The University of Oxford Botanic Gardens is the oldest botanic garden in Britain. For more than 375 years this walled garden, built before the English Civil War, has stood on the bank of the River Cherwell in the centre of Oxford. It has evolved from a seventeenth century collection of medicinal herbs to become the most compact yet diverse collection of plants in the world. In addition to the botanical family beds there is a range of glasshouses including a Tropical Lily House, Palm House and Arid House.
Outside the original walled garden there are herbaceous borders, a newly restored bog garden and a rock garden. The gardens offer a regular programme of family events.