We are looking forward to welcoming you to the Garden. We realise that many things are changing a lot at the moment, so we’ve put together some FAQs which we hope will answer your questions and make visiting easier. If you still have questions, please email or call us, details below.
Will I have to wear a face covering?
Visitors are recommended to wear a face covering in the Glasshouse Range, toilets, and Shop.
When can I visit the Garden?
The Garden is open from 10am, 7 days a week. Please click here for our seasonal closing times.
How do I buy tickets to visit the Garden?
You can purchase tickets on the day at the Ticket Offices using card or cash. We welcome walk-ups.
If you would prefer to pre-book, tickets can be purchased via our website booking page. Pre-booked Tickets are not transferable between days and are non-refundable.
I am a Corporate Friend – how do I book?
Corporate Members do not need to pre-book, unless they are in a group of 10 or more. Please bring one Corporate Membership card per person (not applicable to children 0-16) to enter the Garden. If you do not have access to your cards due to restrictions, please bring another form of company ID or state the name of your organisation to the ticket office when you arrive.
How do I show my ticket?
If you have chosen to pre-book, please bring your ‘Order Confirmation email’ with you and have it ready to show either printed out or on a mobile phone.
I am a carer, do I need a ticket/can I come in?
Essential carers for disabled visitors do not need to pay for entry. Please inform the ticket office on arrival.
Do I need to print my pre-booked ticket?
If you have chosen to pre-book your ticket, you do not need to print it – but if you do not, please have your online confirmation ready to show on a mobile device when you get to the gate.
Are children allowed?
Yes, as always.
Children’s Explorer Backpacks are not available at the moment.
Are the tickets time limited?
No, you are welcome to come to the Garden at any time on the day.
I pre-booked a ticket but couldn’t make it, can I use it on another day?
Unfortunately not, pre-booked tickets are date specific. We cannot transfer or refund booked tickets. We welcome visitors to pay on the gate upon arrival to offer more flexibility.
Where can I enter the Garden?
Entrances at Station Road/Hills Road and Brookside/Trumpington Road are both open for entry and exit.
Is all of the Garden open?
The Glasshouse Range is open from 11am. The rest of the Garden, Shop and the Garden Café are all open from 10am.
What has the Garden done to make visiting safer?
Safety measures in the Garden include:
- The toilets have hand sanitiser for use prior to entering. Surfaces are cleaned regularly by our staff.
- Hand sanitiser is available to staff and visitors at strategic points throughout the Garden.
- Visitors are recommended to wear a face covering in the Glasshouse Range, toilets, and shop.
- Card transactions only at the Café.
Are there toilets and how can I use them safely?
The toilets are open.
Hand sanitiser is available for use prior to entering. Surfaces are cleaned regularly by our staff and visitors are recommended to wear a face covering inside the toilets.
Are the Café and Shop open?
The Shop and the Garden Café are both fully open. Please note that the Café is only accepting card payments, but the Shop accepts both card and cash.
Can I bring my own food?
Yes, you can. We would also like to encourage you to take your rubbish home with you, thank you.
Are the bike parks open?
Bateman Street Cycle Park and the Station Road Cycle Park are open for bicycle storage.
Is there a car park?
There is no parking at the Botanic Garden.
There is limited pay and display parking on Trumpington Road and Bateman Street. Alternatively, please see Cambridge City Council’s parking map.
Are mobility scooters available?
Yes, they are available at both gates. Please pre-book by phone on 01223 335265 or email enquiries@botanic.cam.ac.uk, Mon-Fri (9-1, 2-4.30) indicating the date, arrival time, likely gate of arrival and estimated length of visit. It is recommended you book these well in advance of your visit.
How will I find my way around the Garden?
As well as the large maps and information boards, trails are available on the poster boards next to the ticket offices or on the ticket office counters. You may also wish to download this week’s Plant Picks or one of our adult trails in advance of your visit.
If you have any further questions, please email or call us on 01223 336265 (NB, the Enquiries Desk is open Monday to Friday 9am – 1pm, then 2pm – 4pm).
