Sheffield Botanical Gardens Education Programme

What We Offer Visiting Schools

We provide a wide range of bookable full-day and half-day educational activities tailored to all Key Stages. Sessions are designed to enhance curriculum learning through hands-on exploration in the Gardens.

Sheffield Botanical Gardens has over 18 different areas of planting and a number of listed buildings for you to explore. Find our unique bear pit next to the Himalayan Garden, take inspiration from the Marnock Garden, stroll through the Victorian carpet bedding and find bananas in the Pavilions. Relax in the shade of our beautiful trees and sniff out our scented plants in winter. There is always something to enjoy.

Key Stage 1-3

• Hello Horticulture: Explore pollination, plant biology, habitats, and more.
• Plant Progress: Discover plant evolution in the Evolution Garden.

Key Stage 4-5 with garden designer Guy Petheram

• Fantastic Flora: Learn fascinating plant stories.
• Our Forest Friends: Identify British trees and explore their heritage.
• Wonderfully Wild: Investigate common weeds and their uses.

History & Geography

• Study local and global history through plants. We offer tailored workshops and research support for GCSE, A-Level, and HE students.

English

• Enhance language and literature skills in an inspiring setting. Activities include storytelling, bear hunts for younger learners, and creative writing.

Arts Award – Discover in a Day

• Explore art in green spaces and complete the Arts Award Discover programme, boosting creativity and confidence.

Why Choose Us for an Educational Visit

Our programme is designed to inspire curiosity and deepen understanding across subjects. Activities are interactive, adaptable, and set in one of Sheffield’s most beautiful learning environments. We also offer bursaries to eligible Sheffield schools to ensure accessibility.

Subjects and Topics Covered

We offer a range of bookable-led activities covering science, horticulture, plant exploration, pollination, habitats, air quality, world geography, history, creative writing, and art.

Accreditation and Awards

Green Flag Award

Group Sizes Catered For

Specify the range of group sizes your attraction can accommodate.

Itineraries, Resources, and Workshops

Provide details about the planned itineraries, educational resources available, and any workshops offered.

Risk Assessment

All activities are risk assessed and information will be provided to schools before the session.

Education Department Information

BotanicalGardens@sheffield.gov.uk

Pricing Information

Full day for up to 2 classes of up to 35 (2-3 activities) £200
Half day for up to 2 classes of up to 35 (1-2 activities) £120
Extra charges for additional classes: £100 per class full day £50 per class half day

Facilities

We have the wonderful Dorothy Fox Education Centre at the Gardens which provides 3 classroom spaces, screens and wifi as a base from which to take classes out into the Gardens to learn. There are also toilets and a café on site.

Accessibility and Disabled Facilities

Accessible parking is available on a first come, first served basis. There are accessible toilets on the Thompson Road drive, in the Dorothy Fox and outside the Café.

Opening Hours

School visits run from 10am-2pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays every week during term time. The Gardens Summer Opening is the last Sunday in March to last Saturday in October: 8.00am – dusk/7.45pm and Winter Opening is the last Sunday in October to last Saturday in March: 8.00am – 3.50pm.