Frequently asked questions

How can I visit the Botanic Garden?

You can buy a ticket at the door to visit the Botanic Garden. You can also book online via the Visit the Garden page. We recommend booking in advance during busy periods to guarantee entry.

Can I park at the Botanic Garden?

No, there is no car park at the Garden. The nearest car park is St Clement's car park. 

How can I visit the Arboretum?

You can buy a ticket at the door to visit the Arboretum, located in Nuneham Courtenay. We recommend booking in advance during busy periods to guarantee entry.

Can I park at the Arboretum?

Yes, there is on-site parking at the Arboretum, free with your entrance ticket.

How will I find my way around?

Paper maps are available or you can download a map of the Arboretum and a map of the Garden to find your way around during your visit.

Are dogs allowed?

Dogs are not permitted at the Botanic Garden or the Arboretum, with the exception of assistance dogs.

A peacock is loose, what should I do?

The peacocks are not property of Harcourt Arboretum, and will occasionally wander around the village. We do not need to be notified of peacock activities and expect they will find their own way home.

Do I need to book in advance?

Booking in advance is not required, you can buy a ticket on the door. We recommend booking in advance during busy periods to guarantee entry.

Can I transfer my ticket to another date/time?

Unfortunately, our tickets are non-transferrable. This also applies during adverse weather.

I’m a Friend, do I need to purchase a ticket online?

No, but please ensure that you bring your valid membership card (or email confirmation) with you upon arrival, as our front of house team are unable to check your membership at the door. You will need to buy a day ticket if you do not present your card.

Please note that we strongly recommend pre-booking for events to avoid disappointment. 

Discover more about becoming a Friend.

I have an Annual Pass, do I still need to purchase a ticket online?

No, but please ensure that you have your Annual Pass (or email confirmation) with you upon arrival, as our front of house team are unable to check your membership at the door. You will need to buy a day ticket if you do not present your card.

Please note that we strongly recommend pre-booking for events to avoid disappointment. 

Discover more about our Annual Passes.

I am a staff member at the University of Oxford, do I need to book online?

Please ensure you have a valid form of staff ID with you when you visit. Staff no longer need to pre-book, excluding our events (please see event pages directly for more information about this).

I am a student at the University of Oxford, do I need to book online?

Please ensure you have a valid form of student ID with you when you visit. Students no longer need to pre-book, excluding our events (please see event pages directly for more information about this).

Group bookings

For bookings of 16 or more people, please visit our Group Visits page.

Can I park at the Botanic Garden?

No, there is no car park at the Garden. The nearest car park is St Clement's car park.

Can I park at the Arboretum?

Yes, there is on-site parking at the Arboretum, free with your entrance ticket.

Will the shop be open?

The shops at the Botanic Garden and at the Arboretum are open. Our best-sellers are still available for you to click and collect from the Botanic Garden. 

Will the toilets be open?

The toilets, accessible toilets, and changing facilities are open at both the Botanic Garden and Harcourt Arboretum. 

Can I bring my own food and drink?

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drink. Please ensure all rubbish is taken away with you or disposed of in the bins on site.

Is there a bike store available?

There is no bike storage available at the Arboretum and cycling is not permitted on site. There is limited bike storage outside the Botanic Garden.

Where can I find information on hosting hiring your spaces?

View our venue hire pages for more information.