Kibble Palace and Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Glasgow (must see)

Glasgow Botanic Gardens, located just off the Great Western Road, was established in 1817 by William Hooker, who later became the director of Kew Gardens in London. This lovely arboretum and public park is managed and maintained by the Royal Botanic Institute of Glasgow.

Within the gardens, you'll find several greenhouses, with the most famous being the Kibble Palace. Inside, visitors can admire rare orchids, various types of begonias, tree ferns, and tropical plants. This expansive greenhouse, covering an area of 2137 square meters, was originally constructed by John Kibble in 1863 as a conservatory on his property near Loch Long. In 1870, it was dismantled and transported up the River Clyde by barge to its current location, where it was reassembled in 1871.

The Kibble Palace is a striking structure made of glass panels set within curved wrought iron frames crafted by Walter MacFarlane. It is supported by ornate columns and sits on cast iron foundations with a stone base. In 2003, the palace underwent extensive and costly restoration work. Since its restoration, it has been open to the public, and during the summer, small concerts are often held in a central area surrounded by an impressive collection of orchids, carnivorous plants, and tree ferns.

In addition to the Kibble Palace, the Hopkirk Building serves as a venue for exhibitions, concerts, and lectures by renowned horticulturists. Workshops and a children's arts and crafts center are also available on the premises. As you explore the grounds, you'll come across a disused railway station that closed down several years ago, which is preserved as an example of such structures.

The gardens themselves are designed with various themes, including a Chronological Garden, a Flower Garden showcasing diverse plant varieties, a Herb Garden, a Rose Garden, and a garden highlighting rare vegetables. Furthermore, the arboretum boasts numerous ancient trees, including a 200-year-old weeping Ash tree.

Why You Should Visit:
While there isn't that much to see on the outside, the two big glasshouses make up for it.
The rare plants are incredible and the varieties of ones you thought you knew will blow your mind.
Access to Kibble Palace is free, it's in a charming and historic Victorian building, and it is so incredibly peaceful inside, with many glorious plants to discover.

Tip:
Be sure to find the path downhill to the River Kelvin because there is a lovely river walk that goes on a long way in both directions.
Keep a watch on the Glasgow Botanic Gardens website for upcoming events as this place hosts all sorts.