The charge is 3 per person. These tours enable visitors to get the most from their visit to RBGE by pointing out special features and seasonal highlights. Each tour is individually tailored to meet the needs of the visitors taking into account the weather conditions and any special interests of the group. The team of garden guides are volunteers , selected for their communication skills and knowledge of plants and gardening. They undergo an intensive ten-week training course before qualifying as an RBGE Garden Guide.
Recruitment takes place every few years and there is a waiting list for potential garden guides.
Bookings from clubs, societies, travel companies or individuals for personally guided tours, are very welcome. Tours with different themes, such as herbs, aromatherapy, trees or rhododendrons, can also be arranged. Each year RBGE runs a series of public lectures on a different theme from October to April. There is no charge and advanced booking for individuals or small groups is not required. Talks are aimed at the interested lay person and provide an excellent opportunity for the general public to learn about science and horticulture at RBGE and its sister organisations in the UK and overseas.