Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Birmingham Botanical Gardens
3.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Fifteen acres of glorious landscaped gardens with over 10,000 plants, shrubs and trees - and a seasonal Butterfly House. Close to Birmingham city centre, this hidden tranquil setting also has four Victorian Glasshouses taking the visitor from the hot heat of the Tropical rainforest with its rich vegetation, through to the Sub Tropical House with its stunning palms and tree ferns. The visitor moves through to the Mediterranean House, with its citrus plants and bright conservatory type blooms - and finally to the stark contrast of the Arid House with desert climate and stunning cacti.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Address
Neighbourhood: Edgbaston
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See what travellers are saying
  • EvelineEats
    30 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful gardens
    I visited the gardens in February and even though it was winter, the gardens did not disappoint. They are very large and have many informative signs. There are general paths that are pushchair/wheelchair accessible but for the full experience there are many smaller paths through the gardens. I recommend wearing shoes and trousers that can get muddy. It was dry when I visited, but my shoes and trousers got dirty from the damp paths. The Victorian glasshouses are definitely worth visiting, but in desperate need of repair. The gardens do realise this and apologise for it. Children in particular might enjoy the various aviaries. The gardens also have a tea room and a large shop where I bought a book with watercolour paintings of garden birds. The main downside was that they do not have any capacity to store any luggage. I had to keep my suitcase with me, as I visited the gardens as a last stop before flying home. Adding some lockers/storage capacity would definitely improve the tourist's experience!
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 2 March 2024
  • Helen
    Kinver, United Kingdom6 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Family day out great. Poor quality lunch.
    The wander around the gardens was well labelled and interesting. The butterfly house had many chrysalis hatching out which was great. The meal was a disappointment. The toasted sandwich with side salad and slaw actually had about 1 teaspoon of side salad and 1 teaspoon of slaw. It all tasted good, was quick and was hot. But the quantity for what was paid was not good enough. Otherwise an enjoyable morning out.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 25 May 2024
  • westmids2011
    31 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice couple of hours outing
    Botanical garden is a nice couple hours to spend, to explore plants, glass houses and nature. Theres a nice cafe and seating area outside. You see everything in 1 to 2 hours. Theres a shop with lovely planting equipment to purchase.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 14 June 2024
  • Lisa-Marie1980
    357 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Needs TLC
    I was a little disappointed. It’s sad to see a once beautiful place get a little tired and unkempt. I can see why they are crying out for volunteers and funding. The glass house is the most depressing sight being closed, no bird life, shabby paint and rubbish inside. It wouldn’t take much to smarten it up, but it would be great for a party venue. The Urban garden was nondescript and there are not many butterflies in the greenhouse. There was also a lot of weeds not plants in the outside gardens. I haven’t been for 20 years and it hasn’t been looked after in these years.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 17 June 2024
  • Zaid M
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful day
    Great day out although we didn't see any peacocks but the flowers plants and parks went great with the grandkids. My advice become a member You get free parking and you can take 1 adult guest & upto 3 kids all year round. Membership came to £70 ( 1 visit normally 2 adults 2 kids plus £3 parking £33.80)
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 29 August 2024
  • Chris H
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A National Treasure
    These gardens are a national treasure and like many Brummies, they hold a special place in my heart. Though the buildings are looking tired, the glasshouses contain an outstanding and well kept collection of rare plants from around the world. Outside, improvements are clearly being made. The grass garden is by far the best feature with great drifts of naturalistic planting backed by groups of bold giant grasses. The peaceful fern garden is a secret little retreat. The alpine garden is a newish feature with outcrops laid out geographically. There are many important trees around the site and for families, probably the largest play area in any garden. The historic bandstand has live bands every Sunday throughout the warmer months. There is a large tearoom and occasional street food vendors. The gardens are heading towards a huge restoration project following years of no investment so be supportive and respectful. For those complaining about the parking system- there are lots of signs explaining what to do, read them carefully and you won't have a problem.
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 5 September 2024
  • smiler1956
    Birmingham, United Kingdom613 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Botanical Gardens
    Visited with my wife as part of our Anniversary celebrations. Not impressed. There was a queue at the entrance, and the member of staff was very slow and unhelpful. I also felt conned by being charged more, for a Gift aid addition?? ( I always thought if you gift aided, it allowed them to get tax relief on your entrance fee, but they have a higher price to pay if you wish to include gift aid). The grounds did not seem as lovely as the last time we visited, and there was very poor signage. Took us ages to find the Japanese garden. The actual glass houses were very sparse, and I really miss the aviary. (Perhaps something else could be done with the structure). The ice-cream I had seemed unnecessarily expensive, and there seemed to be very little going on. However, I really enjoyed the Alpine area, and the visit to the butterfly farm. Overall however, not a good impression of Birmingham.
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 6 September 2024
  • Pete
    Redditch, United Kingdom17 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Botanical Gardens Christmas Lights - don’t eat the food and definitely don’t buy donuts
    We have been a regular to the botanical gardens Christmas lights for quite a few years but I have to say the light show this year didn’t live up to the hype. Some of the lights like the field of rose bulbs pulsating to the music was awesome and the disco ball high up in the trees casting fabulous shadows and sparkles were spectacular as was the bird cages with the fairy LED’s was imaginative and had our grandson enthralled. However, there were lots of dark patches with no lights and there was no light tunnel like advertised. With that said, we will definitely be back next year as this is the start of our Christmas experience. Now the bad stuff - the food and drink was not only extortionate but also very poor quality. I had to throw the bacon cheeseburger away as it was burned to a crisp. We ended up queuing for donuts for an hour because the vendor decided she didn’t like me so wouldn’t serve me until everyone else waiting had been served and then had the cheek to tell me they were all in front of me ! They also didn’t apologise for keeping us waiting for an hour ! I get that they were busy but come on - an hour is ridiculous and when I challenged her she just dumped the donuts on the counter. Great to see the British customer service in action !
    Visited December 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 14 December 2024
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3.5
3.5 of 5 bubbles1,460 reviews
Excellent
458
Very good
428
Average
202
Poor
113
Terrible
259

