Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens

WildFoodUK Foraging Course
2026-03-18 12:00 - 15:30 (Europe/London) | Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens, Chester Road, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, B36 9BT, United Kingdom
Foraging safely… Even here in the city, Nature offers wonderful habitats and food for free. Join us and WildFoodUK for a fascinating stroll in the ‘urban countryside’. A first level course in foraging.
Castle Bromwich Hall and Gardens represent a rare example of a 17th century Jacobean country house, complete with its original garden setting and parkland. Situated only five miles from Birmingham City centre, the hall is now in private ownership, but 40 acres of historic garden and the parkland are managed by Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens Trust. The site contains a mosaic of habitats including formal gardens, orchards, woodland, wetlands and grasslands making it ideal for all year round foraging!
Our Foraging Courses begin with a short introduction to Wild Food UK, what to expect from your day and a brief summary of the general countryside codes, including our Foraging Code.
Heading off at a leisurely pace, your instructor will teach you how to safely identify the different species of edible and poisonous plants and mushrooms that you discover. This exploration will take about 2.5hrs, during which we’ll take a break for a homemade refreshment, such as our Hogweed & Wild Garlic Soup or Elderflower Champagne!
Then it’s back to the meeting point for a tasty wild food meal. This will include a selection of foraged homemade treats created by your instructor, and a dish made with what we have collected during the walk.
All of our food is seasonal, so what you are served depends on what is growing at that time of year. In Spring we will be making use of the fresh wild greens and in Autumn, the array of tasty wild mushrooms that the area has to offer.
You will receive a comprehensive set of Wild Food UK ‘Course Notes’ a few days after your course. This email will contain links and articles relating to the plants and mushrooms we discovered or discussed during the day.
Dates

Wednesday 18th Mar
12:00pm to 15:30pm (Approx End)

Friday 24th Apr
12:00pm to 15:30pm (Approx End)

Sunday 10th May
12:00pm to 15:30pm (Approx End)

Friday 26th Jun
12:00pm to 15:30pm (Approx End)

Saturday 11th Jul
10:00am to 13:30pm (Approx End)

Sunday 16th Aug
12:00pm to 15:30pm (Approx End)

Castle Bromwich Hall and Gardens has free parking, a courtyard cafe and toilet facilities. There is usually a charge to enter the gardens, but if you are attending a course with us we will cover the cost.
Discover more about this Historical Landmark: Castle Bromwich Hall and Gardens
N.B. Please be aware of the possibility that you will also cover Steep slopes, rough woodland on this course.

Tickets here

Mothers' Day - celebrating Mothers and Mother Nature
2026-03-15 10:30 - 15:30 | Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens, Chester Road, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, B36 9BT, United Kingdom
Bring your mum to the Gardens on Sunday 15th and celebrate mothers and nurturing nature everywhere.
Enjoy the daffodils, cream tea in a box, paper flower crafts, or a magical tree tour…. or just a quiet stroll around the wakening Garden

Tours (11.30 and 2pm)
Cream Teas in a Box from 11am
PaperFlower drop in workshop 1- 3pm

Cream Tea in a Box, £7 available from 11am
Homemade scone, Cornish cream and jam, with endless tea… All in a convenient carry box.
Ideal for picnicking around the Gardens in amongst Nature (or can be taken in a differently civilised way at a table in the Courtyard or Melon Ground)
A bubbly version also available (£12)

Papercraft Flower Workshop Drop in between 12 and 2pm.
Donations welcome ( suggested around £4). Take away your own handmade crepe and tissue paper blooms.
Drop in, together with mum – or take her home a beautiful surprise.
Tour of the Gardens’ special trees (max 15 people per tour. Donations welcome)

Our trees give us shelter, nurture life and inspire us with their beauty and wonder.

Join Bethan Collerton for an informative and fascinating tour – 11:30 & 2pm.
Bethan is not only the Chair of our Trust, but also Head Gardener at Birmingham Botanical Gardens AND a regular member of the Gardeners Question Time (GQT) panel on BBC Radio4
No need to book,but please be aware cream teas, places in workshop and on tours will be available across the day until supplies run out.
NB Normal Garden Entry Fees Apply
Members free, adults £6.60, Concession £5.50 (with voluntary donations)

Family Hapa Zome Workshop
2026-02-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens Trust, Chester Road, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, England, B36 9BT, United Kingdom
Learn all about the art of Hapa Zome, have a ago and take home your creation.

Hapa Zome is a fun and creative way of connecting art and nature.
Originally from Japan, it involves pounding leaves, flowers and other natural materials onto fabric and paper to create colourful and beautiful patterns.

What to expect-

You will be introduced to Hapa Zome with a demonstration from our instructor.
After that it’s time for you to experiment, explore which materials work better and why,
Create your own Hapa Zome to take home with you.

