RBGE and John Hope Gateway
Inverleith Row, Arboretum Place
View on Google MapsPhoto: Nicole’s POV
About RBGE and John Hope Gateway
Wander through 70 acres of beautiful botanical gardens steeped in heritage, perfect for family adventures with picnic spots, wheelchair access, baby facilities and an onsite restaurant.
What's nearby
- Inverleith House next door
- Edinburgh Outdoor Fitness: Inverleith Park next door
- Arboretum next door
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 200m away
- Inverleith Park 350m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Paid street
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet
- ✓Accessible seating
Payment
- ✓Credit cards
- ✓Debit cards
- ✓Contactless
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Facilities
Opening hours
- Monday
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
We reserved a table for the Spring Afternoon Tea event which is running from March 23th to April 12th 2026. We were seated promptly. It was quite quiet when we were there, and reservations are required in advance. Hot drinks were included in the price, and soft drinks or alcohol could be purchased. There was a good selection of savoury and sweet options, and everything tasted fresh. Service was excellent, all servers were friendly and cheerful and had good knowledge of what they were serving (including the tea options, some of which were blended especially for the Botanic Gardens). The only negative was that a tip could not be included when paying by card. Only cash tips were allowed.
· via Google
Just got lunch here, first got charged a different amount from listed price. When i pointed it out, server defended by explaining that menu got changed yesterday, so listed prices are wrong. Got offered a refund and charged the price that was listed, which was good although when i asked for receipt, i was not assisted, just told “we run out of paper”. So not a great place to lunch if you need a record of expenses. Feedback for management: please manage transitions better so staff are able to provide attentive and courteous service more consistently 👍 Food was tasty, however, and views of the garden are lovely
· via Google
Excellent little cafe, staff was exceptionally friendly. Recommend this place. I got a wonderful lemongrass & ginger tea. Although there are many tea, beverage, coffee options here as well. They also have some pastries and nice hot food, even a vegan option it was a green Thai curry, I did not try this time but it looked fantastic. If you’re nearby give this place a shot, you won’t regret it!
· via Google
We visited the Gateway Café at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and had a wonderful lunch on the terrace. With beautiful garden views and plenty of sunshine, it was the perfect setting. The food was simple but delicious—fresh sandwiches, baked potatoes, and well-balanced salads—all at a reasonable price. A truly ideal spot for a relaxing lunch. I enjoy it so much with extra coffee and cake.
· via Google
Diners like this cafe's fresh and tasty food, including sandwiches and soups, and appreciate the friendly staff and peaceful atmosphere with garden views.
Other reviews mention the service can be slow and inattentive.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Edinburgh Get directions
- Category
- Parks & Play Areas
- Guest rating
- 3.5 / 5 (295 reviews)
- Suitable for
- All Ages
- Setting
- Indoor & outdoor
- Dogs allowed
- No
- Good for children
- Yes
- Good for groups
- Yes
- Booking required
- Yes
- Toilets on site
- Yes
- Destination
- Edinburgh