Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Starting life in the 17th-century as a physic garden from whence apothecaries would harvest medicinal ingredients, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has grown to become one of the world’s finest plant collections and a leading centre for scientific discovery. Experience the splendour of flora from across the globe, from the eye-catching rhododendrons that blossom on the garden’s Chinese Hillside, to the hardy heathers of the Scottish Heath Garden.

Star attractions The Victorian Temperate Palm House is the tallest in Britain (and a warm retreat should the Scottish weather turn cauld). With its labyrinthine lay-out, the Queen Mother’s Memorial Garden is fun to explore. And inside the John Hope Gateway visitor centre there are interactive exhibits to explain the science stuff.

Family X-Factor Leafy green tranquillity just a mile from the city centre.

Not many people know this but… The Herbarium contains more than three million preserved plant species.

Special events From August 16–September 4 come and see Jungle City, a collection of 120 hand-painted animals including tigers, orang-utans, crocodiles and hornbills, organised in conjunction with the charity Elephant Family.

Don’t forget to pack An umbrella!

Cost Admission to the Garden is free, but charges apply to the Glasshouses.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20A Inverleith Row Edinburgh EH3 5LR.

Also in the area National Museum Of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Zoo, Camera Obscura, Royal Yacht Britannia.