Photography and Filming

Oxford Botanic Garden

The Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in the UK. At the Garden, you will find thousands of species of plant from across the world, including a number of Glasshouses with fabulous year-round interest. The historic Walled Garden dating from 1621 features 17th-century walls and arches, and a central fountain. The stunning Lower Garden boasts a herbaceous border, dramatic Merton Borders and a collection of ‘Plants that Changed the World’. The Botanic Garden has provided a backdrop for a number of documentaries, films and television shows, including Gardener’s World, Inspector Morse, and Lewis.

Explore the Garden with our online guide

For commercial photography and filming, or to enquire about a booking for private photography and filming, please email events@obg.ox.ac.uk

Harcourt Arboretum

Our Arboretum in Nuneham Courtenay is only a 10-minute drive from Oxford City and has plenty of parking available. The Arboretum is over 130 acres of wildflower meadows, native bluebell & lime woodland, historic pinetum designed by William Gilpin, working coppice, as well as spectacular seasonal areas like the Acer Glade and Magnolia Glade. This stunning site has been used for a number of productions such as BBC’s Country File. 

Explore the Arboretum with our online guide.

 

For commercial photography and filming, or to enquire about a booking for private photography and filming, please email events@obg.ox.ac.uk

Frequently asked questions

What kind of photography and filming can take place?

Our venues make wonderful backdrops for all types of projects from family portraits to TV and film locations. Booking is required for all types of photography and filming.

Please contact events@obg.ox.ac.uk for all enquiries and booking.

I just want to take some family photos for private use, do I still need to book?

Yes, all photography by a professional or commissioned photographer requires a booking.
We usually need at least a week to arrange this. If you do not have a booking you will be asked to leave our venues.

Which spaces can be used for photography or filming?

We are happy to consider applications for photography or filming in any of our public areas. Take a look at our online guides to the Botanic Garden and the Arboretum to find out more about our collections.

When is the best time to come?

Our venues have year-round interest, and you can find our more via our online guides (Botanic Garden and the Arboretum). As most of our spaces are open-air the majority of projects take place between March and October. Popular highlights at the Arboretum include bluebell season (late April to early May), rhododendrons (May and June), wildflower meadows (June and July), and autumn colour (September and October).

Can I use the Conservatory, Glasshouses, or Herbarium Room?

Yes, but only after permission has been granted as part of your booking. These spaces contain collections and exhibits which are easily damaged and some parts of the Glasshouses are narrow. Access for photography and filming will only be possible when other groups are not using the spaces and may require a member of our staff to accompany you. Use of these spaces will usually incur an additional fee.

Can I come while you are closed to the public?

We prefer bookings to take place between 09:00 and 17:00, but we appreciate that some projects might need to happen outside of our public opening hours. If this is the case we will be happy to discuss your requirements.

Do you have storage and green room facilities?

We cannot offer any indoor spaces for storage or the use of crews. You will be welcome to use our public toilets, and the pop-up café facilities when they are open.

How much does a booking cost?

For a listing of prices for hire please submit an enquiry form with as much detail as possible about your project. It will be helpful to receive specific details about the total number of people in your group, the equipment you will use, and the purpose and distribution of material produced.

Is there access to power?

We cannot provide any power for your equipment. All crews must be self-sufficient. 

Is there parking available?

There is no public parking at Oxford Botanic Garden (OX1 4AZ) and the nearest public car park is at St Clement's Street, a 5-minute walk over Magdalen Bridge. Parking for one or two vehicles can sometimes be arranged. Vehicular access can be arranged for delivery of equipment. 

At Harcourt Arboretum (OX44 9PX) we have a public car park and can offer parking for cast and crew free of charge.