The Birmingham Botanical Gardens

“Well worth a visit even in late November as I did. The greenhouses offer year round flowers and lots of tropical species. The grounds this late in the year were still lush with lots to see and I imagine are a must-see in summer. The playground looked like a lot of fun and even on the cool grey day I visited had children at play. I particularly liked the rock garden. One note - previously posted photos showed peacocks and I was crushed to find out there are none. A small disappointment really. Nov 27, 25 J”

“I'm disabled through illness. I can walk a few steps, although slopes are very difficult. Our arrival by taxi was stressful because I had to get up a slope in order to make it to the entrance. I wasn't able to go as far as reception to get the mobility scooter I had booked because the distance was too great. It was a shock for both myself and my helper to find out that there were no benches whatsoever, neither outside nor inside and there was not so much as a stool. The outside walls are too low and are very difficult to get back up from if you sit down on them. There needs to be a much better thought out strategy for disabled people and wheelchair users. Arrival, while were waiting for a taxi was also very uncomfortable on the low walls outside. I was so achy afterwards that I couldn't sleep. The gardens are beautiful and we enjoyed those and the Medicine Bakery. We hadn't been for a while, so were disappointed that the birds weren't there anymore. So an enjoyable afternoon, except for the stress of the arrival and departure. There was a young man at reception who was very helpful both on the phone when I was booking and when we were there.”

“£9 entry for adults + £3 per car might seem steep but is 100% worth it for these beautiful gardens. With about 15 acres to explore you could easily spend 3-4hrs here! Perfect for a nice relaxed afternoon if you go during the week, I imagine it's quite a bit busier on the weekends and school holidays. Be aware that the hot-houses are very hot and humid! Probably 30-35? so if you go in the colder months make sure you can remove some layers easily. The grounds are broadly wheelchair accessible, with sloping ramps. Although if possible take someone who is able to open doors as one door in the cacti room to an accessible ramp does get stuck and some slopes (while gentle for those walking) could be a little steep for a manual chair. Plenty of benches around, some in the sun and some in the shade as well as a large gazebo-like structure near the rose garden you could duck into if it rains. Perfect for kiddos, if you park yourself in the cafe with a view to the hothouse door you can safely send them off on their own to run around for hours. There is a plat area as well if that's more their thing than running through bushes. Love the little shop, lots of gardening bits as well as cards, pottery and artwork all priced fairly high as you would expect for any garden centre/ public attraction. The cafe seems well enough, again watch out for your wallet as the cakes on display look delicious!”