Inverness Botanic Gardens
Inverness Botanic Gardens
Inverness Botanic Gardens
4.5
9:30 AM - 3:45 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 3:45 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 3:45 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 3:45 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 3:45 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 3:45 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 3:45 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 3:45 PM
About
Opened in 1993 by Prince Edward, Inverness Botanic Gardens, formerly Inverness Floral Hall & Gardens, are an oasis of calm and beauty within walking distance of the city centre. With each new season the outside gardens are an explosion of colour and texture, and borders are planted to demonstrate a wide variety of plants and growing conditions. The impressive glasshouses reveal the drama of plant diversity ranging from the tropical rainforests to arid, heat scorched desert.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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See what travelers are saying
- Kareen F2 contributionsBeautiful plantsExcellent, well worth a visit, some really interesting plants from all over the world packed in here, it's smaller than I expected but that didn't take anything away from it, it was still great. Give yourself plenty of time to look round properly as there's so much to see. I've no pics as I used an identification app to take my photos while here. Well signposted and plenty parkingVisited June 2024Traveled on businessWritten June 24, 2024
- Gordon WUnited Kingdom26 contributionsBeautifulFirst visit to these beautifully-kept gardens. Unfortunately the hot house was closed early for some reason, but the rest of the gardens more than made up for it. Particularly impressed with the cactus house. Place was busy, especially the cafe, which I didn't have time to visit unfortunately. That's for next time. In my opinion more place should have botanic gardens, even if only this size.Visited June 2024Traveled soloWritten July 30, 2024
- ILMtraveler2Leland, North Carolina123 contributionsGreat place to relaxWe were on a stroll along the Ness River and stopped into the Botanic Gardens almost on a whim It is a beautiful garden and we spent a couple of hours strolling through the greenhouse and gardens. The gardens are not really very big but they are full of plants. There is a small cafe/coffee shop on site with tables among the plants. The Gardens are an easy walk from the town center along the walking path next to the river. We enjoyed the activity on the town center although this was a very nice break from the crowds and the peace and quiet were delightful.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 17, 2024
- Jeanne23 contributionsJust BeautifulI so enjoyed this gem. We have been to many botanical gardens in the States. This garden packed in so many plants into their space. It was a joy to wander all through the gardens, nooks and crannies. Thank you to the folks that make this place run, it is beautiful.Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 26, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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CLReviews
Scotland, UK34 contributions
Nov 2020
The botanic gardens were lovely although in comparison to the likes of Edinburgh Botanics there wasn't as much to see here. Unfortunately due to the COVID-19 pandemic some of the area was inaccessible which of course can't be helped. It is still worth the visit as it is free and what is there is nice to look at and the soup & paninis were delicious from the cafe!
Written November 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi There,
Thanks for taking the time to let us know about your visit. I'm really pleased you enjoyed the cafe it's recently been refurbished.
We are much smaller than Edinburgh Botanic Gardens and younger we are only 26 years old verses 350!
We are working on ways to open the tropical house but it is difficult to remain Covid compliant and protect the health of the plants.
Thanks for coming.
Ewan Mackintosh
Manager.
Written November 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stephen H
London, UK31 contributions
Aug 2021
We visited the garden on a gloriously sunny day whilst holidaying in the Highlands. First stop was for a relaxing coffee on the outside patio. Then we looked at the amazing array of plants in the glasshouses. After that we did the gardens themselves and from what we saw they are skillfully managed and a riot of colour.
I say 'from what we saw' because we'd only done 10 minutes before a member of staff informed us the gardens were closing. I had no idea of the time and hadn't realised we'd been there so long. It was only as we left that we realised it was only 4pm! I had assumed it was 5pm and had lost track of time.
It seems utterly absurd that at the height of summer a visitor attraction, which relies on visitors, next to a major city should close so early. I'd have liked to buy some plants and I didn't even have time to make a monetary contribution which I would have done as the gardens are very beautiful.
A great shame and for this reason I can only give a 3 star rating.
I say 'from what we saw' because we'd only done 10 minutes before a member of staff informed us the gardens were closing. I had no idea of the time and hadn't realised we'd been there so long. It was only as we left that we realised it was only 4pm! I had assumed it was 5pm and had lost track of time.
It seems utterly absurd that at the height of summer a visitor attraction, which relies on visitors, next to a major city should close so early. I'd have liked to buy some plants and I didn't even have time to make a monetary contribution which I would have done as the gardens are very beautiful.
A great shame and for this reason I can only give a 3 star rating.
