Education

Why is white chocolate white, but milk chocolate brown? How do pineapples grow? 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 spectacular glasshouses and flourishing gardens in a totally immersive experience.

 

An Outdoor Educational Visit like no other!

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.

 

Outdoor Learning

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 using our wide range of Educational Resources.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR ALL EDUCATIONAL VISITS

We provide a unique service, both to schools, colleges and nurseries in term-time, but also to uniformed groups (e.g. brownies, scouts), holiday clubs and youth groups at weekends and during school holidays. Most visits begin when we open at 10am, but you can choose your own arrival and departure times to best suit your requirements.

PRE-VISITS

We recommend that group leaders carry out a pre-visit, even if you have been to the Gardens before. For free admission any time during the Gardens’ opening hours, simply show your visit confirmation e-mail (either electronically or printed) at Reception. (Please note that any other visitors accompanying you will be charged normal admission.)