Places

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

by Olivia Taylor

Contents
Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Birmingham Botanical Gardens is a huge space where rare species of flora grow. In this article, we will tell you in detail about this location, which is so popular with tourists, its location, available activities, transportation options, ticket prices, and nearby hotels and restaurants.

Name

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Country

United Kingdom

Address

2612 Lane Park Road Birmingham, AL 35223

Year founded

1832

Area

15 acres

Record attendance

350,000 people per year

Chair of the Board of Trustees

Sue Beardsmore

Rare plants

Dicksonia × lathamii fern, Himalayan cedars, Venus flytrap

What are the Birmingham Botanical Gardens?

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Birmingham cover an area of 15 acres or 6 hectares and are located in Edgbaston, England. They were designed in 1829, included in the Register of Parks and Gardens of Historic England, and opened in 1832. The botanical garden is interesting for its unique greenhouses, butterfly farm, and wide variety of plants.

It includes four greenhouses:

  • tropical;
  • subtropical;
  • Mediterranean;
  • desert.
botanical gardens birmingham

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

There is also an Alpine House on the grounds of the garden. Rare plants on display here include:

  1. Dicksonia × lathamii fern, a hybrid of Dicksonia antarctica and Dicksonia arborescens, bred by curator B. Latham over a hundred years ago.
  2. Himalayan cedars grown from seeds obtained by James Watt Jr., son of James Watt, in the 1840s.
  3. The 250-year-old juniper tree ‘Omia Tree’. This plant is native to China and grows vertically.
  4. Venus flytrap – an unusual carnivorous plant growing in the subtropical greenhouse.

The Birmingham Botanical and Horticultural Society, an officially registered charity, manages the Birmingham Flower Gardens. There is an admission fee to the greenhouses, which are open every day.

In 2026, the Birmingham Botanical Gardens are set to launch a programme of guided tours.

Where is Birmingham Botanical Gardens?

the botanical gardens birmingham

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

The garden centre in Birmingham is located in Edgbaston, England, approximately 2.4 km south-west of the city centre.

There is a terrace around the perimeter of the southern row of greenhouses, from which you can admire the Main Lawn, framed by flower beds and shrubs.

In the western part of the garden, there is a path that curves around an avenue of rhododendrons. This is the so-called Conservation Area.

Adjacent to the Roman Garden in the south is a pond for waterfowl, and further south is a children's playground.

A short distance from the western border is another interesting location – the rock garden, built in 1895 in memory of Sir Hugh Nettlefolde, who was involved in charitable activities.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens map

To help you find your way around Birmingham Botanical Gardens, use the map. It shows the main locations: greenhouses, entrance.

botanical gardens birmingham map

Birmingham Botanical Gardens map

Events at Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Birmingham Botanical Gardens hosts a large number of events every year, including family events. For example, photography workshops, theatre performances, music concerts and even falconry. The botanical garden's programme of events is of particular interest to young people. Reviews say that there is never a dull moment at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Wedding at Birmingham Botanical Gardens

birmingham botanical gardens wedding

Wedding at Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Weddings can be organised at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Hold your wedding in a location that combines history with natural beauty. Newlyweds and guests will enjoy visiting the greenhouses and strolling through the Japanese Garden and Rose Garden. The lighting at Birmingham Botanical Gardens allows you to arrange a photo session to commemorate your wedding.

Christmas at Birmingham Botanical Gardens

There is a special atmosphere at Birmingham Botanical Gardens during the Christmas holidays. The gardens are transformed from late November to early January. At this time of year, there are long light trails and musical lighting.

botanical gardens birmingham christmas

Christmas at Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Birmingham's flower garden becomes the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit. It is transformed into a festive wonderland.

Visitors stroll along the illuminated paths, warm themselves with mulled wine, and roast marshmallows. It's a great way to celebrate the New Year with family, friends, or colleagues.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens: how to get there?

the birmingham botanical gardens photos

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

There are various ways to get to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. All you have to do is choose the most convenient method of transport.

By train

A train journey will cost approximately £182-693. Trains to Birmingham depart from London Euston and London Marylebone stations. The journey takes between 1 hour 16 minutes and 2 hours.

By tram

Many people who want to visit the botanical gardens take the Edgbaston Village tram to the stop after Hagley Rd Morrisons. From there, it is an 8-minute walk to the gardens.

