17
ARTS, CULTURE & TOURISM
Riverside Drive, Dundee, DD2 1QH
01382 381190
Univers
ity of Dundee
Botanic Garden & G
rounds
Dundee Botanic Garden is an exquisite and blissful
bucolic retreat that’s maintained by the University
of Dundee. A tranquil haven amidst the hustle and
bustle of urban life, the gardens came to life in the
early 70s, following decades of planning that had
hitherto come to nothing. The gardens are open
daily from 10:30am - 4:30pm, closing at the slightly
earlier time of 3:30pm between November and
February. There’s a small admission fee, though
university students can get in for free. The botanic
gardens are prized for their extensive collection of
fine plants, along with mature conifers, hardwoods
and shrubs. There are also temperate glasshouses
to explore, a water garden and an aromatic herb
garden. Spanning 9.5 hectares, the gardens make
for a relaxing stroll that will restore your inner zen
while granting you a new-found appreciation for
the university’s work in collating and conserving so
many beautiful plants. The gently sloping gardens
lie close to the River Tay that bifurcates the city of
Dundee and, in addition to housing a collection of
tropical plants sourced from the furthest corners of
the globe, are stocked with a selection of indigenous
British plants. Every year over 80,000 visitors pass
through the gardens, wandering its paths and
picnicking on its ornate lawns before retreating to
the cafe and gift shop. Open seven days a week
from 9am - 5pm, the cafe serves up light meals,
hot drinks, homemade soups and cakes. The
gardens also feature a plant nursery and play host
to art exhibitions and other events throughout the
year. Dundee Botanic Garden is a popular spot for
weddings, corporate events and private parties,
with the gardens providing a lush setting in which
up to 500 guests can savour a day to remember.
DUNDEE UNIVERSITY BOTANIC GARDENS
