Construction has started on the new ticket office at Cambridge University Botanic Garden with an expected opening in the autumn. This major upgrade will replace the old wooden hut at the Hills Road entrance, improving access and cutting queue times.
The garden, which welcomes over 350,000 visitors annually, has long required an upgrade to its entrance infrastructure. The current ticket office, described as basic in both appearance and functionality, struggles to accommodate the large footfall effectively. Professor Sam Brockington, the acting director of the Botanic Garden, shared his enthusiasm: “We want visits to the garden to be as easy and pleasurable as possible.”
The new ticket office will offer more service points, which will reduce queuing times during peak hours. This improvement will allow visitors to swiftly enter the gardens and enjoy its renowned collection of plants and green spaces without unnecessary delays. Visitors can also expect upgraded facilities, including new toilets, changing rooms, a shop, storage areas, and a dedicated buggy store. These changes aim to make visits smoother and more enjoyable.
Garden management promises to keep disruption minimal. However, the Station Road cycle park will be closed from Monday, 10 February, until the ticket office opens in autumn. The Brookside cycle park will remain open.
The Station Road gate will remain open for much of the construction period with a temporary ticket office in place. However, there may be times when the gate needs to close, and visitors will be redirected to alternative entrances. The garden encourages visitors to check its website and social media channels for the latest gate closure updates, promising to provide as much notice as possible.
With work now underway, the Cambridge University Botanic Garden is taking a big step toward improving its visitor experience. The new entrance will create a more welcoming and efficient gateway to its beautiful green spaces, reinforcing its role as a top destination for locals and tourists alike.
