Currrent Charge for Non-Birmingham Local Authority Schools:

Self-guided Option for Non-Birmingham and Independent Schools

Just £5 per pupil (maximum 2 classes) and £1 per adult for entry to the Gardens' 4 glasshouses and 15 acres of grounds. Experience the humidity, sights and smells of the Tropical Rainforest House, admire the gigantic lemons (Citrons) and a wide range of other citrus fruits in the Mediterranean House and the bizarre and fascinating ways that the Cacti and other Succulents have developed to protect themselves in the harsh environment of the world's deserts. Don't forget to allow plenty of time in addition, to wander around the stunning grounds seeing the musical archway and straw bale building in the Growing Schools Garden, marvel at the giant Japanese Koi Carp and newly-refurbished Victorian cascade in the Rock Garden, stop and smell the many herbs in our Herb Garden, be fascinated by our exotic bird collection from all over the world and you never know, you might even bump into Percy our roaming peacock!

There is so much to see at the Gardens, that you might just simply wish to explore the site without any paperwork, encouraging your pupils to touch, smell, look and listen to all the amazing plants, animals, sculptures and other features that you come across. Alternatively, you might decide to download and print off one of the many trails, worksheets, quizzes or colouring sheets that you will find on-line on our website in the teachers' resources section. We can also offer orienteering maps for you on the day if you would like to get some fresh air, encourage teamwork amongst your pupils and of course, set them a challenge!   

We may be able to get a volunteer to help you find your way around the site and of course, encourage your pupils to discover some key plants here; just let us know this request by way of the booking form. We can't guarantee a volunteer however, as one might not be available on the day you wish to visit us, so we always advise you to plan to be self-sufficient and to carry out a pre-visit to suss things out just in case! 

As part of the entry fee, a classroom is usually available for lunch for the first school that books in each day and we can advise on this at the time of booking. During the summer months you are welcome to picnic in the grounds or a marquee may be available on request.

Sample Timetable for Self-Guided Schools

Teaching Session Option for Non-Birmingham and Independent Schools

For a small extra fee, and subject to availability, you might like to consider adding a 45-minute teaching session led by the Gardens' Education Officer on your arrival. If you will be short of time here during the day, we can deliver some of the sessions to 60 pupils at a time (usually 30); just ask us at the time of booking about this possibility.   

The price for one 45-minute teaching session per class (maximum 2 classes) including the Gardens' entry fee is £5.50 per pupil and £1 per adult (minimum charge of £110 for groups of fewer than 20 requiring a teaching session).

Sample Timetable for Schools with a Teaching Session

Payment Procedure

For non-Birmingham and Independent schools, payment is made by invoice after your visit for groups of 10 children or more, otherwise you will need to pay by cash or credit card at the main reception desk on the day of your visit.

Nursery Groups 

Nursery groups are booked on site on a self-guided basis and pay a separate nursery rate. Adults are charged at £7.50 each (the Gardens' normal daily rate) and may bring 3 nursery children free with each adult.  Nursery groups are asked to pay on the day at the main reception desk.

Birmingham Local Authority Schools should phone the Outdoor Learning Service for current rates and payment advice on  0121 454 0784.