6 Brilliant Botanicals

Take the chance to step into a tropical paradise, a cactus-filled desert or a steamy rainforest

- Andrew Shaw

Created for the cultivation and classification of medicinal plants, our beautiful botanic gardens were first known as physic gardens. Displaying the splendour of their horticultural specimens, these were places of wonderment for the public – and they still are to this day, though the focus now is on conservation and education.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Founded as a physic garden in 1670 by two doctors, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh was Scotland’s busiest attraction last year, with almost half a million visitors. Even though its 10 incredible glasshouses were closed due to restrictions, people still flocked to enjoy the beautiful grounds. During the garden’s long history, one of its most famous attractions wasn’t a plant at all. Granny, a smooth sea anemone, drew the crowds between 1879 and 1887.

✣Book in advance; rbge.org.uk

National Botanic Garden of Wales