The Birmingham Botanical Gardens - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Edgbaston Reservoir, originally known as Rotton Park Reservoir and referred to in some early maps as Rock Pool Reservoir, is a canal feeder reservoir in Birmingham, England, maintained by the Canal & River Trust. It is situated close to Birmingham City Centre and is a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation. The reservoir is surrounded by woodland and grassland. Walkers and joggers can enjoy the approximately 2.8 km path around the reservoir.

Ikon is an internationally acclaimed contemporary art venue located in Birmingham. It is housed in the Grade II listed, neo-gothic former Oozells Street Board School, designed by John Henry Chamberlain in 1877. Its artworks include all forms of media including sound, sculpture and photography as well as paintings. Exhibitions rotate throughout the year so that as many pieces can be displayed as possible.

Winterbourne Botanic Garden is the botanic garden of the University of Birmingham, located in Edgbaston, Birmingham. It is adjacent to Edgbaston Pool, a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This seven acre Grade II listed garden is home to a beautiful walled garden, striking colour themed borders, original sandstone rock garden and stream side planting. There is a gift shop, plant sales, second hand books for sale and a gallery with a programme of guest exhibitions.

The National Sealife Centre Birmingham is home to over 2,000 magical creatures and the UK’s only 360 ocean tunnel! Come and be amazed by how these beautiful marine animals live day to day and get closer than you’d ever imagine to magnificent sharks, colourful clownfish, snapping piranhas, seals and more.

Martineau Gardens is a beautiful therapeutic community garden and a charity. It was an oasis for wildlife, a haven of tranquillity, a destination for an outdoor escape, there are two and a half acres of organically managed landscape for you to explore. The gardens are designated a Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation.

Gas Street Basin, right in the heart of Birmingham City Centre, is like an oasis, with brightly-coloured narrow-boats surrounded by listed buildings against a backdrop of modern high-rise offices. The area has been transformed into a centre for leisure and entertainment. In 1973, the basin featured prominently in the Cliff Richard film Take Me High. A canal-side cottage there was used as the home of a character in the long-running soap opera Crossroads.