The Glass Pavilions
📍 84 Clarkehouse Rd, Broomhall, Sheffield S10 2LJ, UK
About The Glass Pavilions
The Glass Pavilions are a magnificent feature within the historic Sheffield Botanical Gardens, offering visitors a unique opportunity to step into a world of diverse flora. Originally built for the garden's opening in 1836, these Grade II* listed structures have been beautifully restored to their former glory, reopening in 2003 after a period of neglect. They stand as a testament to Victorian architectural ingenuity and botanical passion in the heart of Sheffield.
Inside the impressive glasshouses, guests will discover a rich collection of plants from various regions across the globe. Reviewers often commend the variety and thoughtful layout of the flora, providing an interesting glimpse into different ecosystems. The pavilions, while described as compact by some, are celebrated for their engaging and varied displays, making them a highly-rated attraction with a Google rating of 4.5/5 stars.
Visiting Information
The Glass Pavilions are open daily from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM. They offer excellent accessibility with wheelchair accessible parking and an accessible entrance, ensuring a welcoming visit for all. Various payment options are accepted, so cash-only payments are not required.
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📍 84 Clarkehouse Rd, Broomhall, Sheffield S10 2LJ, UK
from 28 reviews
Google Reviews
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Showing 5 of 28 reviews from Google Maps.Last updated 5 February 2026.
Walking into the glass pavilions at Sheffield Botanical Gardens, I was met with a bittersweet experience. On one hand, the variety and number of plants are commendable, offering a decent glimpse into different floras. The design of the indoor garden itself is quite impressive, with thoughtful layouts that guide visitors through a green journey. However, the journey quickly turns sour as the health and condition of most plants are, frankly, a disaster. It’s disheartening to see tropical plants wilting and struggling for survival, their leaves a testament to neglect. The pavilions, which should be a sanctuary for these plants, sadly fail to convey any sense of vitality or freshness. It’s clear that the entire indoor garden is crying out for more attention and care. These plants need nurturing hands and watchful eyes to restore them to their intended splendor. As it stands, the glass pavilions fall short of the lush, vibrant escape they could offer to both plants and visitors alike.
The pavilion has nice collection of plants from different regions of the world. Although it is small but interesting.
Named after Joseph Paxton, the original glass pavilions were built for the opening of the garden in 1836, but neglect lead to them being boarded up in the 1990s. However they were restored to their former glory and reopened in 2003. They are currently Grade II* listed. There are several different environmental conditions created in the glass houses and they contain a wide range of plants from all over the globe, including Australia, South America, Japan and the Mediterranean. Due to the diverse requirements, the plant collections are watered by hand with rainwater collected from the roofs. The Pavilions are available for weddings upon request.
Very pleasant and interesting. Many plants from around the world, in a calm and beautiful glasshouse.
I visited the Glass Pavilion on a cold late autumn afternoon so it was very nice to step into the warm glass house, a great place to visit for the plant enthusiast.