Kelly
Birmingham, UK4 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Couples
It truly was a beautiful place. Not one area I didn't feel so connected to nature. However as much as the venue is amazing the housekeeping side is not. As a disabled toilet user I found all the disabled facilities dirty and without toilet paper. They should use radar keys stops kids going in and peeing everywhere. Also the cost usually it's great less that 10 pound per adult. But the events bump up the prices that are non negotiable even if you are not taking part. when I went today with my husband we paid extra because of a dinosaur experience that we could not do as adults they were puppets but the staff were only allowing children to engage with the puppets so if that's the case why charge extra for adult tickets, why not just double child tickets instead. Also it's not well sign posted. So I rated them 3 stars. I will give them a chance and try again on a non event day. Hopefully be worth the expense then.
Written 27 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mrs A.S
5 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022
So we went to Luminate Birmingham on Dec 27th, and overall it was ok. There were some lovely aspects such as the talking tree and fairy hologram, and the lights were generally pretty. Some of the set-ups were very nice, but I did feel that for £19.50 each (no concessions) it was a tad expensive. We had one disabled and one over 66 in the party, so I would have expected a bit of a discount for both, but none was available.
The best bits were the light tunnel, the moon and the glitter balls with light & smoke, but considering it says there are "interactive" aspects, the only one we found was some stepping stones which change colour, but as my balance is poor I was worried I would slip as the surface was shiny, so I didn't try.
Very limited on toilets and concessions on the way round (hot drinks/chestnuts/marshmallows etc) , and disappointingly when we came out about 8.30pm, looking forward to a hot drink, the café had closed! Very short sighted and I think very poor, when people were still coming in to start @ 8pm.
Surely you could stay open until 9pm? The retail shop you had to pass on the way out was still open, so why not the café? We had just spent nearly 2 hours in the freezing cold and drizzle, so a hot drink would have been great.
Written 28 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

silvertravellers48
Kidderminster, UK29 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022
We are 2 old fogies who absolutely loved Luminate last night. We spent over 2 hours there going round slowly and taking photos while people with small children just dashed through. It was extremely cold, and the frozen fountain still running surrounded with icicles was stunning. Lights beautiful, music a bit syrupy. The only food available though was pizza or baked potatoes in the cafe until 7.30pm, not as advertised - but at least it was warm in there. Hot chocolate and delicious mulled wine at the far end of the route, which was a long walk but all illuminated. We took some marshmallows and had fun toasting them at excellent BBQ pits, though we needed our 'phone torch. There was actually plenty of parking opposite on the University site, entrances off Vicarage Road rather obscure, the "marshall" being useless. There are toilets half way round but best to use the ones in the building before you enter Luminate. We arrived at 6.30 and had a lovely evening, suitably dressed (important!).
Written 17 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kiran S
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2024 • Couples
Went to the Luminate light trail in the botanical gardens with high hopes but left feeling highly disappointed as you enter it looks promising as the start of the trail is where they have made the most effort, the rest of the trail was amateur. I have seen better light displays on peoples houses on the way to the show .The rest of the trail was poorly lit and there was nothing magical about it .This event is more for kids but even some I seen seemed bored and not interested.The event says it would take me around 90 mins I finished the trail in 40 mins it was over before it really began. As for the food it was overpriced and underwhelming I had what was supposed to be a gyro wrap but I would rename it a salad wrap it cost £12 but that ridiculous the food ain’t even fresh the chicken and chips were just sat there I dread to think for how long .The hot chocolate was £5 it was cadburys powdered chocolate for that price I expect something luxurious absolutely shocking .For the price of the event it just didn’t deliver it’s too expensive and I wouldn’t bother going
Written 19 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