By bus

Buses also run to Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Buses 23, 24, 1, X8, 9, X10, 12, 12A, 13, 13A, 13B, X21 and 126 stop near the gardens.

By car

There are two routes you can take to reach the flower location by car:

From the M40. Follow the M42 West to the M5, then turn off the M5 onto the A456 (signposted “City Centre”) and turn right onto the B4129 (Norfolk Road).

From the M6. Turn onto the A38(M) (signposted “City Centre”), follow the underpasses to the A456. At Five Ways, turn left onto the B4217 (Calthorpe Road).

Parking

Parking at Birmingham Botanical Gardens is free, but spaces may be limited on busy days.

There are several streets near the gardens where you can park for free, such as Farquhar Road and Augustus Road.

Information for visitors

botanical gardens birmingham uk

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Before visiting this location, which immerses you in the art of floristry and introduces you to the plant world, please familiarise yourself with the practical information for visitors: the garden's opening hours, ticket prices, places to stay and eat.

Dogs are not allowed in the botanical garden, with the exception of service animals.

Opening hours

In spring (from 10 February to 23 May) — Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00.

In summer (from 24 May to 7 September) — Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00.

In autumn (from 8 September to 2 November) — Monday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00.

In winter (from 3 November to 8 February) — Monday to Sunday, from 11:00 to 17:00.

Tickets

The cost of admission to the garden varies for different categories of visitors.

A standard ticket costs £9.90.

Family ticket (2 adults and 2 children aged 5-16) – £30, 25 + £2.75 surcharge.

Visitors over 65 – £8.80.

Blue Light Card holders are also eligible for a discount - £8.80.

Students - £8.80.

Children aged 5 to 16 - £6.60.

Children under 4 can visit the garden for free.

Hotels nearby

hotels near birmingham botanical gardens

Birmingham Botanical Gardens hotels nearby

There are several good hotels located a short distance from one of the most beautiful places in Birmingham and England as a whole:

  • Holiday Inn Birmingham M6 is 6.1 miles away, with room prices starting at £68.
  • Travelodge Birmingham Central is 0.9 miles away, with prices starting at £80.
  • Novotel Birmingham Centre Hotel, 0.9 miles away, with prices starting at £121.
  • Park Regis Birmingham, 0.7 miles away, with prices starting at £134.
  • Leonardo Royal Hotel, 1 mile away, with prices starting at £141.

Restaurants nearby

restaurants near botanical gardens birmingham

Birmingham Botanical Gardens restaurants nearby

You can grab a bite to eat near the botanical garden at the following establishments:

Chung Ying Cantonese Restaurant. Founded in 1981, it is considered one of the oldest and most popular establishments in the city. This restaurant has won a number of prestigious awards and was one of the three finalists in the ‘Best Chinese Restaurant in England’ competition. It is surrounded by exclusive bars, nightclubs and entertainment venues. An excellent place for dinner with family or friends, tasting exquisite dishes.

Beeches is a pub with gaming areas and outdoor dining. The menu features chicken wings, juicy burgers, fish and chips, and grilled steaks. You can enjoy your meal while watching a game.

Don Diego Edgbaston. Located between Harborne and Edgbaston, a stone's throw from the centre of Birmingham. The menu is dominated by Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant is perfect for cosy dinners, dates and business meetings.

Soofi. This establishment offers not only regular dishes but also vegan options and a wide selection of drinks. Its distinctive features are its family atmosphere, delivery service, and takeaway options.

The White Swan. A stylish pub, bar and restaurant in Edgbaston, it is the perfect place to enjoy food and conversation in a cosy atmosphere. People come here to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city, dine al fresco in good weather, and get their dose of vitamin D. This stylish family establishment is very popular with both locals and tourists.

Contact details and postcode

Telephone: (205) 414-3950

Email: [email protected]

Postcode: 35223.

Address: 2612 Lane Park Road Birmingham, AL 35223

Frequently asked questions

How long to spend at Birmingham Botanical Gardens?

It is recommended that you allow at least 3 hours to explore the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

How big is Birmingham Botanical Gardens?

The botanical gardens cover an area of 15 acres or 6.1 hectares.

Where else can I use my Birmingham Botanical Gardens entrance card?

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens admission card is mainly used exclusively for visiting this garden. For additional usage options, please call 0121 454 1860.