Bringing your class to the Botanics
Here are some useful tips for planning your trip to the Garden.
If you are arriving by coach or minibus, please enter the Garden via the John Hope Gateway (West Gate) located on Arboretum Place. Public buses (Lothian Buses: 8, 9, 23 & 27) stop by the East Gate on Inverleith Row. Please note there is a 10/15 minute walk from the East Gate to the John Hope Gateway on the west side of the Garden.
East Gate, Inverleith Row:
Bus Stop – 36237392
What3Words - ///porch.foil.notes
West Gate, Arboretum Place:
What3Words - ///making.maps.navy
Please note that there are bus/coach parking restrictions in the immediate vicinity of the Garden. RBGE will not accept responsibility for any parking tickets incurred by school groups. It is the responsibility of the school to check parking restrictions.
Gates to the Garden open at 10.00am. You will not be permitted access to the Garden before this time.
Please sign in at reception on arrival. You will be asked to provide a mobile telephone number for a member of staff on the trip as an emergency contact.
Once inside the Garden please make your way to the John Hope Gateway. On arrival you will be met by one of our learning team.
Morning Sessions: Start times in the morning include time to cross the Garden, to have snacks and visit the toilet before classes begin at 10.30am.
Afternoon Sessions: Start times in the afternoon assume that groups have already had lunch and been to the toilet and are ready to start their programme on arrival at 12.30pm.
Please note we are currently unable to provide an indoor lunch space for most groups.
Our Schools’ Online Learning Area is blooming with a variety of learning resources to help young people and their educators have fun while learning about the important work of the botanic gardens.
We have a mix of learning resources and plant adventures for lower and upper primary children; secondary and young adults; educators; and families. Explore the relevant section to find out which resources might be suitable for you and/or your class.
We want everyone in your class to have the best experience possible. If any of your pupils have any additional support needs, especially those with mobility issues, please notify us when you book so we can plan the programme and route to accommodate all students. All programmes can be adapted with advance notice, but we might not be able to adapt as easily on the day.
Some programmes may not be able to run if the Garden needs to close due to high winds or other severe weather. If weather warnings are issued in advance of your visit, we will aim to contact you the day before to decide whether the visit will be cancelled or not. You are advised to telephone 0131 552 7171 before leaving school if in any doubt on the day of your visit.
Where possible we will try to reschedule any cancelled visits for a future date.
Many of our programmes take place outdoors so please bring suitable clothing and footwear for being outside in all weathers (including waterproof clothing and sun cream). Please ensure all adult helpers are also aware of this advice.
Our risk assessment is available to download for reference. All schools should do their own risk assessment prior to their visit.