Exploring the Glasshouses at Glasgow Botanic Gardens

By Simon Hird

Located in the heart of Glasgow’s West End, the Botanic Gardens offer a haven of open green space, woodland and beautifully kept gardens open to the public. The grounds are also home to two large glasshouses, which are a maze of tropical plants and deep green foliage.

On this chilly Glasgow afternoon in the middle of January, we took a stroll through the gardens and ventured inside the glasshouses. An immediate hit of welcome warmth, the air feels heavy with moisture, you are transported into a rich and wonderful tropical jungle. The plant types are divided into different rooms and as you pass into a new one, it feels like entering a new ecosystem. An incredible diversity of plant life just a stone’s throw from the bustling Byres Road, it is well worth a detour on your visit to Glasgow.

The grounds are open from 7 am to dusk (all year), and the glasshouses are open from 10 am to 6 pm during the summer and 10 am to 4.15 pm during the winter.

  1. jennymc September 4, 2020 10:41 pm

    I’m moving close to here next month and cannot wait to explore it. Stunning images.

  2. jackcairney July 21, 2020 6:54 am

    Great series Simon!

    • simonhird July 21, 2020 3:19 pm

      Thanks Jack!