intothefringe
Birmingham, UK176 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2024 • Family
Having been visiting the gardens for over 40 years and taken my whole family on regular visits, I was very disappointed as my my son and grandson visited from abroad. The aviary has been razed to the ground - all the birds, parrots, cockatiels, budgies, wild ducks and wandering peacocks - all gone. The cafe which used to have hot food and longterm staff that were family - all gone . Infact it is due to close soon altogether. The charm and heart of the gardens has now been stripped away and we all felt sad as it seemed an end to an era. I can only guess the owners have decided to prioritise profit above all other considerations judging by the new development plans.
Written 29 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nick Tunney
Birmingham, UK8 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
I have been to many walks at the Botanical Gardens, and always thoroughly enjoyed them. This, sadly, was not one of those times.
The lights on the drive to the Botanical Gardens were far more professional and much much more interesting. Most of the "show" entailed trees with various lights on them! (mostly not mixed colours, one was purple, one was white etc! Much like you would have in your garden.)
The Fairy Garden, in all fairness was pretty nice, and did have actual effects albeit very small (8-10cm max). The big moon effect was ok up until it changed into a snow globe which just didn't look right at all.
The huge field of light bulbs way have signified something, but to me, seemed like a very lazy way to fill up a huge space, rather than put actual visual effects.
There were a couple of other effects, a big tunnel of xmas lights, some hanging bulbs, and a couple of light up path type things. Would i have spent xmas eve walking around them? Not at all! I was expecting a magical light show and left feeling like id visited someones back garden.
£15 for 3 hot chocolates kind of rounded the evening off to an expensive waste of time.
All that being said my 10yr old enjoyed it.
Written 30 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, We're sorry to hear that you were disappointed with your recent visit and apologise for not meeting your expectations. We value your feedback and have forwarded your comments to our management and Luminate teams to review. We hope for the chance to create a better experience for you in the future and we are glad that the event was enjoyed by your 10yr old. Best regards, Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Written 10 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Simon D
Birmingham, UK50 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
The most awful event ever ,the walk through was literally 5/10 minutes,about 3/4 pathetic people just coming out of a few bushes .
Went to the end and thought we had completed a wrong turn ,so we went around again ,guess what it wasn’t a wrong turn.
It had no smoke ,no atmosphere ,no haze or smoke effects ,it says 45 minute to walk around totally false advertisement .
Then into the bar. A pint of corona extra and a small coke £9.20 ,total rip off .
Made us wait around 3/4 of an hour , led into a tiny theatre . Then we saw the most confusing performance,actors were good ,but nothing scary or jumpy ,it was a total waste of time .
We are definitely requested a refund .
We spoke to other people ,same reaction If you want to be totally disappointed go there .
There will be no one that will enjoy this experience
Written 28 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sa1lor
Sheffield20 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Friends
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens are full of variety and interest. Plants are clearly labelled for those who want that level of detail, while the overall beauty and calm will suit the more general audience. There are plenty of spaces for sitting and taking it all in. The cafe’s offering is competitively priced unlike other places with a captive audience. Our WI visit was enhanced by the guided tour. The gardener in charge of the rose, grass and fern gardens shared his knowledge and enthusiasm generously. If you are planning to go, I would recommend you book the guided tour. It adds so much to the experience.
Written 5 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Marco Antonio V
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023 • Family
I’ve been a member for many years and I’ve always enjoyed visiting the gardens. I consider myself someone who has financially supported the gardens by paying my annual membership and often spending hard earned money on meals at the Café.

However, I’m really disappointed that I was charged a parking fine of £100 for not registering my vehicle upon arrival when I am allowed free parking. I was not given any cue by staff and the machine is not obvious when we enter. Until recently, we didn’t have to register and when I called staff I was told dismissively that an email had been sent warning that electronic registration had been reintroduced.

I’m sorry to say that I won’t be renewing my family membership so I can recoup the loss. More importantly, this kind of treatment will push families away who, like myself, feel unfairly treated by you.
Written 20 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Van L
1 contribution
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Couples
We have received a £100 car park fine from parking eye. The fined letter stated that the signage was clearly displayed. But this was not the case. When I phoned admin, I was told that the person at the reception desk has told us about this when we’d purchased the tickets. again this was not the case. Admin needs to do more than simply told people about the parking charge to help their visitors. There are many complaints about this situation online. Furthermore, they need to inform visitors of closed areas before visitors purchased theirs tickets as the garden itself is quite small and limited to areas that you can see.
Written 16 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We are sorry to hear about your disappointing experience at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Your comments are very important to us, and we will make sure to pass them on to the relevant departments for further review. Thank you once again for helping us improve our services.
Written 25 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS (2025) All You Should Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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