University of Oxford Botanic Garden
University of Oxford Botanic Garden
University of Oxford Botanic Garden
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Oxford Botanic Garden is the oldest in the UK and with nearly 5,000 different types of plant, the Garden is a year-round oasis of biodiversity, right in the heart of the city. For winter opening hours please visit our website.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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See what travelers are saying
- GlobetrottingVikingThatcham, United Kingdom3,521 contributionsLots to seeWe had an extra hour on a day trip to Oxford and visited this Botanic Garden, apparently the oldest such garden in the UK. The glass houses were crowded, not only with people but also with plants, so it was difficult to get a clear view of individual plants and flowers. Throughout the garden there are useful information on small notice boards, and the outdoor part of the garden was less crowded and plants were better organised. Early May was still too early to get many flowers, so I guess we must come again later in the year. There was a sign to a café in the garden, but it turned out to just be a caravan selling drinks and snacks, so we had our refreshments elsewhere once we got out.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 6, 2024
- waddesdon1964Waddesdon, United Kingdom2,012 contributionsGardens to relax in.We had a couple of hours to spare after punting on the river so thought we would pop in. Approx £8 each coffee truck on site clean toilets. Large gardens and green houses to walk round. Everything clearly labelled. Only real criticism would be the front gardens with roses growing. Despite being nice they had lots of tall thistles and looked un loved which surprised me as it's the first area you see. Would go back again. Great staff in reception card only payments really friendly.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 18, 2024
- MichaelWKirchheimbolanden, Germany868 contributionsBeautiful facilities, marginally pricedThe greenhouses with tropical plants are not particularly large, but the really beautiful outdoor areas invite you to take a nice walk when the weather is good. The entrance fee was around £8, which is not exactly cheap. Considering that nicer botanical gardens, for example in Glasgow, are free... But it was worth the visit.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 2, 2024
- Martin CCrewe, United Kingdom172 contributionsForget the rewildingVery good, but needs more colour. Well cared for. Unusual layout with many beds devoted to plant families. Some good ideas and inspiration. Excellent backdrop of ancient arches and walls. Plenty of seating Inexpensive, esp when to see it all in any detail you need three hours. Hot houses not especially impressive. A significant part of this very large 'plot' seemed to have followed the re-wilding bandwagon. Unsurprisingly, there were many more bees, hoverflies and other insects visible in the 'cultivated' parts of the garden than in the re-wilded mess.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 5, 2024
- 301lisa33Coventry, United Kingdom2,007 contributionsExcellent gardensExcellent gardens, located very centrally so quite accessible. They are not very extensive but are detailed and complex. We visited at the height of summer and many plants were in bloom. Pleasingly most plants were labelled. There is also some interpretation relating to plant taxonomyVisited June 2024Traveled with friendsWritten June 12, 2024
- RichAndAshLondon, United Kingdom182 contributionsA great place to visitSince it was a lovely day, we walked from the city centre which took around 10 minutes. There are lots of flowers and plants in bloom, all labelled so you could what they were are their origins. There are a few conservatories to walk through, which house the more exotic plants. It took about an hour to walk around, and well worth the admission fee.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 4, 2024
- Robina H27 contributionsLovely gardens - worth a visit.Nice visit whilst staying in oxford. £8 entry and despite being small we did spent a couple of hours here so good value. We especially liked the greenhouses with some interesting plants. No food oulets as such but small coffee van so enjoyed a drink by the river before heading into Oxford for food.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 10, 2024
- lillibet12309Preston, United Kingdom733 contributionsEscape from the noise of the cityI came here on my own whilst the friend I wads with had decided to go shopping. It was a short walk from the shopping area and was a great way to escape the noise and hurly burly of such a busy city. Due to the strange summer weather this year, the gardens were a little past their best but there was still some lovely colour. Most of the plants were labelled up. As it was so hot, I avoided the glasshouses, instead taking refuge in a woodland type area for a rest. The area by the river had a van selling refreshments and it was fun watching the punts passing by. I am not a fan of the current fad of rewilding and to be honest, it was a huge patch of scruffy dried grass and weeds snd detracted from the overall look of the gardens.Visited August 2024Traveled soloWritten August 17, 2024
