News: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh named top UK winter destination for families

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has been highlighted as one of the UK’s most inspiring gardens for families to visit this winter.

A new curation by online florist Bloom & Wild has selected “The Botanics” as a premier destination for those looking to embrace the colder months, citing its mix of seasonal horticulture and festive attractions.

As searches for “winter activities” rise, the report suggests families are increasingly seeking outdoor alternatives to soft play or screen time. The 70-acre Inverleith site was praised for offering clear views of the city skyline and a robust collection of winter-resilient flora that keeps the garden colourful even in the darkest months.

Winter highlights at “The Botanics”

While many associate the garden with spring blooms, the report flags specific areas that shine in winter. The red and green stems of Cornus stolonifera ‘Faviramea’ and the pale branches of Salix alba ‘Britzensis’ provide striking architectural colour against grey skies.

Visitors heading to the Birch Lawn as early as January can expect to see European hazel (Corylus avellana) producing pale yellow catkins, often with carpets of snowdrops forming beneath the trees.

For those seeking festive entertainment, the garden’s popular after-dark trail returns, featuring light installations by international artists, seasonal soundscapes, and appearances by Santa. Street food stalls serving hot drinks and winter refreshments are also available to keep the cold at bay.

A UK-wide selection

For Edinburgh residents planning winter trips further afield, Bloom & Wild identified several other top spots:

• Cornwall: Trebah Garden offers a “Where’s Rudhy?!” gingerbread trail and Santa storytelling.
• Greater Manchester: Dunham Massey features a winter wonderland and a trail following “Speechly the Pineapple”.
• Cambridgeshire: Anglesey Abbey’s Winter Garden is designed specifically to catch low winter sun.
• Surrey: RHS Garden Wisley’s “Glow” illumination trail highlights vivid purple berries and fiery stems.

Tips for a stress-free winter garden visit

To help families navigate outdoor trips in chilly weather, Bloom & Wild shared several tips to keep visits smooth:

• Beat the crowds: Arrive early on crisp mornings to enjoy golden light and give children space to run before the midday rush.
• Winter scavenger hunts: Adapt the usual flower-spotting to winter textures—look for pine cones, fungi, acorns, or different-coloured bark.
• Pack a flask: A hot chocolate or tea break can boost morale during a cold walk.
• Layer up: Winter weather in Edinburgh is changeable. Waterproofs and sturdy shoes are essential to prevent complaints about cold feet.
• Mix up the pace: Alternate between energetic activities (such as the light trail) and calmer moments (feeding ducks or having a snack) to prevent fatigue.

You can find the full winter curation, along with additional floral inspiration, at Bloom & Wild.