The Sheffield Botanical Gardens are a leafy sanctuary amid the busy streets of the city centre. Based near the picturesque Endcliffe Park, this green area contrasts intriguingly with the steel-based attractions of the city centre. Peruse its many sections, which include a former bear pit, a rose garden and a majestic fountain.
Stroll along the renovated stony pathways of the Asia Garden for its camellias and rhododendrons. Admire the variety of plants that adapt to damp conditions. Venture through the Mediterranean Climate Gardens, which has species from Europe as well as Australia, South Africa and Chile.
Among the highlights of the gardens are the glass pavilions. Marvel at the magnificent architecture, which features domes, walkways and a colonnade. Learn about the history of the botanical gardens’ bear pit, which is among the best preserved of its kind in Britain. Two brown bears were brought here in 1855. Admire the 8-foot (2.4-metre) steel sculpture of a bear that reminds visitors of the pit’s past use.
Arrange a guided tour of the gardens for a fuller understanding of the collection. You can also watch open-air theatre performances, inspect works of art and listen to music concerts at the gardens.
Enjoy a meal or a drink at the Curator’s House Restaurant and Tea Rooms within the grounds. It serves breakfast, lunch and a range of snacks and desserts.
The site is free to enter and opens daily year-round. Note that it is open for fewer hours in winter and the glass pavilions and tearooms have separate opening hours. Group tours run for 90 minutes and can be booked by phone or email.
The Sheffield Botanical Gardens are in the southwestern part of Sheffield, 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometres) from the city centre. Ride a bus bound for Endcliffe Park to reach a stop nearby the gardens.
