Biodiversity centre Edinburgh

12 October 2022|Read time 3 mins

Visit the John Hope Gateway Centre, at the entrance of the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh.

The newly opened John Hope Visitor Centre is a delight in itself, yet is nestled into the entrance of the stunning Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh.

John Hope Visitor Centre, a biodiversity centre in Edinburgh

With the opening of the John Hope Gateway Centre, the Royal Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh (The Botanics) has acquired a world-class biodiversity and visitor centre that is already drawing the crowds.

What is the Gateway Project?

The Gateway project, housed at the Gardens' West Gate on Arboretum Place, is home to a restaurant, shop, science studio, interactive media, plant sales, education rooms and exhibitions.

It's the perfect destination for a weekend stroll or family day out.

What's in the John Hope Visitor Centre

The John Hope Visitor Centre, named after a Regius Keeper of the Gardens from the 18th century, offers the chance to find out more about biodiversity loss and climate change in a contemporary building that is itself a pioneering example of 'green' construction.

The liberal use of wood and stone as building materials gives the Gateway a natural feeling in keeping with its mission of promoting the importance of the environment.

The building itself is a work of environmental art, with wind turbines, solar roof panels, a green roof and sky windows forming part of the structure. You won't see most of these, as they are hidden yet very much active on the roof.

Exhibits inside the building explore further the need to use resources in a sustainable way; they also look at the theme of biodiversity loss and climate change. On display are preserved plant specimens from the Gardens' national collections.

If you're feeling peckish, this is the ideal spot for a snack or something more substantial.

The Gateway cafe offers dishes made with ingredients handpicked from the Botanic's own Kitchen Garden, as well as seating overlooking the gardens.

After a bite to eat have a browse of the Royal Botanic Garden shop, where you will find a wide range of books, homeware and gifts for loved ones.

Visiting the John Hope Visitor Centre with children

Those of you with children will find the Gateway the perfect place to indulge budding scientists, who can have a shot at examining plant specimens under one of several powerful microscopes available for public use. 

John Hope, for whom the building was named, might not have known about interactive media back in the 18th century, but one senses he would have approved.

Visiting the rest of the Botanics

No trip to Edinburgh should be without a trip to the Botanics. 

Located just one mile from the city centre and much loved by visitors and locals alike, this 70 acre green land is home to science, art and some of the most beautiful nature you'll ever see.

Explore the Chinese Hillside, stroll through the Arboretum and enjoy the Rock Garden during your visit.

One of the highlights of the Royal Botanic Garden are the Glasshouses, housing one third of the garden's collection of rare and threatened plants.

Book a self-catering trip

During your self-catering break in Edinburgh, take time to enjoy all that the Botanics has to offer, including the stunning John Hope Visitor Centre.

After, why not take a short stroll to the fantastic area of Stockbridge, or perhaps relax at the Floatarium Spa?