This workshop is suitable for children aged 5-13 YO. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
All materials supplied and instructions on the day will be relatively simple for you to work and create together, or individually .
The ticket also includes a general Gardens entry.

This Workshop is supported by The National Lottery Awards for All.

Family Hapa Zome Workshop
2026-02-18 11:00 - 12:00 | Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens Trust, Chester Road, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, England, B36 9BT, United Kingdom
Learn all about the art of Hapa Zome, have a ago and take home your creation.

Hapa Zome is a fun and creative way of connecting art and nature.
Originally from Japan, it involves pounding leaves, flowers and other natural materials onto fabric and paper to create colourful and beautiful patterns.
What to expect-

You will be introduced to Hapa Zome with a demonstration from our instructor.
After that it’s time for you to experiment, explore which materials work better and why,
Create your own Hapa Zome to take home with you.

This workshop is suitable for children aged 5-13 YO. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
All materials supplied and instructions on the day will be relatively simple for you to work and create together, or individually .
The reserved ticket also includes a general Gardens entry.

This Workshop is supported by The National Lottery Community Fund

Family Hapa Zome Workshop
2026-02-17 13:30 - 14:30 | Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens Trust, Chester Road, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, England, B36 9BT, United Kingdom
Learn all about the art of Hapa Zome, have a ago and take home your creation.

Hapa Zome is a fun and creative way of connecting art and nature.
Originally from Japan, it involves pounding leaves, flowers and other natural materials onto fabric and paper to create colourful and beautiful patterns.

What to expect-

You will be introduced to Hapa Zome with a demonstration from our instructor.
After that it’s time for you to experiment, explore which materials work better and why,
Create your own Hapa Zome to take home with you.

This workshop is suitable for children aged 5-13 YO. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
All materials supplied and instructions on the day will be relatively simple for you to work and create together, or individually .
The ticket also includes a general Gardens entry.

This Workshop is funded by The National Lottery Awards for All.

Pancake race.... for Shrove Tuesday
2026-02-17 12:00 - 13:30 | Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens, Chester Road, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, B36 9BT, United Kingdom
Used to eating pancakes on Shrove Tuesday? Now is your chance to race with them!
We’re reviving a tradition…’again’.
On Tuesday 17th February 2026, we invite people to race down the Archery Lawn, frying pan in hand and – with luck – flipping a pancake along the way.
All for fun and to warm up those limbs

Following other traditional pancake races, the course will be precisely 415 yards and involve you running with a frying pan and pancake from start line to finish.

2 race categories : 1 for adults – 1 for children

£2 entry for each person competing

Small prizes for winners, best costumes etc etc

Please bring along a frying pan (real or toy)
(we’ll supply the pancakes)

Gardens entry free this day

Kids' Magnet and Puppet Craft
2026-02-16 12:00 - 13:30 | Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens Trust, Chester Road, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, England, B36 9BT, United Kingdom
Three magnets and one froggy puppet – ideal for kids!

Magnets and Puppets
Spring is springing! Join us in decorating and making three Nature-themed magnets, and one frog puppet, complete with moving arms and legs!
Older children welcomed ( ideal ages 5 and 10 ) with their adults.
Each ticket enables you to make and decorate three magnets and make one frog puppet.
Child Ticket £10 – includes ONE adult entry
(Must be accompanied by an adult)
All materials supplied and instructions on the day will be relatively simple for you to work and create together, or individually .
The ticket also includes general Gardens entry so go wander and explore our Heritage site.
With its Mud Kitchen, Outoor Play Area and Hidden Wonders Trail there is so much to do!
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Please note, we take photographs at our events. If you would not like to be in them, just let our photographer know when/if they come round. They will introduce themselves.

We love Potatoes...
2026-02-15 11:00 - 14:30 | Castle Bromwich Historic Gardens, Chester Road, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, B36 9BT, United Kingdom
Join us for a day of celebration, eating and learning how to grow potatoes.
Who doesn’t love a potato? Chips, roast, mashed, baked. What’s your favourite?
Perhaps the nation’s favourite vegetable – a healthy choice and easy to grow – even on a doorstep!
I Make a Good Soup – Says Potato Peteimage: cartoon character Potato Pete holding aloft a steaming bowl of potato soup/Says ‘POTATO PETE’ Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/28607
ChangeKitchen CIC will be preparing yummy potato-based dishes to eat (and take away)..

Take home a recipe card full of tasty and inexpensive family meal ideas
Mr Potato Head making fun… and other activities
Expert advice from our gardeners:
So what is chitting? When do I plant ‘second earlies’? Do I have to ‘earth up’?

