Visit Harcourt Arboretum

Christmas Closure: The Arboretum will be closed from Wednesday 24th December until Friday 2nd January. We re-open on Saturday 3rd January, 2026.

A path through the woods into the distance. There is dappled sunlight

Located just 6 miles from the city centre, Harcourt Arboretum offers 130 acres of picturesque landscape, woodland and wildflower meadow. Explore our range of ticketing options, including a concessionary rate for disabled visitors and their accompanying carer. Friends members, as well as University of Oxford staff and students enter for free with valid ID.

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Activities and Events

In addition to exploring the Arboretum at your own leisure, we have a busy calendar of events for you to get involved in. From activities, to family-friendly trails and events, there is plenty for you to enjoy.

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Group visits

We recommend pre-booking before visiting the Arboretum to ensure entry. For group bookings of more than 15 people, please make a request at least three days in advance of your visit.

Make a Group Booking

Facilities

The Arboretum is great for picnics, with plenty of benches available and blankets for sale at the Pod Shop. Please do not consume alcohol on site and do not use naked flames (e.g BBQs) as they are a fire risk.

On weekends, you can enjoy ethical, sustainable and locally roasted coffee from Horsebox Coffee Co and sweet treats from specialist local bakers.

There are toilets (including accessible and baby changing) in the main Lodge. Compost toilets are also located near the Woodland Barn.

Friends of Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum

Friends of Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum can visit for free with a valid membership pass.

Our strategic aims are to inspire a greater appreciation of plants and the environment, to advance knowledge through research and education, and to conserve plant diversity for future generations. Your support is vital in helping us achieve these goals.

You are no longer required to pre book, with the exception of events.

Become a Friend

A Guide to Harcourt Arboretum

Discover the main features of Harcourt Arboretum, including its history and seasonal highlights. Learn more about on-site facilities and policies (including toilets, food & drink, and our dog policy).

Download the Arboretum Map

In 1835, Archbishop Vernon Harcourt commissioned artist and landscape designer William Gilpin to create an eight-acre pinetum and Serpentine Ride in the parkland next to Nuneham House, where the Harcourt family lived. In 1947, the University of Oxford purchased the entire estate and created an arboretum that has grown over time to 130 acres. It was acquired by the Botanic Garden in 1963. It was designed as a place of beauty, to preserve the collection of North American conifers, and to grow trees for which the Oxford Botanic Garden was too small or the soil too alkaline.

Our experts travel the globe to find rare trees, collect their seeds and grow them in the Arboretum, ensuring the species survive outside their threatened native habitats. Today, visitors can discover trees from around the world growing alongside tranquil British woodland and open meadows. This includes some of the oldest redwoods in the UK. Seasonal highlights include wildflower meadows, rhododendrons and bluebell woods.

The Pinetum & Serpentine Ride

The oldest part of the Arboretum was laid out by William Gilpin in the 1830s. Between May and August, this area is filled with dramatic colours as rhododendrons and azaleas are in flower. You will also see plenty of small birds and dragonflies.

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Native Woodland

Bluebell Wood and Lime Wood showcase different types of UK native woodland. Between April and mid-May Bluebell Wood fills with a sweeping blue carpet, and in the summer both locations offer cool shade on hot days.

Wildflower Meadows

The wildflower meadows are home to rare wildflowers in the summer, along with native wildlife, and frequently grazing sheep or cattle.

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Acer Glade

Acer Glade provides interest throughout the year - daffodils in the spring, spectacular acer leaves in summer, and witch hazel in the winter. Its peak season is in autumn when it blazes with vivid colours including fiery tones of yellow, orange and red.

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Animals and Wildlife

The Arboretum is home to a wide variety of birds, mammals and insects. The different types of habitat, including woodland, coppice, wildflower meadow, and exotic trees and shrubs, support everything from deer and badgers to dragonflies and beetles.

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Fungi

The varied landscape at the Arboretum supports at least 128 species of fungi, which together, form a cosmos of life beneath your feet. These can seen all year round, especially in late summer and autumn after heavy rain. Each year in early October we host a Fungus Foray on UK Fungus Day - keep an eye on the 'What's on' page for these events.

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Planning your next visit

Harcourt Arboretum is located in Nuneham Courtenay, which is a 20 minute drive the Botanic Garden and the city centre. Visitors with cars are welcome to use on-site parking.

There is also a regular bus service which offers a more sustainable alternative. Those wanting to catch the bus can find the H4 bus stop in St Aldgate's (Oxford City Centre), before boarding the X40 bus towards Reading. Upon arrival at the Baldon Lane stop, it is then just a short walk to the Arboretum.

Policy on dogs

Dogs are not permitted at the Arboretum, with the exception of assistance dogs. There is an all-terrain manual wheelchair available to use for your visit (please phone ahead to book). Further accessibility information is available via this link.