The Winterbourne Gardens are a beautiful hidden gem that not all students know about – which is a shame because there’s so much to do and see there.
I didn’t even know that they existed until a few weeks ago when I ended up discovering them, being surprised that entry is actually free to students of The University of Birmingham.
That was a very welcome treat as Winterbourne is a beautiful find and one that consists of a lot more than just the garden itself.
The Botanic Gardens
The gardens are the best part about going to Winterbourne. As soon as you enter, you are transported to a world far from that of the Birmingham city you are used to. Amongst the peace and quiet, you will really feel like you have stepped into the pages of Burnett’s ‘The Secret Garden.’
There are bright flowers of every kind, ginormous leaves I thought only belonged in a tropical rainforest, and the most beautiful of lakes. The stepping stones across the lake, alongside the gorgeous bridge arching over it, really made the experience extra magical for me. You will feel so enchanted, perhaps believing that you are a real-life fairy at the end of the experience.
The Greenhouses
The Greenhouses are another unusual aspect of Winterbourne. As I visited on a rather cold and rainy day I was very glad of the warmth that these greenhouses welcomed me with.
The plants inside of them were so exotic I actually forgot for a moment that I wasn’t on holiday abroad; I’d never seen so many cacti in one place before. If you are a person who really enjoys discovering new aspects of nature then this would definitely be a highlight of your trip.
Winterbourne House
History students will be in their element with this one – I certainly was. The historical house transports you back in time to the Edwardian era as you admire the beautiful rooms that were previously owned by the Nettlefold family, until 1911. My favourite room just has to be the children’s nursery.
It was complete with a rocking horse and lots of different, old-fashioned toys that really made me imagine what it was like to be a child growing up in such a beautiful house and setting. The outside of the house is just as beautiful as the interior and is definitely a stunning build.
The Printing Press
The Printing Press is something you’ve probably never seen before – a budding journalist’s dream. You will be able to view the room and all of the equipment in which all of that printing magic happened.
In a world before modern technology, printing presses were large, heavy and manual contraptions that definitely required lots of effort and labour in order to print things! There was something so fascinating in finding out the history behind printing that I am sure you, too, would enjoy.
The Tea Room
The Tea Room is part of the stunning house itself and truly makes you experience the grandeur of Edwardian life. I myself had a chai latte and a jacket potato with cheese and beans.
The service was so fast and the food was even better. Guaranteed to feel super fancy, why not treat yourself to one of Winterbourne’s afternoon teas while you’re there? There is such a variety of food that everyone is bound to enjoy at least something off of the menu.
The Gift Shop
A gift shop is a gift shop, right? Well, Winterbourne’s gift shop is extra special as it houses a lot of unique, quirky gifts ranging from artwork and postcards to handmade soaps and tea towels. I couldn’t resist treating myself to a peppermint-scented, locally handmade bar of soap whilst also browsing through the vast amount of second-hand books available to buy.
The book shop is especially a perfect place for English students who love to read the latest books for don’t want to pay the expensive prices; you’ll be able to grab your favourite Harlan Coben books for just a couple of pounds.