The Birmingham Botanical Gardens
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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๐ฌ๐ง Birmingham Botanical Gardens | Where Nature Runs Wild! ๐ฟโจ
Ingeborg Edwards
242
My partner and I enjoyed a lovely visit to the Laminate exhibit hosted by the botanical gardens which started out with a field of LED roses which flicked in patterns in response to the music soundtracks which were playing. We then moved on to some tiles which lit up under each step which were really fun to run around and jump on, then we moved to some controllable lights which I forgot to photograph but they were again fun to mess with. Next, we moved to the slow spirals on the floor which we stood and span with. The light trail then guided us to a tunnel of triangular light which was very popular with guests looking for fun photo opportunities .This then led down to some spherical string lights which were captivating to both my partner and I as we enjoyed being able to walk into the lights and hold onto them. We then followed a rainbow path to a large, path shaped light overhead projecting into the sky, I really liked the pattern changes in this time and through both walkthroughs I stood and stared in awe as I thought the patterns and colourations in the overhead light were fascinating. We then headed to the cages in the forest which sadly didn't have their intended effects as only two of the tablets used in the projections were working slightly so the cages looked mildly confusing as they just appeared as glass panes in cages. We followed these down the the make a wish wall where my partner and I both made some wholesome wishes and had a look at the hopes of other visitors which brought a smile to ourselves and another group. This followed on to a game where you had to stop a light to a line on a timed sequence, after the little thrill game you come to a disco ball zone with calm music and lights that make you feel like dancing. The trail ends at a little hand warming station over hot coal with a photo opportunity on exit at some heart shaped candy canes. The exhibition is more sensory based than I remember it being several years ago which I think is an exciting direction for the show to take, however I do think that if they do this they should make the music more drawing so that it helps bring you into each exhibition more and that they should still have one or two light based art sculpture type things as they really were the main highlight of my first luminate visit back in 2019, this is just a gentle suggestion though as the experience was still lovely despite the minor technical error with tablets and I'd still say to visit if you're in Birmingham as it's a gentle paced expefience that we travelled twice to re-immerse ourselves into.
Xen
00
A beautiful botanical garden. There are four glass conservatories filled with many beautiful and unique plants, which are categorised by their climate. Yet sadly, there are outdoor cages where captive birds are kept such as a macaw, even in this winter cold. Giant koi fish were kept in a small pond relative to their size and quantities and their hunger was objectified by a timed feeder where people can stand around and laugh at the confused and stressed animals fighting for food. I was extremely disappointed in the gardens for their choice to exploit sentient creatures just for entertainment and the attraction of more visitors and money. There is so much within the botanical gardens to do and fill your day with, so there is no need for the objectified animals to be here. There are so many plants to stare at and photograph, there is a beautiful bonsai garden, outdoor herb and alpine gardens, green houses, bamboo trails, waterfalls and an amazing childrens park. These gardens are perfect for kids and adults, I just wish they would realise that they don't need to continually play a part in the exploitation of animals to provide visitors with an amazing time. A lot of the beds are not maintained, this is probably due to COVID but as a plant lover it made me sad to see pests on many plants with and broken, rotting beds. However, I actually really liked the authentic, small scale and realistic vibe of the place compared to many of the commercialised and over priced botanical gardens. House plant enthusiasts can enjoy seeing their own plant children thriving and living their best HUGE life, and can get excited at the plants on offer in the cute gift shop. It isn't too pricey, around ยฃ7 for people over the age of 5. However, if you are disabled or on UC, like me, you can get a concession price! I do recommend the gardens and the walk from Birmingham city center... perhaps try to write in the visitor book, leave a review or speak to the staff about your concerns with the poor animals.
Tilly Dunlop
00
In the interest of giving a balanced opinion I am going to explain why, on this occasion, the review is accompanied by 3 stars. My first visit to The Birmingham Botanical Gardens and I would return again as I enjoyed the visit enough to say it was worth it. The best way to sum up in a short statement is, the Gardens are not in their best condition and I would imagine far away from the condition I would assume it was in 1998 when it was one of the locations used to host foreign dignitaries at the G8 Summit. I guess in a small part due to the challenges many public spaces and attractions have had to deal with in the last couple of years or so. Hopefully once again at some point in the future things will align to bring the Gardens back nearer to the 'glory' days. There was evidence on view of revitalisation / rejuvenation of some areas of the Gardens and ongoing work, however it is also quite clear to see how difficult it must be to stay on top of the general upkeep of the Gardens. The Glasshouses were in a reasonable condition, housing some of the most stunning plant collections and some delightful visual experiences. On the other hand, outside, most of the bird aviaries were either uninhabited or looking slightly run down. Thankfully not run down to the point of being detrimental to the birds, with enough evidence that the welfare and upkeep of the birds is paramount. Many of the themed Garden areas were in need of maintenance, including quite a few of the features, such as viewing platforms or bridges etc, which may have been closed off for other reasons initially, now looking in need of safety maintenance before they return to visitor use. In conclusion, I did enjoy my visit and would return again. However, as mentioned before, I can see that there is a bit of a Catch 22 situation at the moment. Investment is clearly needed to bring the Gardens up to their previous standards, but investment is easier to justify when visitor numbers are buoyant and visitor numbers on the rise. Hope that when I do return again their is fresh evidence of the Garden restorations and healthier visitor numbers. It is a Garden with growing potentials.
Darren
00
Gorgeous gardens, an escape in to nature. Extensive gardens, much bigger than expected, with different areas for things like tropical, arid or Mediterranean plants. Lots of interesting plants that you donโt have the opportunity to see every day like bonsai trees, banana plants and huge lily pads. The butterfly room is particularly amazing with the opportunity to get up close with the butterflies and the pupae. The cafe had some good food on offer, lots of veggie, vegan, plant based options including vegan cheese & tomato baguettes, vegan jacket spuds, quorn nuggets etc. Although there was an issue with the fryer, there was still something to eat. Parking is limited, however as people leave at various times, it wasnโt too hard to get a space. It costs ยฃ3 for the full day which isnโt bad at all. The staff were accommodating a friendly, especially on reception. I had a friend arriving later than me on the same ticket, the staff helped putting her through later without causing a fuss. The gift shop has a good range, was reasonably priced, got some wax melts for about ยฃ1 each and a 10p tea light. Canโt argue with that. Some things are a little on the pricey side but looks like good quality, unique, local & independently made products. Not just lots of mass produced rubbish that you get in some places. The only negative was the amount of school trips with loud screaming children. Itโs no fault of the park obviously and itโs great to see kids learning about nature but it does ruin the peaceful atmosphere. It would be good to see more teachers and parents guiding children to be quiet and respectful of nature & other visitors when in the wider park, and using the playground to let loose (thereโs a great one in the park) Travelled down from Manchester to visit and was not disappointed.
L โBizzโ Bizzle
00
What a disappointment!! Honestly you could get the same experience just walking down your street and looking at decorated lit houses. I wish I was exaggerating but the lights honestly felt like something was thrown together last minute. Was there even a budget or production team for this!? The neon ribbons, for example, were tied together in the centre at various points which sort of ruined the 'lazer" illusion and seriously just looked tacky. There was no wow factor at all, a couple of lit trees and then occasionally a few bargain lights clumped together to make a 'display'. We came across a fork in the trail that said there was catering ahead. Wow, yet another disappointment. There were literally two vendors and nothing else. One sold waffles and crepes and the other sold hot dogs and hamburgers. Good thing we weren't vegan or vegetarian because there were no options for those customers except for chips. Very scarce seating, couple of benches and that was it. Felt very low budget and like there was no thought put into it whatsoever. Family fed and back on the trail. Honestly nothing much to see except a couple of lit garden reindeer. The same kind you would see at B&Q being sold. Honestly, nothing spectacular. Followed the path, expecting to see the showstopper but instead to our surprise reached a staff member who said thank you for coming. I literally turned to my husband and said ...Is that it? Shocked, I asked the staff member ... " Sorry, is this the end of the trail?" She confirmed yes. Wow....it was over already!? We had hardly seen anything! For the price they charge... It is ridiculous what you get. Will not be going again or recommending.
V P
00
Nearby Attractions Of The Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Rock Up Birmingham
Mr Mulligans Birmingham
Travelodge Birmingham Central Broadway Plaza
The Oratory of Saint Philip Neri, Birmingham
Rainbow Casino Birmingham
Edgbaston Village
Edgbaston Waterworks Tower
Perrott's Folly
The Oratory Church of the Immaculate Conception

