Visit Oxford Botanic Garden

Christmas Closure: The Botanic Garden will be closed from Wednesday 24th December until Saturday 3rd January, 2026.

Visit Oxford Botanic Garden

Discover over 5,000 different plant species at the UK's oldest Botanic Garden. 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.

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Activities & Events

In addition to exploring the Botanic Garden 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.

Browse the 'What's on?' page for our latest events and activities.

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Group visits

For group bookings of more than 15 people, please book ahead of your visit to the Garden.

Please arrive promptly for your booking. If you will be more than 15 minutes late please contact Front of House on 01865 610 300.
Please note, dogs are not permitted at the Garden or Arboretum, with the exception of assistance dogs.
For school visits ensure there is one adult supervisor for every 10 students present.

Horsebox Coffee

The 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 cafes and restuarants less than 10 minutes walk from the Garden.

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Accessibility

We welcome all visitors to the Garden, including those with disabilities, their carers, family members and friends. The site is fully wheelchair accessible and we have a wheelchair available for public use. To book this in advance, please phone the ticket office on 01865 610 300.

There are toilets (including accessible toilets) and changing facilities on site. Dogs are not permitted at the Garden, with the exception of assistance dogs.

School visits

We offer a fantastic range of Primary and Secondary Education sessions.

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Friends of Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum

Friends members can visit for free with a valid membership pass.

Our strategic aim is 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.

Guide to Oxford Botanic Garden

Learn more about our history and collections, as well as practical information about on-site facilities and how to find us.

Download the Garden Map

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The Walled Garden

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

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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 with the river Cherwell, this area features highlights including, the Rock Garden, the Herbaceous Border, and the 'Plants That Changed The World' border.

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The Glasshouses

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

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Research and Conservation

OBGA scientists have a broad portfolio of collections-based and interdisciplinary research, informed by botanical surveys conducted in remote locations around the world. In collaboration with the University of Oxford, other botanic gardens and global institutions, this work provides insight into field such as technology, medicine, and adaptation in changing climates.

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History of the Botanic Garden

Learn more about the origins of the Garden and its status as the oldest botanic garden in the UK.

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Getting to the Botanic Garden:

Walking: The Botanic Garden is just a short walk from the centre of town. From Carfax Tower, the Garden is an 11-minute walk along the High Street. It is around a 25 minute walk from Oxford train station.

Taking the bus: When visiting the Garden, there are plenty of buses serving St Clements and the High Street (Queens Lane).

From St Clements (Stop C) visitors can take the 5-minute walk to the Garden, passing The Plain roundabout and crossing Magdalen Bridge.
From Stops J1, J2 and J3 on the High Street (adjacent to Queens Lane) visitors can take the 2-minute walk to the Garden.

Cycling & e-scooters: There are cycle racks outside of the Botanic Garden and an e-scooter hire point near the steps to the Magdalen car park.

Driving: Parking within Oxford city centre is limited and there are no spaces at the Garden. We recommend using the Park and Ride bus service, which helps reduce congestion at busy times such as weekends and school holidays.