The Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Birmingham City, situated in the centre of the UK, has some fantastic places to visit. One of its most beautiful attractions is The Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Located in Edgbaston, one and a half miles south west of the city centre, there 15 acres of grounds to explore, and four glasshouses.

In 1829 the Birmingham Botanical and Horticultural Society was founded. They chose a site called ‘Holly Bank Farm’ on the Calthorpe estate to create The Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The hope was to have an ornamental garden and also a market garden/nursery able to sell vegetables, fruit and plants – aiding the running costs.

Designed by J C Loudon, it took three years to be constructed. There was a disagreement between Loudon and the society members on the glass house design, with the original circular proposal changed to a simpler plan.

Originally the gardens were planted with gifts and seeds from other botanic gardens across the world – including 12 boxes of orchids from Brazil. Today the gardens contain over 7000 plants from across the globe.

In 1910 the Society added a zoological collection. The animals that could be seen included wallabies, alligators and monkeys. It became famous for its three bears especially Gladly the cross eyed bear (a deliberate rephrasing from a famous hymn called Gladly the cross I’d bear.

Apart from the glass houses, the extensive lawns and gardens also contain a bandstand – with concerts still performed during the summer months. Costing £368 in 1873 it has proved to be a great investment!

With a sunken rose garden and stone fountain, the gardens aims to bring peace, beauty and tranquility within the bustle of the city.

The Birmingham Botanical Garden hosts many hidden treasures. In 1995, an aviary was built for a wide collection of various birds. Another great addition is the incredible British National Bonsai Collection – which includes a 250 year old “Omiya tree”.

With its gardens and exhibits, education and events programme, it’s clear to see why it remains popular throughout the year.

OPENING TIMES

Open daily to the public from 10.00am, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day

Closing Times vary:

October – March: Close at 5.00pm (last entry 4.30pm)

April – September: Close at 6.00pm weekdays and 7.00pm weekends (last entry 30 minutes before closing)

ENTRANCE FEES

Family – £22 (2 x adults and up to 3 concessions)

1 Adult – £7.50

Groups (adults) – £6 per adult (valid for groups of 10 or more)

Groups (concessions) – £4

Children under 5 – free

School groups – priced separately

HOW TO FIND THE GARDENS:

Easily accessible by car, from the M40, M5 and M6 – follow signs to Edgbaston and then local tourist signs. Parking on site or local pay and display.

There are also numerous buses from the city centre: 23, 24, 1, X8, 9, X10, 12, 12A,13, 13A, 13B, X21 and 126.

Twenty minute walk from 5 Ways Station

CONTACT:

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Westbourne Road

Edgbaston

Birmingham

0121 454 1860

Website: birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk