The best gardens to visit in Oxfordshire
Botanic gardens and serene escapes
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University of Oxford Botanic Garden
The University of Oxford Botanic Garden is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a serene escape from the bustling city life. Established in 1621, it is the oldest botanic garden in Great Britain. Located in the heart of Oxford, the garden boasts an impressive collection of over 6,000 different plant species, including rare and exotic specimens.
Visitors can explore various themed sections such as the Medicinal Herb Garden, Rock Garden, and the Walled Garden. The glasshouses, including the Palm House and the Tropical Lily House, provide an opportunity to discover plant species from different climates around the world. Notable features include the towering Giant Waterlily Victoria amazonica and the beautiful Water Garden.
Address: Rose Ln, Oxford OX1 4AZ
Opening Times: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Blenheim Palace Gardens
Blenheim Palace Gardens, situated in Woodstock, are a true horticultural masterpiece. Designed by landscape architect Capability Brown, these gardens surround the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace. The gardens cover over 2,000 acres and feature a breathtaking combination of formal gardens, sweeping lawns, and tranquil lakes.
Visitors can stroll through the Italian Garden, the Water Terraces, and the Rose Garden, each offering its own unique charm. The Secret Garden, hidden behind tall hedges, provides a peaceful retreat. Notably, Blenheim Palace Gardens were the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, adding a historical touch to the visit.
Address: Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1PP
Opening Times: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm
Stowe Landscape Gardens
Stowe Landscape Gardens, near Buckingham, offer a remarkable combination of natural beauty and architectural grandeur. Designed by various renowned landscape architects, including Capability Brown and William Kent, the gardens are considered one of England's most significant garden designs.
Visitors can admire the breathtaking temples, grottoes, and monuments scattered throughout the gardens, such as the Temple of Concord and Victory and the Palladian Bridge. The Elysian Fields and the Valley of the Kings provide stunning vistas for a leisurely stroll or a peaceful picnic.
Address: New Inn Farm, Buckingham MK18 5EQ
Opening Times: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Waterperry Gardens
Waterperry Gardens, located near Wheatley, are renowned for their beautiful horticultural displays and tranquil atmosphere. Originally a school for horticulture, the gardens now showcase an extensive collection of plants, including herbaceous borders, rose gardens, and an orchard.
Visitors can explore the Creative Gardens, featuring innovative designs and artistic landscaping. The Mary Rose Garden's stunning display of roses is not to be missed. The gardens also host regular workshops and events, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn and engage with nature.
Address: Waterperry, Wheatley, Oxford OX33 1LA
Opening Times: Daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm
Rousham House and Garden
Rousham House and Garden, nestled in the beautiful countryside, offer visitors an authentic and unspoiled experience. Designed in the 18th century, the garden remains virtually unchanged, maintaining its original features and charm.
Visitors can roam through the Pleasure Grounds, with its cascades, grottoes, and ponds, as well as the Walled Garden and the Temple of the Mill. The garden's tranquil atmosphere and its integration with the natural landscape make it a perfect place to unwind and connect with nature.
Address: Rousham, Bicester OX25 4QU
Opening Times: Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays from 10 am to 4 pm
Broughton Castle Gardens
Broughton Castle Gardens, surrounding the stunning medieval Broughton Castle, offer visitors a delightful blend of history and natural beauty. With its origins dating back to the 14th century, the gardens exude a sense of old-world charm.
Visitors can enjoy the tranquil beauty of the White Garden, the Iris Garden, and the Rose Garden. The walled garden, originally designed for practical purposes, now flourishes with colorful blooms. Broughton Castle itself is steeped in history, having hosted famous guests such as King Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria.
Address: Broughton, Banbury OX15 5EB
Opening Times: Sundays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Bank Holidays from 2 pm to 5 pm
Batsford Arboretum
Batsford Arboretum, situated near Moreton-in-Marsh, offers a stunning display of trees, shrubs, and plants from around the world. With over 56 acres to explore, the arboretum provides a captivating experience for nature lovers.
Visitors can take a leisurely walk through the Japanese Garden, the Maple Grove, and the Spring Garden, each showcasing different species in their full glory. Batsford Arboretum also hosts various events throughout the year, including guided walks and garden-themed workshops.
Address: Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9AB
Opening Times: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Sulgrave Manor Garden
Sulgrave Manor Garden, associated with the ancestral home of George Washington, offers a glimpse into history while immersing visitors in a picturesque garden setting. The gardens feature formal and informal elements, providing a charming backdrop to the 16th-century manor.
Visitors can explore the Tudor-inspired Knot Garden, the Heritage Orchard, and the Flower Borders. The garden also offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Sulgrave Manor itself played a significant role in the history of Anglo-American relations, being the birthplace of George Washington's ancestors.
Address: Sulgrave, Banbury OX17 2SD
Opening Times: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays from 2 pm to 5 pm
Greys Court Gardens
Greys Court Gardens, near Henley-on-Thames, take visitors on a journey through centuries of history and enchanting landscapes. The gardens, surrounding the historic 16th-century mansion, offer a delightful mix of formal and wild garden areas.
Visitors can explore the Walled Garden, the Rose Garden, and the Herbaceous Border, each showcasing a variety of plants and flowers. The tranquil Courtyard Garden provides a relaxing spot to admire the beauty of the surroundings. Greys Court itself has connections to notable figures such as Queen Elizabeth I and Anne Boleyn.
Address: Rotherfield Greys, Henley-on-Thames RG9 4PG
Opening Times: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons Garden
Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons Garden, located in Great Milton, is renowned for its incomparable beauty and world-class cuisine. Adjacent to the Michelin-starred hotel and restaurant, the garden perfectly complements the exceptional dining experience it offers.
Visitors can stroll through the enchanting English and Oriental gardens, each carefully designed to harmonize with the surrounding architecture. Scented florals, soothing water features, and charming sculptures await around every corner. Created by renowned chef Raymond Blanc, the garden provides inspiration for the delectable dishes served in the renowned restaurant.
Address: Church Rd, Great Milton, Oxford OX44 7PD
Opening Times: Daily from 9 am to 9 pm