Winterbourne House & Garden — an exemplary Arts and Crafts villa completed in 1904, commissioned by Birmingham industrial dynasty John and Margaret Nettlefold and designed by architect Joseph Lancaster Ball. Red brick facades, painted plasterwork and William Morris wallpaper speak of Edwardian elegance. Margaret personally crafted the 7-acre garden inspired by Gertrude Jekyll's philosophy, making it one of the best-preserved upper-middle-class suburban villa gardens in Britain — Grade II listed and an RHS Partner Garden. From the crinkle-crankle wall to the Japanese bridge and tea house, from the rock garden to over 6,000 plant species, this is an "urban oasis" nestled within the University of Birmingham. A half to one-day in-depth tour includes the house interiors, garden walks and tea room afternoon tea.
From the handcrafted details of the Arts and Crafts movement to the colour symphony of a Gertrude Jekyll-inspired garden, step into the Edwardian oasis within the University of Birmingham and discover the Nettlefold family's century-long story
In the morning, take a 10-minute train from Birmingham New Street to University Station, then walk approximately 10 minutes to Winterbourne House. This 1904 red-brick villa is itself a work of art — architect Joseph Lancaster Ball crafted it in the Arts and Crafts style, with painted plasterwork by local artisan George Bankart, brass fittings by Henry Hope & Sons, and a garden designed by Margaret Nettlefold drawing inspiration from Gertrude Jekyll's writings — every detail embodies Edwardian "beauty of craftsmanship." First, enter the house interiors, restored to their original condition: the drawing room, study, nursery and bedrooms feature William Morris wallpaper and period furniture, while a full-length portrait by Pre-Raphaelite follower John Byam Liston Shaw hangs at the end of the corridor — depicting Margaret stepping from the terrace into the garden. Then wander through the 7-acre garden: the walled garden with its crinkle-crankle serpentine wall, the hazelnut tunnel, sunken rock garden, the Japanese bridge and tea house added by John Nicolson, glasshouses with orchids and carnivorous plants — every corner holds a surprise. In the afternoon, enjoy a three-tier afternoon tea at the Terrace Tea Room, and browse the second-hand bookshop and gift shop.
The exquisite tea room within Winterbourne House, overlooking the main lawn and garden, serving homemade sandwiches, jacket potatoes, seasonal platters and luxury three-tier afternoon tea (approx £19/person), with vegetarian and gluten-free options available — the perfect rest stop during your garden visit or an afternoon treat.
A contemporary British restaurant housed in a Georgian building on St George's Place, about a 15-minute walk from Winterbourne. Focused on local seasonal ingredients with refined presentation and innovative British flavours, offering relaxed lunches, afternoon tea and cocktails. Average £26-40 per person.
An elegant Georgian country pub in Edgbaston village, retaining original fireplaces and bay windows, just steps from Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Famous for its Sunday roasts and craft ales, it's a classic choice for experiencing English countryside pub atmosphere. Average £18-30 per person.
About a 20-minute bus ride from Winterbourne to Birmingham Chinatown, this family-run Cantonese restaurant serves glossy roast duck rice and wok-fried beef chow fun bursting with flavour. Average £15-22 per person — a great change of pace after exploring the gardens.