FAQs
How can I pay for my admissions ticket?
You can pre-book a ticket on line or pay on arrival – Please note: Winterbourne is a cashless site – card payments only.
I’m an HHA member, do I get free entry?
Yes, on most days, providing you produce a valid HHA membership card. Special event days may incur a charge, please speak to a member of staff for details. Please note that HHA cards are not applicable when visiting as a group.
I am a RHS member, do I get free entry?
Yes, as a partner garden we allow entry Monday – Wednesday with a valid card which entitles entry to one person for free. Please note that RHS cards are not applicable when visiting as a group.
Do you have any links with the National Trust or English Heritage?
No, we are owned and operated by the University of Birmingham.
I am a carer, is there a charge for admission?
No, the carer is free when the person they are caring for purchases an admission ticket. If you have a council ID card showing your status as a carer, please bring that along. For our ticketed events, we are able to provide tickets for carers either for free or on a reduced basis where food or other refreshments may make up a percentage of the cost. Please contact us about a ticketed event where you need a carers place.
Can I get free access to Edgbaston Pool?
Visitors to Winterbourne House and Garden are able to access the pool during our opening hours.
Are there tours of the house and garden?
Groups visiting Winterbourne can pre-book tours of the garden (minimum 15 people) however guided tours of the house are not usually given as the rooms are too small.
I am thinking of bringing a large group, can I do this?
Yes, we can accommodate groups and offer either guided tours or regular admission. See group visits page for further information including prices, times and catering arrangements.
Is there access for visitors with limited mobility?
Most areas of the site are accessible to those who require disabled access. We have a lift in the house to view the upper exhibition rooms, accessible toilet in the house and most of the garden is accessible. Mobility scooters are available to hire free of charge to use in the garden on a first come first served basis, we also have a wheelchair available in reception. Please see our page with further details about accessibility.
Is there parking nearby?
Yes, there are spaces in front of the house including 3 blue badge parking spaces and a car park for about 55 more vehicles. On event days the car park gets very full and overflow parking is usually in operation. There is a multi storey car park roughly 5 minutes walk from Winterbourne on Pritchatts Drive where standard University of Birmingham Campus parking charges apply.
Is there coach parking?
Coaches may drop off passengers and pick up passengers from Winterbourne but unfortunately there are no coach parking facilities on site. The nearest coach park is at North gate on the University Campus only a short drive away.
What happens if it rains during an outdoor performance?
Our events go ahead regardless of the weather. We have an outdoor events policy which has helpful information, but for ticketed events no refunds are granted.
Animals, Vehicles and Children
Animals, Vehicles and Children Do you allow dogs in the garden?
We allow access for registered assistance dogs only.
Can my child bring their scooter or bike?
Unfortunately paths aren’t suitable for riding bikes or scooters.
Do you have baby changing facilities?
Yes. We have a dedicated private baby change and feed room in the house and a drop down changing table in the Courtyard toilets.
Food and Drink
What kind of food do you offer?
The Terrace Tea Room offers hot and cold drinks, cakes, light lunches including jacket potatoes, sandwiches, soup and a daily hot special. We also serve Afternoon Tea on formal stands. Our menu changes seasonally and where possible we use produce from the garden in our meals. We will also do our best to accommodate any dietary requirements that you have and have a range of free-from options available.
Can I reserve a table in the tea room?
Unfortunately due to the small size of the room we’re not able to reserve tables.
Can I use the tea room without paying the admission charge?
No. The tea room is a part of the visitor experience and admission charges apply.
Can I work or study in the tea room or on the terrace?
We welcome students and visitors to use the site to study or work but do request that unless you’re purchasing refreshments in the Tea room, you may be asked to move and use one of the benches in the garden. Winterbourne relies on the income from secondary spends in the shop and Tea room and as there is limited seating, we must make sure there is space for visitors purchasing food or drink to sit down.
Can I bring a picnic?
You may bring a picnic and are welcome to use one of the many benches located throughout the garden. We are unable to accommodate picnics on the terrace seating as this is reserved for tea room customers only. Please do take your rubbish home with you.
Photography
Can I take photographs?
Please refer to our dedicated Photography and Filming page for guidance on photographs in the house and garden, and to enquire regarding availability as this activity is popular.
Can I use a drone?
Unfortunately this is not something that we allow, nor does the University of Birmingham as a whole.
Do you hold weddings at Winterbourne?
As we are open 7 days a week we are unable to hold weddings, also given the size of our rooms we are unable to cater for the average wedding party. Other venues at the University of Birmingham do cater for weddings visit www.birmingham.ac.uk/conferences-and-events to browse. We can however provide a backdrop for wedding photographs. See the Photographs category for more information. Unfortunately we are not able to accommodate parties.
Can I hire a conference room?
Winterbourne no longer has conference rooms and aren’t able to facilitate meetings. For bookings and other nearby locations, contact University of Birmingham conference team.
Education and our Collections
What courses do you run?
As a RHS accredited centre we offer places on RHS Level 2 and 3 courses. We also have a range of leisure learning courses such as lino printing, flower arranging and willow weaving. All courses are listed on these pages.
What if I need to cancel my place on a course?
If for any reason you are no longer able to attend a course please contact us as soon as possible to discuss. Unfortunately we are not able to refund places on courses. We always attempt to re-advertise your place and if successfully filled, we are sometimes able to reimburse students but this cannot be guaranteed, especially if the cancellation takes place only a short time before the course is due to start.
Do you have school visits?
We are unable to offer led visits and workshops for schools but can offer access to the garden for use on self-led visits from schools. For more information on this email winterbourne@contacts.bham.ac.uk
I’m interested in volunteering, what should I do?
There are several areas of volunteering at Winterbourne, for more information visit the ‘support us’ page on the website and download an application form. Volunteering opportunities include: Shop Volunteers, Raffle ticket sellers, Visitor Survey collection, Events and Gardening.
Can I donate an item?
We have a collection policy for items that we are looking to hold and it’s worth getting in touch with our Collections Officer to see if the item you have meets our criteria. Either email winterbourne@contacts.bham.ac.uk with photos and a description or write to us.