- William MBournemouth, United Kingdom87 contributionsA must-see on the Oxford tourExpectations were middling after being so disappointed with the Cambridge Botanic. Prompt warm welcome desk. Fairly standard array of plants in the small well-kept glasshouses where the arid and rainforest houses stand out. Neat rectangular beds in the lawned wall garden show off the plants well though the keen plantsman might want for more rarity. However there are several gems and the whole is very well maintained. As is often the case the plant labelling is good but the app is still needed for a few examples. We’ll omit the Lower Garden which gardeners will find confusing unless you like golden rod.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 26, 2024
- Millie024Llantwit Major, United Kingdom478 contributionsDelightful afternoon in AugustIn the future, if I want to recall what happiness felt like, I might well imagine myself sitting by the fountain, in the late summer sunshine, people watching here. I adored my visit. Surrounded by the colleges and with the river along side it, the Botanical Gardens are just lovely. It’s always nice to go to gardens, but these have some extra pleasures, both in terms of decent explanations, eg a display of plants used to make gin, and literary themes, eg poisonous plants in Agatha Christie’s work. I also liked Lyra’s bench and the statue of the daemons, imaginative. The Merton borders contained vast amounts of golden rod, reminding me that as a small child, an old lady gave me a poem containing the line’Or I should be a golden rod’, among other plants the poem dedicated to divine praise. At the end, a sales van enabled me to sit by the river watching the punting. No one fell in ! The entrance and exit are through the shop, quite small but with an appropriate selection of items. My heart sings, remembering.Visited August 2024Traveled soloWritten September 7, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,115 reviews
Excellent
566
Very good
369
Average
134
Poor
29
Terrible
17
Seaside788547
Meistervik, Norway41 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
We have visited the free gardens before & decided this time to pay & go inside the many huge glass domes that are a part of this great collection. I have never taken so many pictures of plants in all my life. Amazing plants from around the world & well worth the money !
Written September 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bluebellplasnewydd
Cardiff, UK2,059 contributions
Feb 2022
These gardens are low key with quirky opening times, glasshouse closures and an intermittent cafe. However well worth a visit - certainly to see the medicinal plants and the memorial to the discovery of penicillin at the front (Rose Garden). We visited in January when there was not much going on with some glass houses closed although the gardeners were hard at work. However the benefit was that the ground were very quiet. Best to make your trip in the spring or summer was there is an entrance fee.
Written February 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jamie B
Burnham-On-Sea, UK36 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
We visited on a chilly February morning. Entry was £8 with gift aid and spoiler alert, incredible value for money!
Given the time of year, we pretty much had the gardens to ourselves for most of the visit.
Provided with a map, it was very easy to navigate. The gardens themselves are a pleasure to wander through, laid out very well. Although the flowers were not in bloom and the trees were bare, we enjoyed seeing the form and structure of the trees and the whole garden has such a lovely “mature” feel to it. Kudos to the team keeping it so well maintained.
The glasshouses are even better. The walk through the rainforest and the pond houses were luscious, with plants hanging down you have to duck under or carefully walk past. Of special note are the numerous and wondrous pitcher plants. There are information boards scattered throughout that are brief but informative and worth the read. The only thing we would have liked to see is the English names for the trees and plants outside in the garden. Many of the cards only have the Latin name of the plant, and whilst we appreciate it’s Oxford, not everyone is fluent in Latin and it would certainly add to the experience knowing what we were looking at.
The toilets were aged but clean. The staff were helpful and it’s only a small shop with the regular items you’d expect but with a nice selection of books specific to the gardens we enjoyed browsing on the way out.
Overall, a 10 out of 10 experience and definitely worth the short walk from the city centre to enjoy a break from the indoor attractions of your visit.
Given the time of year, we pretty much had the gardens to ourselves for most of the visit.
Provided with a map, it was very easy to navigate. The gardens themselves are a pleasure to wander through, laid out very well. Although the flowers were not in bloom and the trees were bare, we enjoyed seeing the form and structure of the trees and the whole garden has such a lovely “mature” feel to it. Kudos to the team keeping it so well maintained.
