Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses West Midlands

What makes us a great choice for education?

Why are plants important for all life on Earth? From which plant can both clothing and houses be made? How do bananas and pineapples grow? Why is white chocolate white, but milk chocolate brown? Why do cactus plants look so strange? Why does deforestation affect us all? What is a tenrec? Find out the answer to these questions and many more, as your pupils explore our 4 spectacular glasshouses and 15 acres of flourishing gardens.

We provide a unique service, both to schools, colleges and nurseries in term-time, but also to uniformed groups (e.g. brownies, scouts, cubs), holiday clubs and youth groups at weekends and during school holidays. 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 teachers can lead their own activities.

Accreditation and Awards

The Gardens has a LOtC Quality Badge, as well as a Department for Education `Growing Schools Garden` accreditation and an affiliation with the Children’s University. The Gardens are also a VisitEngland Quality Assured Visitor Attraction.

What is typically included on our school trips?

We have over 20 cross-curricular teaching sessions to choose from, that are specifically aimed at the different key stages, and all of which link to the new National Curriculum. As examples, there is `Tree Fun` for EYFS, `Food Chains` for KS1, `Growth` for KS2, `Natural Art` for KS3 and `Animal Handling` for KS4. Furthermore, we are happy to organise bespoke teaching sessions that match any subject or topic.

You can also choose to visit on a self-guided basis, where teachers can plan and lead their own day.

Group Sizes Catered For

Up to 6 classes per day (180 pupils).

Materials, Resources & Information Provided

Each teaching session has its own designated resources, genuine artefacts, and real plants and animals.

There are a wide range of resources (e.g. trails, quizzes, activity packs) freely available to download from our website, which teachers can use on the day of their visit, or in the classroom before or after their visit. 

There are also Activity Packs available to hire for use in your self-guided time. Each is suitable for use with KS1 children upwards, and though primarily associated with Science, Geography and/or Music, they can also link to the English, Maths, History and Art curricula as well.

Photography, Filming & Audio Restrictions

Please take and share as freely as you like.

Risk Assessment Details

Risk assessments are available from our website. Group leaders are also welcome to a free pre-visit to plan activities and conduct their own risk assessments etc. once a visit has been booked.

Education Officer Information

Please contact the Education team on 0121 450 5093 or education@birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk.

Education Manager – James Jarvis.

Pricing Information

Our current prices are still frozen from 2016!

Off-Peak (August – February)

Self-guided entry - £6.20 per pupil

Entry with teaching session - £7.40 per pupil

Off-Peak Special Offer:

Can’t decide which of our exciting and educational teaching sessions to choose? Don’t worry – treat your students to two. For visits before March 2022, you can choose to receive two teaching sessions, and pay just £10 per student.

Peak (March – July)

Self-guided entry - £6.80 per pupil

Entry with teaching session - £8.00 per pupil

2 free adults per group of 30 children.

Any additional adults - £1.80

(All prices include VAT)

Clothing Requirements

Nothing specific, other than to wear weather-appropriate clothing (pupils and staff) that may get wet and muddy.

First Aid Information

Groups are requested to bring their own trained first aider, as one may not be available at the time of your visit. First aid equipment is located within easy reach of educational groups, though we recommend bringing your own first aid equipment too.

Available Facilities

Shop – pupils are welcome to visit and can cater for any budget. Goody bags can also be arranged if teachers prefer not to visit the shop but still want to make a purchase.

Pavilion Tea Room – pupils and teachers can obtain meals, snacks and drinks.

A covered lunch space will be provided for visiting groups (if requested on the booking form). `Picnics` are also permitted anywhere in the grounds (other than the Pavilion Tea Room or its outdoor seating).

Accessibility & Disabled Facilities

The whole site is suitable for disabled visitors, including wheelchair access and toilets.

Opening Hours & Information

The Botanical Gardens are open every day (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day) from 10am.

Teaching sessions are available any time during opening hours – please contact us for availability (0121 450 5093 / education@birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk).

Testimonials

These can be found at: https://www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk/education/teacher-pupil-testimonials/

Other Information

The Botanical Gardens hold school holiday events throughout the seasons (https://www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk/whatson/), which can be visited independently, or with your school if it has different term dates.