Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Fifteen acres of safe, secure, clean landscaped gardens with lawns and four glasshouses for children to explore. Indoor and outdoor activities for children and all the family. Picnic areas, outdoor theatre and music during the summer months.

As well as self guided trails and activities, there is a programme of nature related, environmental and creative family activities held on selected dates throughout the year including crafts, games, quizzes and wildlife studies. Led by experienced, friendly Environmental Activity Leaders, no need to book and there are no age restrictions.

Four glasshouses offer the rare experience of walking from hot tropical conditions into a desert climate, learning about plants from different parts of the world, including carnivorous plants like Venus flytraps and pitcher plants.

The Children’s Playground includes tides and a Tarzan trail and there is a Bamboo Maze to explore.

The Children’s Discovery Garden provides fun 'hands on' learning for three to six year olds. Designed in the shape of a flower, its entrance through a willow tunnel takes visitors up the stem path to the flower. Each petal contains interactive exhibits where children can get a real 'feel' for the natural world.

The Growing Schools Garden, an outdoors classroom resource designed by award winning TV gardener Chris Beardshaw, is used for school visits but also open to general visitors.

It includes a stumpery and evolutionary garden, aquatic garden, wildlife area including a butterfly and bee border, willow sculptures, bird feeders and nest boxes. The garden incorporates a range of habitats for different animals.

Education Service for All Visiting Schools

How do bananas grow? Where does chocolate come from? Why do cactus plants look so strange? Find out the answer to these questions and many more, as your pupils explore our 4 glasshouses and 15 acres of gardens.

Pupils are fortunate in being able to experience a wide variety of environments in one place. They can walk straight from experiencing hot and humid tropical conditions into a desert climate and observe changes to plants due to the seasons.

We provide a unique service to schools and colleges across the West Midlands and beyond. Most schools arrive at 10am and leave at 2:30pm but you can choose your own package suitable for your needs. 

Opt for either a self-guided visit where teachers can lead their own activities using the wide range of comprehensive teachers’ resources on-line. Or for a small extra fee, why not add a teaching session per class that you bring (we currently offer one teaching session per class of 30 children)?

Teaching sessions take place either in the glasshouses or out in the gardens and there are a wide range to choose from that will be tailor-made to your age group and topic.