Winterbourne is one of the best surviving examples of an Edwardian Arts and Crafts suburban villa garden in Birmingham. The garden was lovingly created by the homeowners, Margaret and John Nettlefold, using the books of Gertrude Jekyll as guides and inspiration.
When the Nettlefolds left in 1919, two subsequent families called Winterbourne home. The latter, John Nicolson, was an avid gardener and built on the existing foundation with further features such as a Japanese bridge and scree garden. When the University took ownership in 1944 the botanical garden was used for study and relaxation by students, and research by the School of Botany.
Today the botanical garden is Grade II listed and offers colour and interest throughout the year. The restored walled garden complete with crinkle-crankle wall, is a riot of rainbow shades from May until October. The lawns are fringed with striking colour themed borders, and beyond lies an original sandstone rock garden and a woodland walk through Gunnera leaves and Rhododendron displays. The botanical garden contains plants from around the globe with collections of plants from China, North and South America and the Alpine areas of the world. There are botanical glasshouses containing collections of cacti, carnivorous plants, alpines and tropical plants.
A beautiful wisteria framed terrace provides views over the 7 acres of gardens and the terrace tea room is a wonderful place to treat yourself to lunch or afternoon tea.
Admission
Adults £9.80, Concessions £8.50, Children £7.00 Family tickets £30.00. Season tickets also available. Gift aid admission is also available. If you can, please Gift Aid your ticket price as it can make a significant difference!
Concessions are children from the age of 5 up to 16, and adults over 65. Students with a valid ID card also qualify for concession rate admission.
20% discount on full adult price for RHS members.
Admission includes the House, Gardens and Plant Fair.
Card payments ONLY for admission fees and purchases in the Winterbourne Tearoom and Gift shop (cash is accepted by nurseries and exhibitors).
No need to book - you can pay on the gate on arrival. Last entry at 4.30pm
Please note that no dogs are allowed in House, Gardens or Fair (except assistance dogs)
Parking
Limited Blue badge parking and around 50 free parking spaces spaces are available at Winterbourne House on a first come, first served basis. Overflow parking at the nearby University multistorey car park, which is a few minutes' walk from Winterbourne House, at a flat rate charge of £2.50 for the day. Parking there can be paid in cash, by text or via the RinGo App (location 15677). Please follow the directions of the parking staff on the day.
Accessibility
Comprehensive information on accessibility is available at the Winterbourne House website at
https://www.winterbourne.org.uk/plan-your-visit/accessibility/
Refreshments
Winterbourne's Tea Room will be open during the event. As well as all the usual drinks and cakes the menu includes sandwiches, toasties, jackets and freshly made soup.
Picnics
Picnics are welcome throughout the garden. Please do not use the terrace seating as this is reserved for tea room customers only.
You may also like the following events from Rare Plant Fair:
- This Sunday, 15th June, 10:00 am, Rare Plant Fair - Lamport Hall Gardens, Lamport, Northants in Moulton
- Next month, 20th July, 11:00 am, Rare Plant Fair - Manor House Gardens, Bledlow, Buckinghamshire in High Wycombe
- This September, 7th September, 11:00 am, Rare Plant Fair - Adwell House, Nr. Thame in Chalgrove
Also check out other
Arts events in Birmingham.
