When you are visiting Edinburgh, it’s almost a necessity to make a stop at the Royal Botanic Garden. The garden, located just off of Princes Street, is an amazing sight and has no entry fee. However, if you want to go into the glasshouses you may have to pay a slight fee. The garden covers almost three acres with various habitats, displaying a great variety of plants and life. People who visit the glass house may notice that it is near the same level displayed at the Eden Project in Cornwall.
In 2006 the Davis Alpine House was added to the garden. The house would be the third one built since the late 1800s. This house displays a set of automatic blinds and an air conditioning system that helps shield plants when it gets too hot so that the plants do not overheat. The air conditioner is, however, energy efficient. To save energy, the air is passed through underground tunnels that cool it, rather than being chilled by a refrigeration system.
For those who are less interested in being on their feet all day, there is a tour via train that runs around the garden. The train offers seventy-two seats and is powered by a special gas that helps to minimise air pollution. The driver will act as a tour guide and offer some great insight into the garden.
If you are concerned about getting lost inside the vast exhibit, there are plenty of volunteers giving guided tours. These people can help you get to and from the different areas within the exhibit while giving interesting information about the plants and the history of the gardens. Because the Garden is so vast, it is easy to get lost or separated from the group you may be with, but never fear: there are many places that are convenient to have as a meeting spot, and even places to sit down and eat while enjoying the scenery.
