Birmingham Botanical Gardens

These beautiful gardens, which are a centre of peace and quiet set 5 minutes from the city centre, were designed by J. C. Loudon and opened to the public in 1832.  The gardens are located at Westbourne Road in Edgbaston.  Inside the 15 acres of grounds there are tropical, subtropical, Mediterranean  and arid glasshouses.  Outdoors there is a large lawn, a bandstand, a cottage and garden, herb garden, British wetlands habitat, children's discovery garden, a children's play area and much more.  The themed areas are interspersed with sculptures and seating areas.  The Botanical Gardens also house the 5 finalists gardens in the BBC "Gardener of the year" Competition.

The Pavilion Tea Rooms serve Morning Coffee, Light Lunches and Afternoon Tea.  The Gallery houses exhibitions of art, mainly by local artists. Work of every style and medium is exhibited, most of it being for sale. There is also a shop which stocks an attractive range of gifts, stationery, garden requirements and both indoor and outdoor plants.

During the year the Gardens host many events, including bands playing in the bandstand every Sunday during the summer and Weekend Workshops most Saturdays and Bank Holidays.  There are Children's Workshops during the holidays where children can join in making different crafts.  There are shows on throughout the year and Day time and Evening Adult Courses on a variety of subjects, from Gardening to Eastern Philosophies.  For 9 nights during November and December the garden is open for The Secret Garden Event.  The garden is illuminated and there is entertainment and a Santa special.  Of special interest to A&E members, there is a photographic competition.  Submit a photograph taken at The Birmingham Botanical Gardens & Glasshouses to win the digital camera. Tel 0121 454 1860 for an entry form or pick one up from Reception at the Botanical Gardens. Closing date: Friday 30 September 2005.

The gardens are open every day, except Christmas Day, from 9am (10 am on Sundays). Closing is at 7pm April to September, 5pm (or dusk) October to March.  Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.

There is excellent wheelchair access throughout the Gardens and Glasshouses and free loan of manual and electric wheelchairs is available (pre-booking preferred)

Click here to download a map showing directions.

Admission Prices:   

Various Membership options are also available.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens have their own official web site which can be found here.