ChangeKitchen CIC will be providing warming food to keep everyone going. There will be baked potatoes and potato and leek soup on sales, as well as the ever famous and popular ChangeKitchen CIC homity pie, plus (potato filled) samosas.
ChangeKitchen CIC will also be selling their ReadyMealsForGood™ range to take home their nutritious goodness and give back to the community!
Growing your own?
Just starting out? Try our ‘grow a plate of potatoes doorstep kit‘ (availalble on this day only
More confident? We’ll have 18 different varieties of seed potatoes on sale – buy just one or a bagful !! (From York Supplies Community Co-op)

‘March’, Ronald Lampitt, Ladybird books illustrationsgrowing

'Love Birds' Falconry Experience for St. Valentine's Day
2026-02-14 13:00 - 14:30, 2026-02-14 10:30 - 12:00 | Castle Bromwich Hall and Gardens Trust, Chester Road, Castle Bromwich, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, England, B36 9BT, United Kingdom
Ideal for St. Valentine’s Day! Get up close and personal with majestic birds of prey – a unique adventure awaits!

Falconry Experiences on a special day
Join us for a real Valentine’s Day treat​ with our partners from Tora Falconry. Spend up to an hour and a half close up with these lovely birds. ​

Get Hands-on with Birds of Prey – Feel the thrill of handling and flying majestic hawks, owls, and falcons.
Connect with Nature and experience the ancient bond between humans and raptors in a natural setting.
Learn Something New – Discover the fascinating history and skills behind the art of falconry.
Unique & Memorable – It’s not every day you come face-to-face with a bird of prey!
A rare opportunity to share a special experience with loved ones or enjoy on your own.

Included in the experience.
A warming Winter beverage (alcoholic or non alcoholic) and a Toastie (with filling of your choice) is included in your ticket – A whole Love Birds package!
Please note, we are not in a position to offer vegan or gluten free toasties.
Other details

Free access to the Gardens all day while we are open.
Free Parking.
Please arrive by 10:15 for the morning session, and 12:45 for the afternoon one as we don’t want you to miss any of the event!
Individual ticket:
Couples ticket:

Wassail in the Orchard
2026-01-25 15:00 - 18:30 | Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens Trust, Chester Road, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, England, B36 9BT, United Kingdom
Wassail in the Orchard: An ancient tradition in the city.

A wassail in the gloaming for all
We bring the ancient Orchard Wassailing tradition to the city.
Wassail is an ancient rural custom intended to wake up the sleeping spirits of fruit trees and encourage them to get growing in the hope of a good harvest of apples and fruit in the summer
Join us for raucous music, stories, songs and a torchlit parade to the Orchard, where we will bless the trees with toast and cider.
Leading the jollities will be Beorma, a mixed side of lively Border Morris dancers. Morris as you have never experienced it before ‘dumping tradition on the unwary since 2012.’
Our friendly Wild Green Man of the Woods returns to provide more music and stories and will lead you in the traditional songs associated with the ceremony… Feel free to join in the singing and the dancing as you will (bring your own pots, pans , whistles -things to make a noise – and join in).
Hot mulled cider will be available for sale.
Please note the Gardens will be dark and we will be walking over muddy ground.
Please dress accordingly. Children are very welcome with their (ticket holding) adults.
Simple crafts to create noise making things maybe on offer – weather dependent.
Stories, Music, Dancing from 3.30 pm
Procession starts at 5.30 pm
Please note: Last entry 5.15pm.

And why not pre-buy our new Wassail pin badge for 2026? Only £2.50 and made by a local crafstman. A limited number will also be available in the shop on the night.

With thanks to Richard Battye Studio for the photos

Winter Falconry Experience
2026-01-25 11:00 - 12:30 | Castle Bromwich Hall and Gardens Trust, Chester Road, Castle Bromwich, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, England, B36 9BT, United Kingdom
Get up close and personal with majestic birds of prey at the Winter Falconry Experience – a unique adventure awaits!

Get up close and personal with majestic birds of prey at the Winter Falconry Experience – a unique adventure awaits!
Adult Falconry Experiences
Join us for a real winter treat​ with our partners from Tora Falconry. Spend up to an hour and a half close up with these lovely birds. ​

Get Hands-on with Birds of Prey – Feel the thrill of handling and flying majestic hawks, owls, and falcons.
Connect with Nature – Experience the ancient bond between humans and raptors in a natural setting.
Learn Something New – Discover the fascinating history and skills behind the art of falconry.
Unique & Memorable – It’s not every day you come face-to-face with a bird of prey!
A rare opportunity to share a special experience with loved ones or enjoy on your own.

Also included in the experience.

A warming Winter beverage (alcoholic or non alcoholic) is included in your ticket
Access to the Gardens all day while we are open.
Free Parking.

More information and Tickets:

This event is for over 18s only
It is entirely outdoors. Please come dressed accordingly
Tickets £30 per person – please book in advance
Please arrive by 10:45 as we don’t want you to miss any of the session!
