looks curved, but is created from entirely straight timbers.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Overview >
Interior of historic pub in Cambridge
Experience

Eagle Pub

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (UK)[1.3 miles]

The second-oldest pub in the city, dating back to 1684, is famous for its RAF bar, where the ceiling still shows the signatures and doodles of Allied airmen, who drank at the bar between missions.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Overview >
Overhead shot of colourful market stall awnings in the centre of Cambridge
Experience

Market Square

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (UK)[1.5 miles]

Traders have been running stalls on the city’s central square since the Middle Ages, and today visitors can buy everything from fresh food to jewellery, clothes, books and second-hand music.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Overview >
View of St. John's College chapel
Experience

King’s College Chapel

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (UK)[1.5 miles]

Perhaps the most famous of all the university buildings is King’s College Chapel, founded in 1441 by King Henry VI. The 12 large stained-glass windows on each side of the chapel are considered some of the finest in the world.

Best for ages: 18+ | £10

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Overview >