Sheffield, South Yorkshire

Sheffield Winter Garden

A large timber-framed glasshouse in the heart of Sheffield, free to enter and open into the evening, holding thousands of plants from around the world next to the Millennium Gallery.

  • Free entry
  • Glasshouse
  • Urban garden
  • Temperate plants
  • Contemporary architecture

Highlights

  • More than 2,500 plants from around the world under one roof
  • The larch-framed building, 70 metres long and over 20 metres high
  • A direct link through to the Millennium Gallery
  • The Peace Gardens just outside

About Sheffield Winter Garden

The Winter Garden was part of Sheffield's Heart of the City regeneration and was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in May 2003. Designed by Pringle Richards Sharratt Architects with engineers Buro Happold, it is built largely from glued laminated larch, left untreated so that it weathers to a silvery grey.

At 70 metres long and more than 20 metres high, the council describes it as one of the largest temperate glasshouses built in the UK in the last hundred years. It keeps a minimum temperature of 4°C all year, with automated vents and fans to cool it in summer.

What to see

  • More than 2,500 plants from around the world.
  • The timber arches themselves, which are as much a part of the visit as the planting.
  • The Millennium Gallery, reached directly from inside, and the Peace Gardens next door.

Planning your visit

The Winter Garden is at 90 Surrey Street in Sheffield city centre and can be reached by public transport, bike, car or on foot. Inside there are shops and a refreshment kiosk, with the Gallery Café next door.

It is fully accessible from street level, and a detailed access guide is published on AccessAble. It is easy to combine with the Millennium Gallery or a walk round the Peace Gardens.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Sheffield Winter Garden free?

Yes, admission is free.

What are the Winter Garden's opening hours?

It is open 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sundays and bank holidays. It closes on Christmas Day and occasionally from 6pm for private events, so the council suggests calling ahead.

Is the Winter Garden accessible?

Yes, it is fully accessible from street level with no steps.

Sources

  1. sheffield.gov.uk/parks-sport-recreation/public-spaces/winter-garden
  2. welcometosheffield.co.uk/content/attractions/sheffield-winter-garden
  3. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheffield_Winter_Garden