Visitor information

Opening times

The Botanic Garden and Attenborough Arboretum are open throughout the year, seven days a week, 10.00am to 4.00pm (5.00pm during British Summer Time), except:

• The Garden is closed on 25 December, 26 December and 1 January.
• The glasshouses at the Botanic Garden are closed at weekends, on bank holidays and university closure days (the Thursday and Tuesday around the Easter bank holiday weekend)  and throughout the Christmas period (24 December 2025 to 4 January 2026 inclusive).
• The Arboretum is closed throughout the Christmas and New Year period. (24 December 2025 to 4 January 2026 inclusive).
• Both sites are shut for safety when the wind speed is forecast over 46mph or if the conditions are unsafe such as extensive ice or lightening. 

Location

The Botanic Garden entrance is on Glebe Road (LE2 2LD). There are bicycle racks at the Garden entrance (up the driveway past the hedge ahead). There is free car parking on Glebe road.

The Attenborough Arboretum entrance is on Carisbrooke Road (LE2 3PF). There is a small car-park. 

• How to find us.

Accessibility and facilities

• The paths are suitable for wheelchair users.
• Entry is free to the Garden and Arboretum except on some special events days.
• Only assistance dogs are permitted (see our dogs policy).
• There are no refreshment facilities at the Garden or Arboretum. However we offer refreshments at our special events and with a booked guided tour

Events

• See our special events.

Tours

• Guided tours for groups followed by light refreshments for groups can be booked.

Friends of the Garden

• Become a Friend of the Botanic Garden and have access to talks, trips and other events.

Room bookings

• For a room and use of the Botanic Garden please contact  +44 (0)116 252 3666 or botanicgarden@leicester.ac.uk.
• To book a room in Beaumont Hall only please contact +44 (0)116 223 1680 or botanicgarden@le.ac.uk.

Photo shoots

• For wedding/engagement or commercial photoshoots contact +44 (0)116 223 1680 or conferences@leicester.ac.uk.
• Drones, drinks, picnics, confetti or music are not permitted.

Scattering ashes

• The scattering of ashes is not permitted on either site.

Sculptures

• See our sculpture booklet for more information about the twelve permanent sculptures at the Botanic Garden.

Children's activities

• Printable ideas to use with children when visiting the Botanic Garden.