This is a stunning structure built along with the Millennium Galleries as part of a £120 million project to regenerate the centre of Sheffield. Not only is it one of the largest temperate green houses to be built in the UK in the last hundred years, it is also the largest urban glasshouse anywhere in Europe. It is a very modern parabolic structure. Temperature is controlled by underfloor heating, high level fans and and opening and closing vents.
Not only is it a stunning building, the floral display is pretty good to… There are over 2500 plants including cycads, tree ferns and bamboos as well as flowering herbaceous plants. The bedding plants are replaced five times a year to ensure continuous colour.
Drought tolerant plants with similar are placed at the sunny south end of the greenhouse. Shade lovers are planted at the north end. There are several central beds surrounded by open spaces with benches to sit. This really is an oasis of calm in the centre of Sheffield.
There is a small cafe serving light refreshments and the Millennium Galleries open off the Winter Garden. At October Half term there were a variety of Children’s activities and the space was buzzing.
The Winter Garden is free and is open daily from 8-8 (6pm on Sundays.) They are definitely worth visiting – and they are free.
