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Learning

Cultivating your curiosity

As a green oasis in the heart of Birmingham with a rich social history, Winterbourne offers a unique and inspiring learning environment. Building on our connections to University of Birmingham and our long history as a site for lifelong learning, Winterbourne is committed to providing a dynamic learning and education programme for diverse communities across the West Midlands and beyond.

Courses, workshops and talks

Learn a new craft or grow your love of gardening whilst you connect with likeminded people. Our programme of workshops, talks, and gardening and art courses in Birmingham covers everything from heritage crafts to essential gardening skills. We work with local arts educators, historians and expert horticulturists to offer the best learning experiences.

Find your new skill

RHS Qualifications

Home to the Winterbourne Centre for Horticulture, our dedicated education centre, Winterbourne is an RHS Qualifications Approved Centre. Each year, we offer a range of accredited RHS qualifications designed to help you deepen your gardening knowledge and skills for the home, transition to a career in horticulture, or to offer professional development for those already in the industry.

What to expect from our RHS courses in Birmingham

  • RHS qualifications run from September – June. Applications open in mid-April. We typically offer courses at Level 2 and Level 3, dependent on availability
  • Teaching is provided by Rudge Wood CIC. You will also receive support from Winterbourne’s garden team and dedicated Learning Officer
  • Lessons take place in the Winterbourne Centre for Horticulture, adjacent to the main garden. Practical activities (where relevant) primarily take place in our dedicated teaching garden
  • Once enrolled to study with us, you will be entitled to obtain student membership to the RHS for a reduced price
  • Enjoy free admission to Winterbourne House and Garden throughout your studies

2026 – 2027 courses

We are not yet accepting applications for our 2026-2027 cohort. Information about available courses will be provided in April 2026, and applications will open shortly after.

To have an informal chat about RHS courses in Birmingham and studying at Winterbourne, please contact our Learning Officer by emailing [email protected] or calling 0121 414 3003.



Frequently Asked Questions

We run a wide variety of courses which vary year to year. As an RHS-accredited centre, we offer places on RHS Level 2 and 3 courses. Other courses we offer, dependent on availability, include NCFE-accredited courses in garden design, and introductory courses in a range of horticulture and craft skills.

Almost all our single-day workshops are suitable for all levels, from complete beginners to those with more experience of the craft. We also offer introductory short courses in various skills from garden design and creative planting to beekeeping.

Winterbourne does not currently offer Level 1 qualifications. Level 2 is generally considered a good starting point for amateur gardeners looking to grow their skills, as well as individuals looking to transition to a career in horticulture. Level 3 is for those with existing qualifications.

If for any reason you are no longer able to attend a course, please contact us as soon as possible to discuss. Unfortunately, we are unable refund places on courses. We always attempt to re-advertise your place and if successfully filled, we are sometimes able to reimburse students, but this cannot be guaranteed, especially if the cancellation takes place only a short time before the course is due to start.

School groups are welcome to visit Winterbourne for self-led visits. For more information about our education rates, and to book a visit email [email protected]. We are currently unable to facilitate garden tours and workshops for school visits.