What's looking good?
❄️Winter colour: enjoy a tapestry of textures, bold colours and uplifting winter scents throughout December- March, as you wander around our Winter Garden.
Family fun
❄️Family Saturdays: we’ve got lots of fun plant and wildlife themed crafts planned for 2024’s programme of Family Saturdays activities. These free activities take place on the first Saturday of each month between 10am and 1pm and are suitable for all ages 3+. *New for this year* – families will need to reserve their place at these events by booking online 1 week before.
Plant Prints: on Saturday 6 January, spend some time looking at plants from the Botanic Garden collection and make a vibrant print to take home with you.
Leaf Dishes: on Saturday 3 February, come along to this family session where we will be pressing leaves into air dry clay to make special dishes to take home and treasure.
❄️ Crazy cone caper self-led trail: join us for a fantastic whodunnit mystery this winter and track down who has been stealing seeds from our pinecones. Pick up a free Crazy Cone Caper trail from the ticket office on your way into the Garden and start investigating. Find amazing pinecones from all around the world, discover cool facts and solve puzzles. The trail runs 11 January – 24 March.
❄️Twilight at the Museums: have fun this half term as we welcome Indigo Moon theatre to the Botanic Garden for a special Twilight showing of the puppet show Seedheart. Bookings open Monday 15 January as part of the UCM’s Twilight event taking place from 19 February.
Snowdrops and tours
❄️Snowdrop trail: discover the secrets of snowdrops on our free snowdrop trail. From mid-January to mid/late February, areas of the Garden are covered in carpets of over 40 different snowdrop species and cultivars, each with its own unique charm. Learn about the varieties we cultivate, pick up expert tips on how to grow these delicate delights and delve into the realms of snowdrop science, history and folklore.
❄️Winter Highlight Tours: Sundays at 2pm. Join us every Sunday from 7 January to 25 February, as our expert guides lead you through the Garden’s seasonal highlights. Tours are free with Garden admission, on a first come, first served basis. Sign up at the Garden ticket offices.
Learn something new this year
New 2024 Programme of Adult Courses and Workshops
Discover the wonder of plants and let your curiosity bloom! Whether you’re a budding botanist or an experienced gardener, or simply want to take time out to learn a new skill in a Garden setting – there’s something for you, with classes in person in the Garden and also online. Here’s a taster of what’s available:
❄️Botanical art – learn how to capture the beauty of the Garden and its plants with our expert tutors.
❄️Creativity & wellbeing – have a go at carving a spoon from wood salvaged from the Garden or learn how to create natural paints and inks with the Garden’s Artist-in-Residence.
❄️Gardening/horticulture – get your hands dirty with members of our Hort Team as they share their expert knowledge.
❄️Garden history – explore how fashions in garden design have impacted on fashion and culture more broadly.
❄️Plant identification & science – dive into the world of plants and fungi with courses for complete beginners and those wanting to explore our Living Collection more closely.
Warm up your winter day
❄️Glasshouse Range: explore the diverse alpine, arid and tropical habitats in the warmth of our Glasshouse Range which includes many rare and endangered plants from different corners of the globe.
❄️Garden Shop: browse the Garden Shop, where you’ll find a curated selection of plant-inspired gifts and garden essentials.
❄️Indulge at the Garden Café: warm up with a cup of loaded hot chocolate and tasty treat and relax with views across the Café’s terrace.
The Garden is open every day 10am – 4pm during January, 10am – 5 pm in February.
Tours and trails mentioned are free and included with Garden admission.
Visit our What’s On pages to find out what else is on offer or follow us on our social media channels @CUBotanicGarden.
We hope you’ll feel refreshed and inspired, even on the gloomiest of winter days!
