Indoor & Outdoor Learning
Exceptional Learning at Birmingham Botanical Gardens
The Gardens contain over 30,000 different plants from all around the world. Experience the humidity and smells of the Lily House, look (but don’t touch!) with wonder at the carnivorous plants in the Palm 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, Alpine Gardens and play on our amazing Treetops Adventure playground!
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
General Information For All Education Visits
A Unique Service
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.
Arrival
Most visits begin when we open at 10am, but you can choose your own arrival and departure times to best suit your requirements.
Tailored Learning
Your tailored learning visit
At Birmingham Botanical Gardens, we offer Nursery, Primary, Secondary, FE and HE Learning visits that are like no other.
Students can learn about more than 30,000 extraordinary plant species that have adapted to their unique environments, get up close and personal with our exotic animal collection, and can complete fieldwork for geography, science, art, photography and more. Come and explore our unique glasshouses and spectacular Gardens for an exciting outdoor learning adventure! We also offer a wide range of fun, interactive teaching sessions to support learning.
A Learning visit includes:
- A free pre-visit for group leaders
- Entry to the Gardens for students and accompanying adults
- A wide range of National Curriculum-linked teaching sessions to choose from (or self-guided entry)
- Many supplementary educational activities and resources
- A covered space to eat lunch and store bags, available to you for your entire visit
- Freedom to arrive and depart whenever you choose.
For more information, or to book an exciting group visit, please contact us.
Group Visit
Uniformed Group Visits
We offer uniformed groups (Scouts, Guides, Cubs, Brownies, Beavers, Rainbows etc.) an exciting visit, including a structured teaching session, to help with the all-important badge collecting.
We know it can be difficult for group leaders to create new and engaging programmes for their children, so you can access all of our educational teaching sessions. Particular highlights for relevant badges are: Animal Handling, Rainforest Challenge, Art Without A Paintbrush, and Pond & Land Minibeast Explorers.
Not Sure?
If you are not sure which session to choose, let us know which badges you want to award and we can suggest our most appropriate session. Teaching sessions are age specific and all link directly to the National Curriculum. Groups can also use our Cryptic Orienteering Activity Pack (normally £25) for free.
Special Packages
We have designed a special package where, for a group of up to 30 children and 6 adults, each child pays only £7 and all adults are free*. This package comprises: admission to the Gardens (where you can stay for as long as you wish), a teaching session of your choice, free use of a Cryptic Orienteering Activity Pack, a place to store and eat lunch, and free parking (for cars and minibuses). Payment can be made before or on the day of your visit by credit/debit card.
For more information, or to book an exciting group visit, please contact us.
*Please note that there is a minimum charge of £105 for groups of fewer than 15 children. Any extra adults, in addition to the 6 admitted free, will be charged standard Gardens’ admission.
Extra's
Goody Bags
Our Gardens Shop is always open for children and teachers to purchase any souvenirs of their day at the Gardens. However, if group leaders prefer not to visit the shop but would still like to make a purchase, then goody bags can be made up for collection instead. Please advise of your requirements on your booking form. (We are unable to invoice for any shop/goody bag purchases. These must be paid for on the day of your visit via credit/debit card.)
Enquiry Form
Booking Enquiry
For more information, or to book an exciting educational visit, please contact us by telephone (0121 450 5093). Complete the form below and we will be in touch with more details about your visit.
Visit Us
Book Your Tickets
Day Ticket
Book your day ticket and explore one of the UK’s most significant historic Botanic Gardens.
