Edinburgh Guided Tours

 Daily Guided Walks

Take a tour and discover botanical highlights, plant treasures and tales of intrepid adventurers behind our Living Collection.  Tours take place daily at 11am and 2pm between 1 April and 31 October, with special interest tours throughout the year.  The walk is suitable for those 14 years and above.

Tours start from the John Hope Gateway and last for about 90 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the Welcome Desk and cost £8 per person. No advance booking is necessary.

Guided Tours for Groups

Private guided tours of the Garden's seasonal highlights can be booked throughout the year. 

Tours last around 90 minutes and cost £8 per person, with a minimum charge of £80 per group. Guided tours can take place from 10:30 every day Garden's opening hours. Tours are currently only available in the English spoken language. Advance booking (minimum 2 working weeks) is essential. Check full group tours Terms and Conditions.

How to book a Group Tour

If you wish to make a booking or have any queries, please email gardentours@rbge.org.uk or call 0131 248 2944 and leave a voicemail message. A member of the tours team will get back to you within 3 working days.

*Please note our Guided Group Tours do not include a visit to the Glasshouses. Our Glasshouses are currently closed as part of Edinburgh Biomes, the Garden’s major restoration and construction project. Work is now underway to protect our globally important Living Collection of plants for future generations.

Afternoon Tea Tours

Savour the delights of a leisurely private tour of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh with your own personal guide followed by a delicious afternoon tea for two in the Terrace Café.

Your guide will meet you at the reception of the John Hope Gateway at 1.30pm (12.30pm during winter months, Nov-Jan) for a leisurely stroll around the Garden. Meander through the Chinese Hillside, see the giant redwoods in the Woodland Garden, stroll in the world-famous Rock Garden and enjoy the tranquillity of the Secret Garden. After the tour, you will be served a scrumptious afternoon tea including scones, cakes, and sandwiches in the Terrace Café.  

How to book an Afternoon Tea Tour

To book a tour for yourself or buy a voucher as a gift for someone please email gardentours@rbge.org.uk. Afternoon Tea Tour vouchers are valid for one year from date of purchase and all tours must be booked at least 2 working weeks in advance.

Afternoon Tea Tours cost £75 for two people. Additional people can be added for £32.50 per person. As standard, gift vouchers can be sent via email as a PDF attachment.  

To redeem a voucher, please email gardentours@rbge.org.uk or call 0131 248 2944. and leave a voicemail message. A member of the tours team will get back to you within 3 working days.

*Please note Afternoon Tea Tours do not include a visit to the Glasshouses. Our Glasshouses are currently closed as part of Edinburgh Biomes, the Garden’s major restoration and construction project. Work is now underway to protect our globally important Living Collection of plants for future generations. 

BSL (British Sign Language) tours

Explore the changing seasons, diverse Living Collection and the inspiring stories and history of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh on one of our seasonal BSL tours.