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DURHAM University has one of the best botanic gardens in the United Kingdom. Its major attraction is the magnificent. Araucaria Araucana or Monkey Puzzle Tree, a tree that will totally defeat any monkey.

Botanists went out from Durham University to collect plants for the Botanic Garden from right across the world. It now has collections of plants from American, Chile, China, Japan, South Africa and New Zealand as well as many other countries.

The many greenhouses include cactus, Mediterranean and tropical collections among a number of other assemblages from many other regions.

Durham University Botanic Garden has number of woodland and pond gardens in addition to the impressive Alpine garden.

It has a spectacular display of tropical insects and bugs with occasional exhibitions of butterflies and months.

There is a series of woodland walks through the copses that occupy the site and visitors can use the bird hide to spy on the many species that live in or migrate to this area.

Durham University Botanic Garden exhibits various rare breed of sheep from July to March.

The plant sales include bamboos, Alpines, herbs, climbers, shrubs as well as many rare or unusual patio and conservatory plants.

There is a coffee and visitors centre in the grounds of the Botanic Garden.

The coffee shop, plant sales, glasshouses and insect displays are all fully accessible by wheelchair. Other parts of the garden are quite hilly in places, which makes access more difficult.

The garden has a wheelchair and motorised scooter available for free loan, though it is advisable to ring and book these in advance during busy times. Only guide dogs are allowed into the gardens.

Durham University Botanic Gardens are open from 10:00 to 17:00 between March and October and 10:00 to 16:00 from November to February every day, except for the Christmas period

More details can be obtained on o191 334 5521.