Event Hire

Impress your guests with botanical glamour at Oxford Botanic Garden and Harcourt Arboretum.

Oxford Botanic Garden

Situated in the heart of historic Oxford, the UK’s oldest botanic garden is a year-round oasis of calm, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the High Street. The perfect venue for a drinks reception, evening buffet or a truly unique wedding reception.

Expand the links below to explore the spaces available at Oxford Botanic Garden, or click below to get in touch.

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The Events Lawn is a fantastic venue for all sorts of events, accommodating a marquee for up to 200 people and exclusive use of the Walled Garden from 6pm. It is a tranquil haven perfect for a drinks reception, evening buffet or your truly unique wedding celebration. The Walled Garden dates back to the Oxford Botanic Garden's foundation in 1621 and is the Garden’s oldest section. Guests are welcome to explore the Walled Garden where there are many lovely and exotic photo opportunities.

Facilities: 2-3 minutes walk from our public bathrooms. Access & space for caterers and generators is available via Rose Lane.

Accessibility: Fully accessible with a wheelchair – no stairs or steps.

 

The conservatory is one of our seven display glasshouses, and perfect for an intimate gathering. Hold your family party, pre-dinner drinks or afternoon tea against the backdrop of our seasonal plant displays, or host an intimate dinner amongst the flowers. With beautiful seasonal displays and delicious scents, the Conservatory provides a fabulous backdrop for events. This historic glasshouse is located near the river and picturesque Magdalen Bridge. Citrus plants have been grown at the Botanic Garden since the 1600s, including lemons, limes, oranges, mandarins, grapefruits and citrons. From late spring, the fragrant scent of the flowers fills the Conservatory. When conditions are right, the plants flower and bear fruit simultaneously throughout much of the year.

The conservatory can host up to 50 guests for a standing drinks reception, around 30-35 people for a talk or lecture, and 20 people for a seated dinner.

Facilities: A beautiful and flexible space near to public bathrooms and (in summertime) our pop-up café.

Accessibility: Fully accessible with a wheelchair – no stairs or steps.

Harcourt Arboretum

Our Arboretum provides a magnificent, natural space for parties and picnics only 15 minutes' drive from Oxford. Enjoy the peace, seasonal interest and superb collections of dramatic and glorious trees.

Expand the links below to explore the spaces available at Harcourt Arboretum, or click below to get in touch.

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With plenty of parking, and lots of seasonal beauties to enjoy, the Arboretum is the perfect venue to hold a drinks reception or family party. Tucked away in a calm woodland setting the Woodland Barn was designed and built using traditional methods and is the perfect location to hold an event immersed in nature. This peaceful setting is reached by meandering down the historic Serpentine Ride, a winding route framed by stunning flowering trees and shrubs, such as magnolias and rare conifers. During the summer months this area is a favourite of woodland butterflies and dragonflies.

 

Harcourt Arboretum is made up of 130 acres containing the best collection of trees in Oxfordshire. Seasonal highlights include wildflower meadows, rhododendrons and bluebell woods. The Arboretum makes a magical space for drinks receptions or family parties. The site has plenty of parking.

 

Virtual tour by drone

https://www.youtube.com/embed/eOC82wING_8

Further information

What kind of event can I hold?

The most common types of event we host are garden parties, drinks receptions, wedding receptions and birthday parties. We host private individuals, organisations and businesses. If your event is a little bit different to those above, don’t worry we’ll be happy to speak to you.

If you are running a workshop or class and would like to use the Botanic Garden or Arboretum as a venue we will be happy to hear from you. Please complete our general enquiry form. We require at least 3 months’ notice to consider your application.

Which spaces are available for hire?

At the Botanic Garden (OX1 4AZ), we have the Conservatory and the Events Lawn.

At Harcourt Arboretum (OX44 9PX), we have an open-sided traditional Woodland Barn.

When can I hold my event?

The vast majority of events take place between March - October. Our main event season runs from the last week in June until the end of September, and any events finishing after 9pm need to fall in this summer season.

Do you have any indoor spaces in case it rains during my event?

Apart from the Conservatory and Woodland Barn, all event spaces are open air. For this reason you will need to hire gazebos or a marquee.

Do you offer catering for events?

We can’t cater your event, but we have a selection of trusted local caterers that you can choose from.

How much does hire cost?

For a listing of prices for hire please submit an enquiry form with as much detail as possible about the event you would like to hold. 

Is there access to power, and can I use audio visual equipment?

Access to power is possible in the Conservatory, and can be arranged in most of our open-air spaces by hiring a generator. We do not provide any AV equipment or facilities, but can put you in touch with excellent hire companies. All electronics must have a valid PAT sticker. Many of our spaces are very bright, which makes visual display difficult.

Is there parking available?

There is no public parking at Oxford Botanic Garden (OX1 4AZ) and the nearest public car park is at St Clements’ Street, a 5-minute walk over Magdalen Bridge. Parking on-site for a catering van or other supplier is usually possible. Vehicular access can be arranged for delivery of furniture and equipment.

At Harcourt Arboretum (OX44 9PX) we have a public car park and can offer parking for suppliers and guests.