Explore over 130 acres of the world’s rare and endangered trees.
In 1835, Archbishop Vernon Harcourt commissioned artist and landscape designer William Gilpin to create an eight-acre pinetum and Serpentine Ride in the parkland next to Nuneham House, where the Harcourt family lived. In 1947, the University of Oxford purchased the entire estate and created an arboretum that has grown over time to 130 acres. It was acquired by the Botanic Garden in 1963. It was designed as a place of beauty, to preserve the collection of North American conifers, and to grow trees for which the Oxford Botanic Garden was too small or the soil too alkaline.
Our experts travel the globe to find rare trees, collect their seeds and grow them in the Arboretum, ensuring the species survive outside their threatened native habitats. Today, visitors can discover trees from around the world growing alongside tranquil British woodland and open meadows. This includes some of the oldest redwoods in the UK. Seasonal highlights include wildflower meadows, rhododendrons and bluebell woods.
This is the oldest part of the Arboretum, laid out by William Gilpin in the 1830s.
Between May and August, this area is filled with a spectrum of dramatic colours while our rhododendrons and azaleas are in flower. This is also a favourite spot for small birds and dragonflies.
Bluebell Wood and Lime Wood showcase the different types of native woodland we have in the UK.
Visit between late April and mid-May to see (and smell) the bluebells, or enjoy the peaceful and cooling shade of the woodland on a hot summer's day.
The Acer Glade provides interest at any time of the year - daffodils in spring, spectacular acer leaves in summer, and witch hazel in winter. Its peak season is autumn, when it blazes with vivid colours.
