Visit Harcourt Arboretum

Explore 130 acres of picturesque landscape, woodland and wildflower meadow just 6 miles from Oxford city centre

Open daily 10am – 4pm (last entry 3pm*)

We offer a 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.

*excludes some events

Activities and events

Browse activities and events

There are plenty of great activities for you to enjoy in 2026. From family-friendly activities such as 'Arboretum Family Days' to practical courses such as 'Bluebell photography', there is plenty for the whole family to get involved in.

Book a group visit

Please book ahead for groups of more than 15

Please arrive promptly for your booking. If you will be more than 15 minutes late please contact Front of House on 01865 610 300.
For school visits ensure there is one adult supervisor for every 10 students present.

Become a Friend

Become a member

Friends of Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum help conserve threatened trees at Harcourt Arboretum and support the UK's oldest botanic garden. Membership also supports education, training and vital research for future generations. Friends enjoy benefits such as shop discount, an exclusive calendar of events, and free or reduced price entry to nine other botanic gardens across the UK.

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.

History of the Arboretum

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. The University of Oxford then purchased this land in 1947, before it was acquired by Oxford Botanic Garden in 1963. Today Harcourt Arboretum spans 130 acres and showcases rare and endangered trees from around the world.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.