Oxford Botanic Garden — the UK's oldest botanic garden and the third oldest in the world, is an underrated green gem in the heart of Oxford. In 1621, Henry Danvers, Earl of Danby, donated £5,000 to establish this Physic Garden, with Latin inscriptions stating its purpose: "To praise God's creation and promote academic research." From the European yew tree planted in the 1640s by the first curator Jacob Bobart, which still stands today in the Walled Garden, to the introduction of the sensational dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) in 1949, to the magnificent Victoria cruziana water lilies blooming quietly in the glasshouses — this 1.8-hectare garden has amassed over 5,000 plant species covering more than 90% of higher plant families over 400 years. Nestled beside the River Cherwell and Christ Church Meadow, it has served as a filming location for classic British TV series such as Inspector Morse and Lewis, and is an unmissable oasis for every nature-loving traveller visiting Oxford.
From the thousand-year-old yew tree in the 17th-century Walled Garden to the giant water lilies in the glasshouses, journey through the seasons among 5,000 plant species — a green stroll through 400 years of botanical science
Turn from High Street onto Rose Lane, and the 17th-century stone archway of the Botanic Garden appears before you — designed and built by architect Nicholas Stone in the 1620s, with Latin inscriptions on either side recording the founding purpose. Entering the Walled Garden, the first sight is the central fountain and neatly arranged flower beds classified by plant family — this is the core teaching area of botany, with each plant labelled with its Latin scientific name. Find the European yew tree (Taxus baccata) planted in the 1640s by the first curator Bobart, which has stood here for nearly 380 years. Pass through the Medicinal Plants Collection to discover the plants that changed human medicine: from the rosy periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) used to treat leukaemia to the cinchona tree that alleviates malaria. Then enter the Glasshouse Collection — 7 greenhouses with different climate themes taking you around the world: in the Tropical Rainforest House, the giant Victoria cruziana water lily leaves can reach 2 metres in diameter, enough to support the weight of a baby; in the Desert House, century-old cacti stand tall and rugged; in the Alpine House, rhododendrons and gentians sparkle like jewels. In the afternoon, stroll to the Lower Garden where the Rock Garden's waterfall and water lily pond shimmer, and the Herbaceous Border bursts with colour through the seasons. Walk slowly along the River Cherwell through the "Plants that Changed the World" themed area — coffee, cocoa, bananas, sugar cane, cotton — how these plants shaped human civilisation becomes clear at a glance. In the evening, sit on the grass opposite Christ Church Meadow and watch the sunset gild the greenhouse glass.
Located in the vaulted space beneath St Mary's Church, about 8 minutes' walk from the Botanic Garden. Signature organic lamb pie and seasonal salads, enjoy slow time under the centuries-old vaulted ceiling. £10-£18 per person.
5 minutes' walk from the Botanic Garden, located on the main High Street. Classic French onion soup, confit duck leg and crêpes. Outdoor seating with street views. £20-£35 per person.
Oxford's legendary artisan ice cream loved by students, 6 minutes' walk from the Botanic Garden. Signature "Oxford Blue" lavender honey flavour is full of British creativity. Perfect for a riverside stroll on a summer afternoon. Single scoop from £4.
Located in a historic building on High Street, about 3 minutes' walk from the Botanic Garden. Classic decor with exquisite three-tier afternoon tea tower. Scones and strawberry tart are unforgettable. £15-£30 per person.
The Botanic Garden is located at the east end of Oxford's High Street, adjacent to Magdalen College and the River Cherwell, within walking distance of several distinctive accommodation options.
Over 400 years, Oxford Botanic Garden has gathered pioneers of botany, horticulture and genetics whose research and discoveries have profoundly changed humanity's understanding of the world's plants. Below are some representative figures: