Winterbourne House and Garden, Birmingham Overview

Located in Edgbaston, Winterbourne House and Garden, nestled in the University of Birmingham, is an 20th-century Edwardian period inspired garden open for the public to be explored. The villa garden provides opportunities for learning about nature with its more than 6000 plant species and green lush along with loads of enjoyment at the garden and Maples Day Nursery. Winterbourne Garden comprises of exhibition rooms which educate the visitors about the house owners. It is an ideal place for a picnic on a sunny day.

Covering an area of 7 acres, the architecture of the Winterbourne House and Garden has been inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement and is listed as a part of the Royal Horticultural Society and the Historic Houses Association. There are different workshops held regularly which enlighten the visitors about the use of printing press and public gardening, RHS courses, music concerts, theatre performances and different activities such as embroidery. The Winterbourne Garden also provides refreshments at its terrace tea room with amazing views and exclusive gifts at the gift shop.

Winterbourne Garden Ticket Price

Adult: GBP 7.20 / Gift Aid Price: GBP 8.00 / Membership: GBP 32.00
Children (5 – 16 years): GBP 6.20 / Gift Aid Price: GBP 7.00
Senior Citizens (65 years and more): GBP 6.20 / Gift Aid Price: GBP 7.00
Student: GBP 6.20 / Gift Aid Price: GBP 7.00
Family (2 adults and up to 4 children): GBP 22.00 / Gift Aid Price: GBP 25.00 / Membership: GBP 60.00
1+1 and Joint: Membership: GBP 50.00
No entrance fee is applicable for children below 5 years of age.

Gift Aid price is the increased price which can be given as voluntary donation by the visitors for restoration projects and conservation.
Free entry is permitted on all days for members of the Historic Houses Association and on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for members of RHS on showing their membership card (excluding event days).
The students and staff from the University of Birmingham get a free entry on showing their identity cards.

How to Book
The ticket gives access to both garden and house and can be purchased on the spot at the garden. Group visits or school visits should be booked in advance by calling on 0121 414 3003 or by sending a mail to [email protected] to ensure the smooth functioning and good service.

The Winterbourne House

The stunning Winterbourne House was built as a family home, thus designed with all the modern appliances, hot running water and a telephone line. The rooms of the house are airy, well designed and have a good interior with splendid views of the garden. It provides an insight into the life of Nettlefolds and the subsequent families who called Winterbourne House their home.

The house has now been renovated according to William Morris’ designs and furnishings as per the Edwardian era. It is a presentation of the Arts and Crafts Movement and consists of large windows and furniture dating back to the Victorian Era. The visitors can explore this noteworthy mansion and be a part of the events and plays held here during Christmas.

Winterbourne House and Garden — The Winterbourne House (Source)

Botanic Garden

Winterbourne houses a magnificent botanical garden which was shaped by Margaret and John Nettlefold, the homeowners, as a result of their love for gardening. After the Nettlefolds departed in 1919, John Nicolson built the further structure including the scree garden and the Japanese bridge.

The garden is adorned with flora from all over the world including North and South America, China and other Alpine regions. There is a rock garden, a children’s garden, lawns for regular activities, Rhododendron displays, a woodland walk, an alpine garden and an orchid house. It provides entertainment opportunities for the whole family all year round. The garden is also used by university students as a relaxation place and for botany study and research.

Winterbourne Garden — The Japanese Bridge at Winterbourne Botanical Garden (Source)

Attractions

The Printing Press
At Winterbourne, there are a number of printing presses dating back to the 19th century which play an important role in the workshops conducted and are used for producing the paperwork which is sold in the gift shop at Winterbourne. The volunteers at the museum give a demonstration of the presses and their use. Birmingham plays an integral role in the history of print which is well demonstrated here.

Maples Day Nursery
The Maples Day Nursery at Winterbourne brings to life an enthusiastic and joyful day for the children (2 to 4 years of age) with its perfect blend of passion for sustainability and curiosity approach. They engage the children along with their parents and introduce the child to the beautiful natural surroundings through the medium of fun and play. The children are made to look for insects and explore the green lush.

Tips

Winterbourne’s Terrace Tea Room offers snacks and beverages with splendid views of the garden. English afternoon tea and meals for children are also available.
The gift shop at Winterbourne presents beautiful greeting cards, artwork, Winterbourne-harvested honey, locally-made soaps, plants for sale and toys for children which can all be taken as souvenirs or gifts.
The entry of pets is prohibited inside Winterbourne other than assistance dogs.
Activities for children take place throughout the year, including activity trails and willow tunnel.
Pushchair facility is available for accessing house and garden and baby carriers are also available for borrowing.
Winterbourne map is available which can be checked before the visit to manage time efficiently.

How To Reach Winterbourne Garden

Train: A direct train runs from Birmingham New Street to University station via the cross-city line followed by a 10-minute walk.

Bus: Bus numbers X20, X21 and X22 can be boarded from the Moor Street Station at the city centre.

Car Park: The visitors can also hire a car or a bike to reach the garden and avail the facility of on-site car parking and bike racks. There is a space for around 50 cars at Winterbourne and the nearby multiple story car parking at Pritchatts Road can also be used.