Hotspot: Sheffield Botanical Gardens

Sheffield has many fantastic attractions, such as the Weston Park Museum and the Millennium Gallery. If you want to connect with nature, plan a trip to the city’s botanical gardens.

Located to the south-west of Sheffield’s city centre, these gardens cover 19 acres and are home to 5,000 plant species. There’s plenty to see here, from Birch Hill to the tranquil Rock and Water Garden. Various events are also held throughout the year, including flower shows and botanical poetry sessions. Read on to find out more about this must-visit spot in Sheffield.

Looking for hotels in Sheffield? Our Leonardo Hotel Sheffield is a great choice, just a 10-minute drive from the botanical gardens.

History of the Sheffield Botanical Gardens

Designed by the first curator Robert Marnock, Sheffield Botanical Gardens are laid out in the so-called gardenesque style that was highly popular during the 19^th century. Marnock also designed the Royal Botanic Gardens in Regent’s Park.

The gardens opened to wide acclaim in 1836, and over the following century, they thrived and receded with the economy of the area. They were also severely damaged during World War II. Funding and restoration projects have helped the park’s 19 acres reclaim their former glory and adapt to modern requirements.

Gardenesque style

The concept of the gardenesque style is to display each plant perfectly in a series of scattered plantings. It’s characterised by planting flowers, shrubs and trees to exhibit the species to its full potential.

Many of the architectural features of the original plan, such as tree-planted mounds and dotted island flower beds, are still evident. To this day, the Sheffield Botanical Gardens remain one of Britain’s finest examples of the gardenesque style. The 15 different display areas provide the perfect scenic backdrop for the annual Art in the Gardens exhibition, one of the largest outdoor art and crafts celebrations in the country.

Where are the gardens?

The address for Sheffield Botanical Gardens is Clarkehouse Rd, Broomhall, Sheffield S10 2LN. You will find entrances on Clarkehouse Road (S10 2LN), Thompson Road (S11 8RB) and Botanical Road (S11 8RP).

Sheffield Botanical Gardens parking

There is no parking at the gardens, except for Blue Badge holders. Thompson Road (S11 8RB) has limited parking.

Sheffield Botanical Gardens opening times

Opening times for the gardens vary throughout the year. Check the opening times page for up-to-date information. Entry is free.

Things to see at Sheffield Botanical Gardens

The Sheffield Botanical Gardens is a flagship of horticultural excellence that strives to promote education on all levels. The plants on display include over 5,000 species from Asia, the Mediterranean, and the American prairie as well as woodland and rock-and-water varieties. 

It is also the site of some of the earliest curvilinear glass pavilions ever built. Designed by B. B. Taylor in 1834, these historic buildings were restored and reopened in 2003. Other notable structures are the main entrance, the Bear Pit and a fossil stump, now over 300 million years old.

The gardens are registered as a Grade II site of special historic interest. There are many beautiful areas to explore – perfect for an outdoor stroll. Find below a few of the top places to visit.  

Four Seasons Garden

This garden is exposed to the north and highlights several difficult gardening conditions common in urban areas. You’ll find a variety of plants here, including Crataegus x lavalleei, with orange-red berries, and Parrotia persica, with stunning autumn colours.

Mediterranean Climate Garden

This area is sheltered from the prevailing wind and has a warm microclimate. The plants in this garden are organised into five regions of the world with hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters, including coastal Chile and Cape of South Africa. Notable plants here include Banksia marginata and Aloiampelos striatula.

Evolution Garden

This is an educational area designed to highlight the evolution of plants over millions of years. It also shows how plants are related to one another and fungi and animals. Head here to learn about photosynthesis, cells and nuclei, vascular plants, seeds and flowers.

The Rose Garden

Witness spectacular floral displays in Sheffield Botanical Gardens’ Rose Garden. The public has kindly donated most of the plants here. At the centre of the garden, you’ll find a statue of Pan, Spirit of the Woods, which was donated to the City of Sheffield by Sir Charles Clifford in 1934.

Lower Lawns

This is a gorgeous open area that boasts brilliant colour during May. Trees to look out for include the Indian Horse Chestnut and the Common Horse Chestnut.

Osborn’s Field and South African Bed

This south-facing area contains hardy plants such as Corokia and Sophora. It offers various conditions, such as dry and wet soil, making it the perfect place for shrubs, herbaceous and bulbous plants to thrive.

 
Rock and Water Garden

This peaceful space was originally laid out in the Italianate style during the Victorian era. It was then redesigned by Clarence Elliott between 1929 and 1930. It consists of a series of beautiful rock pools and contains a variety of plants and shrubs, including Taxodium distichum, Betula pendula and Taxodium distichum.

Want to know how to grow a flower garden? Or perhaps you’re interested in creating the perfect Mother’s Day bouquet? Check out the garden’s range of courses and workshops held throughout the year, with something for all interests.

Hotels near Sheffield Botanical Gardens

Planning on visiting Sheffield? Whether you’re exploring the botanical gardens or heading to another attraction across the city, you’ll need a luxury hotel to relax in. Our Leonardo Hotel Sheffield is an excellent choice, just a 10-minute walk from Sheffield station. Here, guests can expect spacious guestrooms and great facilities, such as an onsite restaurant and an all-day Costa Coffee bar.

Discover our Sheffield city guide for more fun things to do in the city. From top shopping spots to action-packed days out, it has all the inspiration you need.