Durham University Botanic Garden, Durham (must see)

Set on Hollingside Lane on the southern edge of the city, Durham University Botanic Garden is a 25-acre (10-hectare) haven of mature woodland and cultivated landscapes. Founded in 1925 and moved to its current site in 1970, the garden welcomes well over 80,000 visitors a year and is operated by Durham University. A visitor centre opened in 1988, marking its role as a public attraction.

Wander the themed plantings to find living collections from Chile, China, Japan, Southern Africa, and New Zealand. An arboretum, Alpine garden, and tranquil bamboo grove add variety and shade, while glasshouses showcase tropical rainforest species, desert flora, and Mediterranean plants. Inside, you can also encounter tropical insects-including stick insects, scorpions, butterflies, and even tarantulas-offering an engaging contrast to the outdoor beds.

Families and curious visitors can follow self-guided trails, from a science trail to a children’s nature and quiz trail, making it easy to learn at your own pace. The garden also hosts a calendar of events and has featured in The Guardian’s “Country Diary” and on Channel 4’s Matt Baker: Travels with Mum & Dad, underscoring its appeal to nature lovers and casual explorers alike.

As the only remaining botanical garden in northeast England since 2014, the site is locally significant and appears on Durham County Council’s Local List of Historic Parks, Gardens and Designed Landscapes. Whether you’re after a peaceful stroll beneath specimen trees, a glasshouse warm-up on a cool day, or an educational outing with the kids, this compact, varied garden is an easy and rewarding addition to any Durham itinerary.