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Scarborough Botanical Gardens
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The Scarborough Botanical Gardens were established in 1899 on the grounds of a former sugar estate, located in the heart of Tobago's capital. The gardens sprawl across a gently undulating landscape and offer an impressive collection of exotic and native plant species, including rare tropical hardwoods and flowering ornamental trees. Geographically, the park is situated between the town center and the higher ridges, granting it a sheltered microclimate. During the colonial era, the site served as a scientific station for trialing economically viable crops for the British Empire. Today, the botanical garden is a major hub for education and recreation, hosting numerous native bird species. The park's architecture follows Victorian design principles combined with Caribbean vegetation elements. The gardens stand as a living monument to 19th-century botanical research and play an essential role in preserving the local flora.
- Location: Trinidad and Tobago
- Top sights: Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago · Dwight Yorke Stadium · Shaw Park, Scarborough
- Nearby: Glamis (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 82 | 43 | 37 | 42 | 89 | 161 | 165 | 170 | 138 | 179 | 189 | 148 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Scarborough Botanical Garden is a public garden with tropical plants, visitable for a small entrance fee. Visitors can stroll along quiet paths and admire the exotic flora.
Typical hours
The garden is typically open daily from morning to late afternoon. Exact opening hours can vary seasonally, so checking before visiting is advisable.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the garden, and the colorful flowers provide great subjects. Using a tripod is usually permitted as long as it does not disturb other visitors.
Time needed
A walk through the garden takes about 30 to 45 minutes. If you are interested in plants and take many photos, allow one hour.
Combine with
The garden can be combined with a visit to Scarborough town and the nearby harbor. Other parks and beaches on Tobago are also easy to combine.
Getting there
The botanical garden is located in Scarborough and is within walking distance from the center. Taxis and buses run nearby; parking is available.
Insider tip
Visit the garden in the morning when the flowers are freshest. Mosquito repellent is recommended as there are many insects in tropical gardens.
Geography
Facts
- The gardens were officially opened in 1899 on a former sugar plantation.
- The park houses a diverse collection of rare Caribbean orchid species.
- It covers an area of approximately 17 hectares in central Scarborough.
- During the colonial era, economic crops like cocoa were scientifically tested here.
- Many of the massive hardwood trees in the park are over 100 years old.
- Entry to the botanical gardens is currently free of charge for the public.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
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Sights in the town Scarborough Botanical Gardens (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
When are the Botanical Gardens open?
The gardens are usually accessible daily from sunrise to sunset.
Is there an admission fee?
No, access to the gardens is typically free.
Are the paths wheelchair accessible?
Many main paths are paved, but there are some steep sections.
Are there restrooms there?
There are limited facilities in the park, planning ahead is advised.
Is the garden suitable for small children?
Yes, it is a quiet place for a stroll with the family.
Scarborough Botanical Gardens: where is it located?
Scarborough Botanical Gardens is located in Trinidad and Tobago.
Scarborough Botanical Gardens: what is there to see?
Highlights include Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago, Dwight Yorke Stadium, Shaw Park, Scarborough.
Scarborough Botanical Gardens: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
Scarborough Botanical Gardens: why is it worth visiting?
The Scarborough Botanical Gardens were established in 1899 on the grounds of a former sugar estate, located in the heart of Tobago's capital.
Nearby cities
Morne Quinton
A residential area overlooking Scarborough, Tobago.
Mason Hall
One of the largest inland villages on Tobago.
Glamis
A small village in central Tobago.
Plymouth
One of the oldest towns on Tobago, site of Fort James.
Castara
A small fishing village and growing eco-tourism destination in a secluded bay.
Mount Irvine
An area in Tobago known for its golf course and luxury villas.
Black Rock
A village on the Caribbean coast of Tobago, site of Fort Bennett.
Goodwood
A village in Tobago known for its strong community spirit.
Englishman's Bay
Not a village, but a famous secluded beach on the leeward side of Tobago.
Buccoo
A fishing village in Tobago famous for the Buccoo Reef and its weekly 'Sunday School' festivities.
Canaan
A rapidly developing commercial and residential area in southwestern Tobago.
Bon Accord
An area in Tobago near Crown Point, known for its lagoon and mangroves.
Pembroke
A village in Tobago known for its strong African traditions and harvest festival.
Crown Point
The location of Tobago's international airport and many popular beaches.
Goldsborough
An area in Tobago known for Goldsborough Bay and the nearby ruins of a sugar mill.
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Scarborough Port
The main hub for passenger and freight traffic in Tobago.
🗺️
Castara Fishing Village
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The oldest legally protected forest reserve in the Western Hemisphere, located on Tobago.
Buccoo Marsh
A mangrove forest and wetland area adjacent to the Buccoo Reef in Tobago.
Buccoo Reef
A protected coral reef with rich marine life.
Pigeon Point
Tobago's iconic beach with the famous wooden jetty.
Celestial Park Forest
A private nature reserve in Tobago dedicated to rainforest conservation.
Little Tobago Bird Sanctuary
A small island with an important seabird nesting site.