Primary schools at the Garden

A visit to the Botanic Garden is an ideal opportunity for children and students to engage with the natural environment. Our plants come from all around the world, so you can 'visit' several continents in one day during your time here!

Our sessions are not classroom-based but include a variety of hands-on activities, such as arts and crafts, games, challenges and group discussions.  We aim to promote a love of the natural environment, to support and encourage future generations of botanists and conservationists.

About school visits

The Garden offers a range of sessions to enhance the curriculum for Foundation Stage and Key Stages 1 and 2. Each session lasts between 75 and 105 minutes, and has a maximum capacity of 35 children.

Please note that there is a charge for all education sessions. Our sessions fill up quickly, so book early to avoid disappointment.

School sessions do not include a general tour of the Garden, so please make sure you book extra time with us if you wish to explore the Garden afterwards.

Charges

How to book

If you would like to make a booking, you can fill out our booking enquiry form, or if you require further information, please contact our Education Officers, Kate Castleden and Emma Williams, at education@obg.ox.ac.uk or call 01865 286 694.

You will receive booking confirmation with our standard terms and conditions. An invoice will follow.

Information for your visit

Find out more about how to prepare for your visit, what to expect during it and follow-up activities for afterwards.

Teacher training and Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

We are passionate about the natural world, and believe it can be used as a springboard to teach a range of topics. Our practical hands-on courses will fill you with confidence, and will introduce you to a range of exciting ideas that you can take back to school. Find out more about our upcoming Teacher CPD programme.

Not a UK school?

Due to limited education staffing and high demand from UK schools, we cannot run facilitated sessions for schools visiting from outside the UK. If you would like to visit the Garden please book a group visit.