The four elegant Glasshouses at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens are the stars of the show, exhibiting rare and exotic plants from the tropical rainforest to the arid desert. You can also stroll among herbaceous borders, explore the bamboo maze, wander among azaleas and rhododendrons and roam woodland walks in the changing seasons. Little ones can get hands-on with horticulture in the Children’s Discovery Garden and burn off energy in the adventure playground. If you’re visiting in summer, drop into the Butterfly House to watch its inhabitants spreading their colourful wings. And, whatever the season, The Pavilion Tea Room is a lovely spot to refuel.