Founded in 1621, the Oxford Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in Great Britain and one of the oldest scientific gardens in the world. Nestled beside the River Cherwell, it began as a physic garden for medicinal research and has evolved into a vibrant centre for plant science, conservation, and education. Today, the garden showcases over 5,000 plant species across themed beds, glasshouses, and a historic walled garden that nurtures rare and delicate specimens. Its compact layout offers visitors an immersive journey through global biodiversity, with representatives from over 90% of higher plant families. As part of the University of Oxford, the garden plays a vital role in research and public engagement, hosting workshops, tours, and events that inspire curiosity and deepen understanding of the natural world. A living archive of botanical heritage, it continues to blend scientific inquiry with aesthetic beauty, making it a treasured destination for learners, nature lovers, and cultural explorers alike.
Oxford United KingdomOxford Botanic Garden is located on Rose Lane, Oxford OX1 4AZ, right beside the River Cherwell and just off the city’s historic High Street. The garden is positioned opposite Magdalen College and its deer park, and sits minutes from the vibrant Magdalen Bridge, a popular spot for punting. In the immediate area, visitors will find Christ Church Meadow, the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, and the renowned Bodleian Library. Oxford’s central colleges, High Street shops, and independent cafés are all within a short walk, making the Garden a tranquil retreat embedded in the very heart of the city.