Botanical Garden

Historic walled garden founded in 1621 as Britain's first botanic garden, containing over 5,000 plant species in a compact riverside setting. This living laboratory continues its role in plant research while offering visitors peaceful themed gardens and glasshouses showcasing plants from around the world. It sits in Oxford's City Centre & University Colleges, close to the other main sights. It sits below the headline sights but earns its place on a longer visit to Oxford, especially paired with nearby Magdalen College. Tickets cost £6.50 adult, £4.50 concessions, under 16s free and 1-2 hours is enough to see everything without rushing.

Priority: Medium - include with 2+ days Time needed: 1-2 hours Best for: experience 400 years of botanical history in a Skip if: You're not interested in plants or prefer larger garden spaces Cost: £6.50 adult, £4.50 concessions, under 16s free

You'll wander through intimate themed sections divided by ancient stone walls, discovering exotic plants in heated glasshouses and traditional English garden beds. The compact size creates an intensive botanical experience with something interesting in every corner.

Accessibility: Mostly accessible with some gravel paths, glasshouses fully accessible

Experience 400 years of botanical history in a tranquil riverside setting. It is not the first thing you should see in Oxford, but with two or more days it fills a gap the major sights leave. It pairs naturally with Magdalen College and Christ Church College - together they fill a solid half-day.

Skip if: You're not interested in plants or prefer larger garden spaces

• Visit the tropical glasshouses year-round.
• Look for the oldest tree - a yew from 1645.
• Pick up the plant trail leaflet.

Insider tip: The walled garden's microclimate allows Mediterranean plants to thrive in England

Photography encouraged, glasshouses offer year-round subjects, macro opportunities abundant