Guide to Oxford Botanic Garden

The oldest botanic garden in the UK, and home to over 5,000 different plant species.

The Walled Garden

The oldest part of the Botanic Garden dating back to its foundation in 1621. This area is home to formal taxonomic (family) beds, the Literary Garden and Medicinal Collection.

The Lower Garden

The Lower Garden holds several ornamental collections that visitors are sure to find inspiration in. Adjacent to Christ Church Meadow and bordered by the river Cherwell, this area features highlights including, the Rock Garden the Herbaceous Border and the 'Plants That Changed The World' border.

The Glasshouses

We are able to create a range of climatic conditions in our seven display glasshouses, cultivating plants from around the world. Visitors find themselves travelling the globe, as they pass from tropical jungle and oozing swamp to desert and alpine environments.

The Herbarium Room

The Herbarium Room offers a unique opportunity to glimpse rarely seen treasures from an internationally important scientific collection. Oxford University Herbaria is the oldest herbarium in the UK and a global cultural resource of around one million dried plant specimens. While the herbarium was relocated to South Parks Road in the 1950s, the Herbarium Room continues to connect the Botanic Garden with the Department of Biology and the Herbaria.

Access

We welcome all visitors, including those with disabilities, their carers, family members and friends to enjoy the Botanic Garden.

The site is fully wheelchair accessible and we have a wheelchair available for public use. This must be booked in advance at our Ticket Office (telephone 01865 610 300).

There are toilets (including accessible toilets) and changing facilities available at the Botanic Garden.

Dogs are not permitted at the Botanic Garden, with the exception of assistance dogs.

Food and Drink

The Botanic Garden is a great place for a picnic, with plenty of benches available. Please do not bring alcohol on site.

Visitors can also enjoy ethical, sustainable and locally roasted coffee from Horsebox Coffee Co. As well as delicious barista-prepared drinks, they also serve brownies and sweet treats from specialist local bakers.

Oxford city centre also has a wide range of cafés and restaurants less than ten minutes' walk from the Garden.

Tours of the Botanic Garden

From April to September, you can join one of our free with entry tours. Our expert volunteer guides will lead tours every Sunday and Thursday starting at 14:30 from the Welcome Centre. Tours are subject to availability. Spaces on the tours are limited and are run on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please speak to our Front of House staff if you have any questions.

The Botanic Garden Boutique

The Botanic Garden Boutique is available for visitors to enjoy. Our best-sellers such as Metaphysic Perfume, Harcourt Honey and Oxford Physic Gin are available for you to click and collect.