The Dorothy Fox Education Centre

The Dorothy Fox Education Centre features three versatile spaces that can be combined to form a large, open area. It is fully equipped with modern amenities, including screens, seating, desks, and Wi-Fi.

This is the ideal venue for a wide range of learning activities and events linked to The Gardens, from classes and courses to lectures, hobby-based activities, meetings, and training sessions, catering to all ages and abilities.

Please note the centre cannot take bookings for parties or social activities.

Classrooms

The Dorothy Fox offers flexible space with three classrooms that can be hired individually or converted into larger spaces to meet your needs.

    • Boardroom: 20

    • Circle: 20

    • Cabaret: 24

    • Theatre: 35

    • Standing: 45

    Rooms 1 and 2 feature a wooden decking area, while Room 3 offers convenient activity sink access.

    • Boardroom: 40

    • Cabaret: 60

    • Theatre: 80

    • Standing: 80

    • Boardroom: 40

    • Cabaret: 60

    • Theatre: 80

    • Standing: 80

    Adding a third classroom can give extra space for activities, breakout space or stallholders.

Capacities

Please note: Our room offer is self serve setup. If you would like the room setting up in advance please contact us to discuss.

Hiring a space at the Dorothy Fox Education Centre is all about enjoying, connecting with and learning about the gardens themselves. We encourage the use of our facilities for activities that foster engagement and education about the horticulture of the gardens.

Free seasonal trails

As part of your hire, you'll have access to our seasonal trails, such as Botanical Bingo or the Tree Identification Trail, allowing you to explore the gardens in an interactive way.

Friends of Botanical Gardens Tours

A 1½-hour private guided tour tailored to suit your group’s interests. Options include a general tour of the Gardens, a history tour, a guided walk around the tree collection, or one of our themed tours - Shakespeare’s Botanicals, Dyes in Nature, Potions and Poisons, Painting with Flowers. (Please note, some of these are seasonal.)

£7 per person (minimum £70).

Engage with The Gardens

Pricing

We offer competitive pricing with discounts for organisations whose booking helps promote horticultural excellence and welcome community or small business and charity users.

Prices start from:

  • £70 half day (inc VAT)

  • £120 full day (inc VAT)

Food and Drink

You are welcome to bring your own food and drink, or an external caterer. We can provide glasses, mugs and hot water, or an unlimited drinks option.

Joni’s is conveniently located within The Gardens for small groups to enjoy.

Alternatively, there is a selection of excellent external caterers nearby.

Please note, alcohol cannot be brought onto the premises.

Facilities

  • Free Wi-Fi

  • Large television screens

  • Projector

  • Drinks available - or bring your own

  • Your choice of catering

  • Access to The Gardens

Travel and Parking

  • Good public transport links

  • Limited parking spaces (subject to availability)

  • Bike parking available

  • Close to Sheffield city centre and Sheffield train station