Highlights
- Four glasshouses showing tropical, subtropical, Mediterranean and arid plants
- The British National Bonsai Collection, including a tree around 250 years old
- A sunken rose garden
- The 1895 rock garden and pool
About Birmingham Botanical Gardens
The Birmingham Botanical and Horticultural Society was formed in 1829 and asked the influential garden writer John Claudius Loudon to plan its new garden in Edgbaston. It opened to members in 1832. The committee turned down Loudon's design for a grand conservatory as too costly and built a more modest range instead; the Tropical House followed in 1852, the Subtropical House in 1871 and the terrace glasshouses in 1884.
The society, now a registered charity, still runs the 15-acre garden, which is Grade II* listed for its largely intact 1830s layout and Victorian glasshouses. A major fundraising project to restore the glasshouses gained National Lottery support in 2025.
What to see
- Glasshouses: tropical, subtropical, Mediterranean and arid houses, with plants from around the world.
- National Bonsai Collection: opened in 1993, including the venerable "Omiya" tree.
- Rose garden: a sunken garden of roses.
- Rock garden and pool: dating from 1895, near the western edge of the garden.
- Lawns and borders: the original Loudon layout of walks and open lawns.
Planning your visit
The gardens are on Westbourne Road in Edgbaston, about 1.5 miles south-west of Birmingham city centre. They are open daily apart from Christmas Day and Boxing Day, with seasonal opening hours. There is a car park, but spaces can be limited, so check the official website for current parking arrangements.
Essential companions of disabled visitors are admitted free, and reduced prices apply for disabled visitors. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The collection of exotic birds that the gardens once kept was rehomed in 2024.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit Birmingham Botanical Gardens?
Adult entry is £10, concessions £9 and children aged 5 to 15 £7, with a family ticket at £31. An essential companion of a disabled visitor gets in free. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Can I bring my dog to Birmingham Botanical Gardens?
No. Only assistance dogs are allowed in the gardens.
When is Birmingham Botanical Gardens open?
The gardens are open every day except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Opening hours change with the seasons, and last admission is 30 minutes before closing.