Written August 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
victoria n
2 contributions
Sep 2021 • Family
Gardens are beautiful and very interesting. Cafe needs some SERIOUS management. Table we sat at said it was cleaned but it was covered in sugar, coffee and all sticky. There's 1 tiny fridge that was practically empty and no structure as tons of people crowding round it. You need more choice and in a bigger show area for people to pick. Nothing for my children to eat, for such a busy place for visitors, the cafe needs to be better.
Written September 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Isobel
Durham, UK471 contributions
Sep 2020 • Friends
We had a lovely time here, we weren’t sure how big the gardens were but we spent about an hour browsing. Lovely beautiful plants, nicely laid out, and some wildlife too. Well worth a look if you just have a short time to spend, and it’s donation too so good value. The café was lovely too, food very good. Everything being done for Covid-19.
Written October 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WendyLou03
Lincolnshire, UK179 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
There is only 1 disabled parking space outside the Botanic Gardens, however there is a large car park across the road that has several disabled parking spaces.
Most of the place is on the one level, including the gardens outside, which are really interesting and well presented.
A recent review states that the Botanic gardens are not disabled friendly, I would disagree, I'm a wheelchair user and I managed to get around very well even in the pouring rain.
Yes there are 2 levels to the cactus house, however, you can still take photos of all the plants from the top level.
There are ramps purpose built for both disabled and able bodied people to use.
The cafè is lovely and well managed, the food is excellent and not very expensive. The staff are more than willing to help if necessary and are always cheerful.
The only real criticism I have is the disabled toilet, it's got far too much things in it, which then restricts a wheelchair and the disabled person who is trying to use the toilet. It needs rearranging and a little more thought on how it is accessible to wheelchair users.
Thank you to all the staff for being open in these difficult times and for committing to all the regulations in place at this time. Our waitress even had gloves on as well as a mask all the time we were there.
Most of the place is on the one level, including the gardens outside, which are really interesting and well presented.
A recent review states that the Botanic gardens are not disabled friendly, I would disagree, I'm a wheelchair user and I managed to get around very well even in the pouring rain.
Yes there are 2 levels to the cactus house, however, you can still take photos of all the plants from the top level.
There are ramps purpose built for both disabled and able bodied people to use.
The cafè is lovely and well managed, the food is excellent and not very expensive. The staff are more than willing to help if necessary and are always cheerful.
The only real criticism I have is the disabled toilet, it's got far too much things in it, which then restricts a wheelchair and the disabled person who is trying to use the toilet. It needs rearranging and a little more thought on how it is accessible to wheelchair users.
Thank you to all the staff for being open in these difficult times and for committing to all the regulations in place at this time. Our waitress even had gloves on as well as a mask all the time we were there.
Written October 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi There,
Thanks for the feedback. I'm really pleased you enjoyed the visit to the gardens. We have recently refurbished the cafe and it's great to hear you enjoyed the food and were well looked after.
If you would like to provide more feedback I'd be happy to listen. Please don't hesitate to contact me directly at ewan.mackintosh@highlifehighland.
Kind regards
Ewan
Manger.
Written November 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Callum B
8 contributions
Nov 2022 • Friends
This is a fantastic little oasis of a peace. We were alowed to wander round the little paths and check out the little detours which felt like a little maze. What was cool was that there was lots of different areas that made it feel like a never ending little adventure. We wandered to the back and found that they are supporting people with learning difficulties with gardening work which is very valuablework. They were very welcoming and didn’t mind us hanging out and asking a few questions and that was before we even got inside the green houses...
Inside we were transported firstly to something crossed between a Palace and a Jungle and found many exotic plants including a coffee plant. We enjoyed watching the fish and the different levels to see the water feature from.
After this we explored the desert area and the cacti were huuuuge. Again having different levels was cool and we sat and chilled on the bench at the bottom.
Then we had a coffee in the cafe which I wasn't expecting much of but actually it was banging!
The garden and everything was free so we gave a £15 donation as this place would be able to run without people generosity
Inside we were transported firstly to something crossed between a Palace and a Jungle and found many exotic plants including a coffee plant. We enjoyed watching the fish and the different levels to see the water feature from.
After this we explored the desert area and the cacti were huuuuge. Again having different levels was cool and we sat and chilled on the bench at the bottom.
Then we had a coffee in the cafe which I wasn't expecting much of but actually it was banging!
The garden and everything was free so we gave a £15 donation as this place would be able to run without people generosity
Written November 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sangobegger m
4 contributions
Aug 2022
The indoor part was always great when my kids were growing up as it suited us to have a wander on wet days. Kids loved the fish, the pitcher plants and the cacti - and munchies in the coffee shop.
And now the outside is simply transformed. The gardens are a real credit to the staff and volunteers and are well worth a visit on a nice (or not so nice) day.
A real oasis of calm and colour with some fascinating plants and great use of properly structured plantings. A great throwback in some ways to the old Edwardian walled gardens - just a tad smaller.
And now the outside is simply transformed. The gardens are a real credit to the staff and volunteers and are well worth a visit on a nice (or not so nice) day.
A real oasis of calm and colour with some fascinating plants and great use of properly structured plantings. A great throwback in some ways to the old Edwardian walled gardens - just a tad smaller.
Written January 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rose
77 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
I wasn't sure what to expect as the site looked quite small but it really packs in a lot for the size! the tropical house and the hot house were great and very thoughtfully laid out. Wandering round the other areas you came across something different at each turn and I ventured into the 'GROW' area at the back which had areas for teaching children and some fun little paths.
I didn't stop at the cafe but it was busy and they have tables set out in the gardens (some inside a green house for rainy days) which must be lovely.
They only ask for a donation on arrival which is unusual and I was more than happy to have paid the £5 option. There is plenty of free parking with the leisure centre.
I didn't stop at the cafe but it was busy and they have tables set out in the gardens (some inside a green house for rainy days) which must be lovely.
They only ask for a donation on arrival which is unusual and I was more than happy to have paid the £5 option. There is plenty of free parking with the leisure centre.
Written September 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Purplegirl
Shrewsbury, England, United Kingdom9 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Rang to ask if dogs were allowed but was told no dogs in gardens, however, I was welcome to sit outside while we took it in turns to get coffee at the cafe! I said it was pointless visiting gardens if dog not allowed in and couldn’t share experience with husband. Glad I rang to check first!
Written September 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zenn91
Vicenza, Italy359 contributions
Oct 2021
I won't lie. On my first visit I went inside only because I was nearby and it was free, from outside judging from his position too close to the Inverness leisure area I wouldn't give it a cent,but how glad I am that I was wrong!
The garden itself is not as huge as Edinburgh one, but the staff was able to use the area in a wise way. Great variety of plants and a good eye for details makes the difference, explore it by yourself and you'll understand what I mean.
I really liked the tropical house with carnivore plants and the cactus area.
What I really love of this garden is all the extra-activity such as the fact that involves people with disability and in general everyone who wants to volunteer. They sell also vegetables picked directly from the garden, I bought some tomato and peppers and they were really tasty and flavoured. I'll keep an eye on it next time I'll be around there.
Sometimes they organize events too, we went for a barbecue with live music and eating in such wonderful spot was true magic. we left happy and in peace with the world. Well done!
The garden itself is not as huge as Edinburgh one, but the staff was able to use the area in a wise way. Great variety of plants and a good eye for details makes the difference, explore it by yourself and you'll understand what I mean.
I really liked the tropical house with carnivore plants and the cactus area.
What I really love of this garden is all the extra-activity such as the fact that involves people with disability and in general everyone who wants to volunteer. They sell also vegetables picked directly from the garden, I bought some tomato and peppers and they were really tasty and flavoured. I'll keep an eye on it next time I'll be around there.
Sometimes they organize events too, we went for a barbecue with live music and eating in such wonderful spot was true magic. we left happy and in peace with the world. Well done!
Written October 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long a walk from Ness Bridge?
Written July 27, 2017
Hi :) where's the best place to park to visit here and how long should you plan to spend here? Thanks
Written April 7, 2017
pam a
Inverness, United Kingdom
I usually park at the aquadome, it is literally a stones throw from the car park to the Botanical gardens. The time is as you see fit . It isn't huge but there is a cafe that makes scrumptious food. ( the cobb I think it is called) within the building. and I suppose your time is as much or as little as you wish to look at the plants and flowers.
Written April 9, 2017
is a camera tripod allowed?
Written November 30, 2016
Do you have different winter opening times and is there a charge to visit? Thank you
Written November 25, 2016
Their website lists these as their opening times:
Winter Seasonal Opening Hours
November - March
Mon - 10.00-16.00
Tue - 10.00-16.00
Wed - 10.00-16.00
Thur - 10.00-16.00
Fri - 10.00-16.00
Sat - 10.00-16.00
Sun - 10.00-16.00
Normal Opening Times
Mon - 10:00 - 17:00
Tue - 10:00 - 17:00
Wed - 10:00 - 17:00
Thur - 10:00 - 17:00
Fri - 10:00 - 17:00
Sat - 10:00 - 17:00
Sun - 10:00 - 17:00
There is no charge for entry but they do suggest you make a donation to help support the gardens.
Written November 26, 2016
I would like to know the same please, Can you take dogs?
Written August 11, 2016
I'm not sure sorry, but i think if yes it will have to be very well behaved as there is no room for roaming.
Written October 30, 2016
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