From the A167 follow the signs to Durham, turn right (if you are heading North) or left (if you are heading South) off the dual carriageway at the site of the old 'Cock of the North' pub (which has been redeveloped as a housing project, 'Roundhaven') towards the City Centre. The Botanic Garden is about 1 mile down this road on the right-hand side, marked by a brown tourist sign. The first right turn is to park at the Park and Ride entrance. If you go straight on at the lights and take the next right turn this will take you down Hollingside Lane to park at our smaller car park. 

From the A1(M), turn off at the Durham exit, keep left and follow the A690 for approximately 2 miles into Durham. Take the 3rd exit at the first roundabout and follow the road down the hill passing under the footbridge. At the bottom of the hill keep left and take the first exit off the roundabout, be sure to get into the middle lane of the road to go straight ahead at the traffic lights next to the Marriot/Royal-County Hotel. Continue up the road, bearing right near the top of the hill at the traffic lights. Keep going to the next traffic lights (with the New Inn pub on the left) and go straight ahead up the hill. The Botanic Garden is on the left at the top of the hill, marked by a brown tourist sign. This will take you down Hollingside Lane to park at our smaller car park. Our car park is on the right once you pass the College buildings. Please note the car park is only for use by visitors to the Botanic Garden or Café.

Please proceed carefully along Hollingside Lane, as it is narrow in parts and there are usually several pedestrians from the local colleges.  

We offer free parking 7 days a week at the Visitor Centre car park.  We also offer Howlands Farm car park on midweek days, and the Maths and Computer Sciences car park on weekends and bank holidays, free in both car parks.

Parking Map

Please note, you must give your registration number to the staff in the Visitor Centre on arrival to verify free parking in all of these car parks.

Arriving by foot

Durham is a compact city to wander around, and there are many ways to get to the Botanic Garden on foot. Consult University maps of the local area for reference. A nice route from the Cathedral is to go either down the Bailey or via the riverbanks to Prebends Bridge, then up the hill and bear left, through the 'white gates' to the roundabout. Follow the road to the right, up the hill, and turn left at the top and follow the road through various University Colleges. 

At the end turn left, then cross the road to take the path by the wall which will lead you through Grey College. Follow the lane up the hill and bear left, through Grey College (look out for one of the best views of the city and the Cathedral from here). The Botanic Garden is further down the lane on the right; about 5 minutes’ walk from the main road. 

Please note that the road that leads from town to the Botanic Garden is uphill all the way through, and therefore pedestrian access might be unsuitable for visitors with mobility issues or respiratory medical conditions. 

Arriving by bicycle

For information on cycling in Durham, visit the Durham Bicycle Users Group website and for information on cycle hire please visit the This is Durham website.

There are allocated spaces to leave bicycles at both entrances. Bicycles are not allowed in the Garden. 

Arriving by bus

Details of Bus routes serving Durham can be found at Arriva Bus or Go North East.

Upon arriving at Durham Bus Station take the Arriva No 6 Bishop Auckland service. 

Buses leave approximately every 15 minutes. The Garden is a 5-minute walk from the bus stop outside Collingwood College, at the top of the hill (ask for "Colleges" or "Hollingside Lane"). From the bus stop, follow the lane up the hill and bear left, through Grey College, following the By Foot directions tab.

Alternatively, several Park and Ride services serve Durham city, information about which can be found at Durham Park and Ride. Howlands Park and Ride is located adjacent to the Garden. 

Arriving by train

Details of arriving in Durham by train can be found at National Rail. The nearest train station to the Botanic Garden is Durham, which is well served by trains from most major centres in the country. 

From the Railway Station, the Botanic Garden is about half an hour walk, quite hilly at times. See the By Foot information for details. 

There is a taxi rank outside the station, or you can telephone +44(0) 191 386 6662 to request one.