The glasshouses are even better. The walk through the rainforest and the pond houses were luscious, with plants hanging down you have to duck under or carefully walk past. Of special note are the numerous and wondrous pitcher plants. There are information boards scattered throughout that are brief but informative and worth the read. The only thing we would have liked to see is the English names for the trees and plants outside in the garden. Many of the cards only have the Latin name of the plant, and whilst we appreciate it’s Oxford, not everyone is fluent in Latin and it would certainly add to the experience knowing what we were looking at.
The toilets were aged but clean. The staff were helpful and it’s only a small shop with the regular items you’d expect but with a nice selection of books specific to the gardens we enjoyed browsing on the way out.
Overall, a 10 out of 10 experience and definitely worth the short walk from the city centre to enjoy a break from the indoor attractions of your visit.
Written February 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
keith h
Chesham, UK1,168 contributions
Jul 2021
Absolutely beautiful gardens situated beside the River Cherwell & Magdalen Bridge & opposite the medieval splendour of Magdalen College.
The gardens are small but packed with interest & maintained to an exceptionally high standard. Part of the garden actually borders the River Cherwell , giving idyllic views of punting & Magdalen Bridge.
This month is actually the 400th anniversary of the gardens inception.
The glasshouses are currently offering restricted access due to covid restrictions but it was such lovely weather we confined ourselves to enjoying the outside.
A small cabin situated fairly near the entrance & toilets offers drinks , cakes, ice creams & biscuits. It can be a bit of a wait for service , there only being 1 person serving but they were meticulous in their service & the coffee was well worth waiting for.
Only £4 : 50 each for entry ( concessions ) which I think is exceptionally good value.
I cannot recommend a visit to the gardens more highly.
By the way , I first visited 50 years ago & haven't been back since. My mistake.
The gardens are small but packed with interest & maintained to an exceptionally high standard. Part of the garden actually borders the River Cherwell , giving idyllic views of punting & Magdalen Bridge.
This month is actually the 400th anniversary of the gardens inception.
The glasshouses are currently offering restricted access due to covid restrictions but it was such lovely weather we confined ourselves to enjoying the outside.
A small cabin situated fairly near the entrance & toilets offers drinks , cakes, ice creams & biscuits. It can be a bit of a wait for service , there only being 1 person serving but they were meticulous in their service & the coffee was well worth waiting for.
Only £4 : 50 each for entry ( concessions ) which I think is exceptionally good value.
I cannot recommend a visit to the gardens more highly.
By the way , I first visited 50 years ago & haven't been back since. My mistake.
Written July 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elijah M
1 contribution
Jan 2025 • Couples
Terrible experience from customer service. Refunds that were available and requested not authorised.
Due to storm Eowyn, the gardens were closed on the 26th of January and the greenhouses were closed on the 27th. Because we weren’t able to visit on the 26th, we booked again on the 27th, but found out not worth visiting on the 27th due to reasons mentioned earlier.
I was asked by customer services if I wanted a refund for the 26th and I requested a refund for the 27th as well, however, I haven’t heard from customer services in a week. Very disappointed with the customer service team. I feel like my money has basically been taken without the actual experience of visiting.
I do not recommend visiting the gardens unless you purchase in person at the desk.
Due to storm Eowyn, the gardens were closed on the 26th of January and the greenhouses were closed on the 27th. Because we weren’t able to visit on the 26th, we booked again on the 27th, but found out not worth visiting on the 27th due to reasons mentioned earlier.
I was asked by customer services if I wanted a refund for the 26th and I requested a refund for the 27th as well, however, I haven’t heard from customer services in a week. Very disappointed with the customer service team. I feel like my money has basically been taken without the actual experience of visiting.
I do not recommend visiting the gardens unless you purchase in person at the desk.
Written February 2, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BQTT
London, UK94 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
An Hour is more than enough. Small but very well kept botanical gardens, beautiful walk too. A tiny quaint cafe serves basic food right by the River Cherwell. You can watch the small punting boats go by while sipping you coffee, or immerse yourself in your book and forget the time passing.
