Departing by coach from Glebe Road (LE2 2LD) at 9.00am
At 10.30am we shall arrive at Winterbourne, a rare surviving example of an Arts and Crafts villa and garden. The house was built in 1904 for John and Margaret Nettlefold, of local manufacturing company Guest, Keen and Nettlefolds. Designed as a small country estate with rustic outbuildings and large gardens, Winterbourne followed the style of the Arts and Crafts movement with examples of local craftsmanship throughout the house. Margaret designed the garden, inspired by the books and garden designs of Gertude Jekyll. In 1944 Winterbourne was bequeathed to the University of Birmingham.
We can see a fine walled garden, a sandstone rock garden, and geographical beds, and there are various exhibitions, including one describing Guest Keene and Nettlefolds’ role in the industrial development of the West Midlands. “Much is Lost, Much Remains”, is an art exhibition and we can visit a printing workshop, book shop, gift shop and plant sales.
There is a cafe in the house for coffee etc. and we shall have lunch in the Old Tool Shed at 12.30pm and then, at 1.45pm, proceed by coach to Birmingham Botanical Gardensfor the afternoon.
Gardens, the West Lawn and the Herbaceous Border. To the south-east is a rock garden and pool, dating to 1895, Rhododendron Walk and the Ernest ‘China’ Wilson Border. At the southernmost section of the gardens are the Azalea Walk, Fern Walk and Woodland. Against the east boundary of the gardens, is a series of three period gardens (Roman, Medieval and Tudor), which were created in 1994. The glasshouses including a Tropical House, Sub-tropical House and Mediterranean House display a wide variety of plants. There is also the International Garden Photographer of the Year exhibition to see.
Drinks and cakes are available at the Medicine Bakery.
Departure from the Botanical Gardens: 4.30pm.
Arrival at Glebe Road: 6.00pm approximately
The cost, which includes lunch and entrance to both gardens will be £50 for Friends and £52 for guests. Please respond by April 24th, as Winterbourne needs numbers and a deposit early.
If it’s necessary to make contact on the day of the visit: Fliss 07788644887 or Deb 07721855285
Please book, online or by post, by Friday 24th April 2026 at the latest
To book and pay online:
Email the following to Fliss at flisshector@gmail.com Winterbourne House and Birmingham Botanic Gardens, Thursday 21st May 2026 Please reserve places for …. Friends @ £50.00 ..… Guests @ £52.00 Total £…………. (Paid by bank transfer)
Special dietary requirements…………………………………………………………………………..
Pay by bank transfer to Leicestershire and Rutland Gardens Trust 30-18-69 00033098
Reference: WIN followed by your surname
