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Day Trip from Boston: Explore The New England Botanic Gardens at Tower Hill

(4 Reviews)
  • From South Station
  • Activity Level: Easy
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Time at Garden: 3.5 Hours
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The DetailsWhat's IncludedGetting To BoylstonFAQ's

Self-Guided Tour of The New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill | The Details

Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and springtime flowers with a self-guided visit to the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston, MA. A stunning 171-acre oasis featuring vibrant gardens, peaceful walking trails, and breathtaking scenic views. This relaxing day trip includes round-trip rail transportation and a private shuttle, making it a hassle-free escape from the city.

What to Expect:

🚆 Round-Trip Commuter Rail Ticket from Boston – Enjoy a scenic train ride

🚐 Private Shuttle to the Botanic Garden – Upon arrival into the Grafton, MA station,  our van will transport you directly to the New England Botanic Gardens at Tower Hill.

🌸 Explore at Your Own Pace – Wander through a diverse collection of seasonal gardens, lush conservatories, and woodland trails at your leisure. Whether you’re admiring colorful floral displays, enjoying the tranquility of the Secret Garden, or taking in stunning views of Wachusett Reservoir, this experience is yours to enjoy however you’d like.

🦋 Connect with Nature – Relax in peaceful outdoor spaces, discover unique plant collections, and embrace the serenity of hidden gems in Central Massachusetts.

🚐 Return Shuttle & Train to Boston – After a rejuvenating visit, our private shuttle will bring you back to the station for a smooth ride home.

To learn more about what’s blooming in the Spring in across the state check out our blog: Springtime Blooms in Massachusetts

What's Included

  • Commuter Rail PassValid all weekend on all Commuter Rail Lines
  • Step-by-step instructions on how to get to South Station & what train to take
  • Transportation from the outlying station to the activity and backNo need to find a rideshare, we've got you covered!
  • 3 hours 45 min to explore
  • New England Botanic Garden Admission Ticket

What to Bring

  • Water
  • Snacks
  • Sunscreen

Getting to the New England Botanic Gardens at Tower Hill

Timing my vary based on the departure time you select

11:00am

Take the Worcester line train from South Station to the Grafton, MA stop

 

*Note* If you live off of the Back Bay stop, or any other stop along the way you may board the train at any point, you don’t need to board at South Station.

12:15pm

Arrival at Grafton Station, meet the van at the designated pick up area

12:45pm

Arrival at the gardens where you begin your guided tour

12:45-4:45p

Time on your own to explore

4:45pm

Makes your way back to the bus parked out front

5:22pm

Take the Worcester line train from Grafton back to Boston

6:45pm

Arrival into South Station

 

We will also send these details along via email with more information on how to navigate getting to/from South Station upon booking.

Your train tickets will be emailed to you 48 hours prior to departure. These tickets are valid all weekend and allow you to ride any commuter rail line train.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Commuter Rail Pass to take more than 1 tour in a weekend?

Yes! if there’s a tour you’re interested in both Saturday and Sunday you can book 1 tour at full price, the other you can book the ” commuter rail passholder” Option. This provides you with a $10 discount since you already have a valid Commuter Rail Ticket for that weekend.

Can I bring my own food/snacks?

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food or snacks. Please be mindful that our bus can accommodate 1 personal item per person (e.g. backpack, tote bag). Please no large coolers. In many of the destinations there will be food/ drink to purchase. Please refer to your specific
itinerary for more information.

What happens if my tour is outdoors and there is inclement weather?

massAdventures and our partners watch the weather closely in the days leading up to your tour. If there is inclement weather which impacts your tour and safety, we will notify you via email as soon as possible. If your tour gets canceled due to the weather, you will have the option to receive a full refund or reschedule it to a later date. (Pending tour availability.)

Is this a guided tour?

No, this is a self-guided trip 

How is the start time of a tour calculated?

The start and end time of a trip is the time the train leaves the station. For example, if while booking your tour start time is listed as 8:07 am, this is the time your train departs North or South Station.

What if I’m the only person booked on a tour?

To ensure your tour proceeds as planned and to maintain a high-quality experience, we will arrange a rideshare service (via Uber or Lyft) to pick you up from the station and return you there after the tour, instead of chartering a full 14-passenger bus. This approach allows us to provide a personalized experience while being both environmentally friendly and financially sustainable. If this is the case, we will notify you 48 hours ahead of your tour.

What happens if I miss my train?

If you miss your train, please reach out to us at: contact@keolismassadventures.com and notify us as soon as possible so we can assist you. It’s possible you can catch a later train; however, you will need to take a rideshare service from the station to the start of the activity. Unfortunately, no refunds will be provided in the event you miss your train and cannot make the tour.

Can I reschedule my trip if something comes up?

Yes, please review our cancellation policy here.

Can I stay on location longer and take a later train home?

Yes, you may choose to stay on location longer than scheduled, however, please be mindful that you must find your own transportation back to the Commuter Rail station. We do not guarantee that rideshare services will be available.

Are Dogs Allowed?

Although we LOVE dogs, and I mean love!! they are sadly not allowed on our tours regardless of if you’re taking the train or driving. Service animals are allowed 

If I Refer A friend Do I Earn Anything?

Yes!  Refer A friend and they’ll get $5 off their first  tour—plus, you’ll get $5 when they book!
 Click here to refer a friend

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Have questions or interested in a private group tour?
Send us an email!


contact@keolismassadventures.com

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4 Reviews
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Jeannie

Group Traveller

So much fun at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill!

09/01/2025

Nathaniel J

Group Traveller

This was self-guided, which is our preference, sonwe had a great time. The arrangements were well-communicated, delivered what was promised, and the Botanical Garden itself is truly wonderful. All very worth it. Moving forward, unless I missed it somewhere, I think a nice added touch would be to state the time the kitchen closes in the cafe. Since we’re so isolated for so long, food planning is a major component of this experience. We saw online that the cafe closed at 430pm…but when we arrived we were told the kitchen closed at 330p, leaving only a few grab and go items for purchase. As suggested, we had brought a decent amount of snacks, but were looking forward to eating something a bit more substantial at the cafe after all that walking and exploring

07/07/2025

Lynn R

Solo Traveller

It was a perfectly beautiful day. The gardens were lovely!
Thank you for setting up these day trips – I will look forward to doing another one!

04/20/2025

Jimmy

Solo Traveller

I toured the New England Botanical Gardens in Worcester with Keolis massAdventures on April 28th, the booking process easy and the provided information comprehensive. The tour was wonderful, with a knowledgeable guide and ample time to explore the gardens independently. Returning to the station was seamless, making the overall experience positive and convenient. I highly recommend booking a trip through Keolis massAdventures to visit this beautiful place.

04/28/2024