Written August 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gadgetgirl79
Witney, UK47 contributions
Aug 2021
I had an impromptu visit to Oxford with the kids as we needed to escape the house.
All the free museums were fully booked out (thanks Covid!) so I decided to visit the Botanic Gardens instead.
It was really reasonably priced (kids under 16 free) and we had a fab time walking round and looking at all the plants, herbs etc... The kids loved the greenhouse bit with the giant lily pads and we spent about an hour meandering round exploring.
We will certainly go back!
All the free museums were fully booked out (thanks Covid!) so I decided to visit the Botanic Gardens instead.
It was really reasonably priced (kids under 16 free) and we had a fab time walking round and looking at all the plants, herbs etc... The kids loved the greenhouse bit with the giant lily pads and we spent about an hour meandering round exploring.
We will certainly go back!
Written August 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
familytravel4x4
Liphook, UK726 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
The gardens offer plenty of variety, from well laid out beds, to glass houses, as well as a delightful walk along the river. Although it was early in the season, which meant that some beds were empty (or died back) there was still enough planting to make the visit interesting. Also with the punting activity on the river, there was also the fun of being distracted by punters trying to maser the art! Well worth a visit, especially as the season 'gets going'.
Written May 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen L
London, UK100 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Such a beautiful garden, not all the plants were in full bloom as a result of the UK not experiencing heavy showers the last few months, but still a tranquil setting. You can book tickets online or at reception (card payment only), ticket prices were roughly £6 each which is a bargain for Britain's oldest Botanical garden. The receptionist were really friendly and were extremely helpful for advise. Due to COVID-19 the public toilets were closed so just be mindful when going. If you like nature/want to have a little picnic I would definitely recommend it.
Written July 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wanderer191255
Southport, UK589 contributions
Aug 2021
Stunning gardens with a very wide range of plants and trees in a peaceful setting by the side of the river. Also has coffee kiosk and toilets. The gardens are currently celebrating their 400th year anniversary and you need to book a time slot for entry.
Written August 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do you have to pay for the botanical garden and arboretum separately ?
Written August 23, 2020
yes you do have to pay separately for each garden but if you have a friend membership or are a friend of Chelsea Physic Garden in london its free for either one of them.
Written August 28, 2020
If your an Epic gamer i would say yes but to full fill your or the game that you play you might wanna head there during the christmas period you get to enter through the main gate which is quite a privilliage, that gate is closed all year apart from x-mas.
Good Luck
Written March 17, 2020
Sorry I've just seen this. If you go to the High Street and find The Grand Cafe, keep walking it's just beyond that on the right, opposite Magdelene College right by Magdelene Bridge.
Written May 20, 2019
You can pay by cash or card.
Written October 1, 2017
How long from the centre of Oxford on foot? Or is there a shuttle bus? Coming in two weeks.
Written June 30, 2017
15 minutes by foot, just follow the main road, the entrance is opposite St Magdalene College.
There are city buses passing nearby, check the website of the oxfordbus
Written July 2, 2017
How far are gardens from Oxford Coach Park please
Written June 9, 2017

Katarzyna P
Krakow, Poland
14 contributions
it's 18-20 minutes by walk, very easy to get
Written June 14, 2017
Do you have to pay to get in? / roughly how much?
Written April 27, 2017
I paid £3.50 as I have a student discount card, I think it was £5 for a regular adult.
Written April 29, 2017
I'm planning my itinerary for a visit in early to mid-May, what can I expect to see besides plants in the greenhouses?
Written November 26, 2016
May can be a lovely time to visit. The British weather can affect the development of plants and trees but it will be worth a visit. There are seats around the garden so ideal for a picnic if the weather is nice. There are shops nearby that sell snacks and drinks. There are also basic toilet facilities and a small shop selling cards, books and plant related small gifts.
Written March 15, 2017
Magdalen College Bar.
More usefully, there's a pastry shop by the traffic lights on High Street, the Tic Toc Cafe on Cowley Road, and various pubs around the roundabout on the other end of Magdalen Bridge.
Written July 18, 2016
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