Birmingham Botanical Gardens – an urban oasis! Be inspired by nature!
Why is white chocolate white, but milk chocolate brown? How do pineapples grow? Why is biofuel so important? From which plant can both houses and clothing be made? Why do cactus plants look so strange? What is a tenrec? Find out the answer to these questions and many more, as you explore our 4 spectacular glasshouses and 15 acres of flourishing gardens. Here at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, we offer an educational visit like no other. You can explore our unique Glasshouses and experience an authentic rainforest adventure! Then, walk straight from experiencing hot and humid tropical conditions into a desert climate and observe the changes to plants due to the seasons. Then, wander down to the Alpine Yard and Rock Garden to marvel at the beautiful flora found on the Tundra. The Gardens contain over 7,000 different plants from all around the world. Experience the humidity and smells of the Tropical House, look (but don’t touch!) with wonder at the carnivorous plants in the Subtropical House, admire the fruits and flowers of the Mediterranean House, and marvel at the bizarre and fascinating ways that cacti have developed to protect themselves in the harsh environment of the world’s deserts (Arid House). Don’t forget to allow plenty of time, in addition, to wander around the stunning grounds seeing the giant Koi Carp and Victorian Cascade in the Rock Garden, be amazed by the National Bonsai Collection in our Japanese Garden, stop and smell the many herbs in our Herb Garden, be fascinated by our exotic bird collection from all over the world, play on our amazing new Treetops Adventure playground and, you never know, bump into our free-roaming peacocks! Allow us to share the knowledge and experience we have gained over nearly 200 years in our expertly-taught, cross-curricular teaching sessions that will be tailor-made to your age group and topic. Or opt for a self-guided visit where group leaders can lead their own activities. Find out more here