The gorgeous gardens are great for the whole family, but there’s an extra special treat for under 13s this Easter
The glasshouses contain a number of fascinating plants you won’t find outside(Image: Kirsty Bosley)
Just ten minutes from the centre of Birmingham, Winterbourne Gardens is one of the most beautiful and underrated places to visit in the city.
This easter, the pretty Edgbaston residence is showcasing the spring blooms and glittering glasshouses, and there’s a really simple way to get in for free.
Winterbourne has partnered with DK Books to create a special trail through the garden that’s inspired by New York Times bestselling book The Green Kingdom.
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Cornelia Funke’s latest book is aimed at children between 8-13 but the winding trail through the garden is suitable for the whole family.
Admission to Winterbourne usually costs £10.80 for adults and £7.70 for children, but you can get a free adult and child ticket when you buy a copy of the book from independent, family-run Bearwood bookshop, The Bear.
The Bear is known for its reading sessions and community spirit and so it’s worth the visit by itself, though the free tickets for Winterbourne is a bonus.
They have a full range of Easter activities on throughout the coming week including poetry days, craft competitions and storytimes, but the free Winterbourne tickets are available throughout April.
The self-guided trail pack is available from Winterbourne reception when you arrive and visitors must solve ten botanical riddles as they journey around the garden, with a map to help.
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Winterbourne is one of the city’s most ‘desperately underrated’ attractions, filled with stunning flower beds and exciting nooks to explore.
There are hanging wisteria ceilings, a tunnel of hazelnut trees and beautiful trees forming breaks between themed, distinct areas including a gorgeous rhododendron walk.
Topiary arches lead to ‘secret gardens’ and right down the back, there’s a secret entrance to a spectacular lake that you can’t get to any other way – you can read all about that here.
Winterbourne is open from 10:30am until 5pm between now and October and there’s a tea room serving up cream teas, sandwiches and coffee.
Winterbourne House itself is a wonder to explore, with fascinating treasures to be revealed in its rooms, including an adorable Noah’s Ark in the nursery.
The building is an early 20th century suburban villa, built in 1903 for John and Margaret Nettlefold.