The original Botanic Garden of Cambridge University was founded in 1762 in the centre of the City, now known as the New Museums Site. It grew plants used for teaching medical students at the University. A green field 16-hectare site one mile south of the city centre was acquired by the University from Trinity Hall in 1831. Legal wrangles prevented immediate development, but planting finally began in 1846.
The original plan can still be enjoyed today as an example of the ‘Gardenesque’ style of the time, combining both specimen plants and composed landscapes with great horticultural expertise. A legacy from the life-long benefactor of the Garden, Reginald Cory, enabled the development of the eastern 20 acres of the original 1831 land. Whereas the 19th century plan for the layout of the Garden in the western 20 acres focussed on naming and organising of individual species into family groupings, the eastern part of the Garden developed from 1951 onwards is generally concerned with how plant communities develop. The 20th century science of ecology permeates the philosophy of its plantings such as the Fen Display and the Limestone Mound in the British Wild Plants collections, and climate and sustainability issues dominate the thematic plantings of the Dry Garden.
Itinerary: The group will meet at 11:00 on the lawn opposite the café. The café is centrally located in the garden and is a 5-8 minute walk from both the Brookside Gate (closest to Trumpington Park and Ride) and the Station Road entrance (closest to the train station). An experienced volunteer guide will then lead us on a 90-minute tour of the garden, providing background history on its development and highlighting its rich plantlife. Following the tour, tables will be reserved for attendees to purchase lunch at the Garden Café.
Travel options
The Botanic Gardens are located in the centre of Cambridge. There is no public car park at the Garden. There is limited pay and display parking on nearby Trumpington Road and Bateman Street. See Cambridge City Council’s parking map for car park information.
Accordingly, attendees arriving by car are recommended to use the Cambridge Park and Ride at Trumpington. The bus from the Park and Ride to Central Cambridge has a stop at the Botanic Gardens. https://cambridgeparkandride.info/trumpington.shtml Taxi, car or minibus drop off can take place at Brookside Gate. Please note there is no easy place to park or drop off at the Station Road Gate. The main Cambridge Railway Station (CBG) is a 5-minute walk from the Station Road Gate.
Accessibility: Most of the Botanic Garden is accessible without steps or stairs, with the exception of some heritage features. There are accessible toilets behind the Glasshouses, in the Café and at the Brookside Gate.