Rock Up Birmingham
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Mr Mulligans Birmingham
4.4
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Travelodge Birmingham Central Broadway Plaza
3.9
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The Oratory of Saint Philip Neri, Birmingham
4.8
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Nearby Restaurants Of The Birmingham Botanical Gardens
The Physician
Fiesta del Asado - Edgbaston
Akbar's Restaurant
The High Field
Boston Tea Party Edgbaston
Meat Club
Garden House
Colbeh, Persian Kitchen & Bar (Birmingham)
Simpsons Restaurant
The White Swan

The Physician
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(1.5K)
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Fiesta del Asado - Edgbaston
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Akbar's Restaurant
3.9
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The High Field
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Basic Info
Address
Westbourne Rd, Birmingham B15 3TR, United Kingdom
Map
Phone
+44 121 454 1860
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Website
birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk
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Reviews
Overview
4.4
(2.8K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
outdoor
relaxation
scenic
family friendly
accessibility
attractions: Rock Up Birmingham, Mr Mulligans Birmingham, Travelodge Birmingham Central Broadway Plaza, The Oratory of Saint Philip Neri, Birmingham, Rainbow Casino Birmingham, Edgbaston Village, Edgbaston Waterworks Tower, Perrott's Folly, The Oratory Church of the Immaculate Conception, restaurants: The Physician, Fiesta del Asado - Edgbaston, Akbar's Restaurant, The High Field, Boston Tea Party Edgbaston, Meat Club, Garden House, Colbeh, Persian Kitchen & Bar (Birmingham), Simpsons Restaurant, The White Swan

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