What's on in the area

University of Durham Botanic Garden

Daily

Cost: £2; concessions £1.50; children £1.25; under 5s free

Hours: Gardens open daily Mar-Oct: 10am-5pm; Nov-Feb: 10am-4pm

The University of Durham Botanic Garden, all 18 acres of it, is set in mature woodland with plenty of exotic trees from America and the Himalayas.

Highlights of this natural wonder include the Prince Bishops' Garden, the tropical house, the cactus house and the conservatory, with plenty of creepy crawlies (butterflies if you are lucky). The visitor centre has a number of changing exhibitions, with plenty of information for green-fingered types.

University of Durham Botanic Garden