Founded in 1921 with the assistance of the Leicester Literary and Philosophical Society, the University of Leicester Botanic Garden was established on its present site in Oadby in 1947. It comprises the grounds of four houses: Beaumont, Southmeade, The Knoll and Hastings, which were built early this century and are now used as student residences. The four once-separate gardens have been merged int
o a single entity, whose 16 acres of lovingly cultivated grounds and greenhouses, display a wide variety of features and environments. The formal planting centres around a restored Edwardian garden. Other planting includes an arboretum, a herb garden, woodland and herbaceous borders, rock gardens, a water garden, the National Collections of Skimmia, Aubrieta, hardy Fuchsia and Lawson's Cypress, and a series of glasshouses displaying temperate and tropical plants, alpines and succulents. The plant collections and landscape features make this garden one of the most diverse in the region. It is the perfect place for a pleasant walk and there are benches for those who simply wish to relax and admire the surroundings. The water features are particularly pleasing ans add character to the setting. Variety is the key to this garden's strength. The Botanic Garden and Attenborough Arboretum are open throughout the year, seven days a week, 10am to 4pm (5pm during British Summer Time), except that...
The Garden is closed on 25 December, 26 December and 1 January
The Arboretum is closed over the whole Christmas - New Year period.