Harcourt Arboretum

Harcourt Arboretum

Date of Adventure: 12 Jan, 2024

A 130-acre site filled with the world’s rare and endangered trees. But don’t worry, this isn’t a place for tiptoeing around, it’s a place where your little ones can definitely run wild!

There’s fallen trees to climb, trails, peacocks and other wildlife to spot, not to mention seasonal highlights: bluebells, daffodils, acers and wildflowers. The Giant Redwoods are really quite something – some of the oldest in the UK and so so tall – and are calling out to be hugged, don’t try the same with the monkey-puzzles though or there will be tears! For a short walk for little legs, follow the Arboretum Amble – an easy 1 mile walk that takes approximately 30-45 minutes and includes native woodland and wildflower meadows, or simply meander your way around your own way! The huge fallen tree that children love to climb is in the Serpentine Ride; you can usually follow the sound of children to find it!

There’s trails, maps and Explorer Backpacks at the Welcome Centre that will help your Little Oxplorer on their way to adventures…and the Horsebox Coffee Co (re-opens in spring 2024) which will help you be the greatest adventurer sidekick!

There’s exciting plans for the Arboretum in 2024 as they have been awarded National Lottery support for new Visitor and Learning Centre. The aim is to create new all-weather education facilities, café and shop and transform the visitor experience. A key benefit of the project will be an increased awareness of the importance of plants and biodiversity in addressing global challenges, heritage landscape, and crafts, through inspiring interpretation. We can’t wait to see it unfold!

 

AT A GLANCE

Adult: £7.20
Concessions: £5.90
Under 16: Free
Disabled visitors and carers: Free
OUP staff: Free
OU staff and students: Free
Open daily 10am - 5pm. Last entry 4pm
No pre-booking required, except for events
Horsebox Coffee Co (open from spring 2024)
Accessible on paths
15 minutes from Headington roundabout
X40 River Rapids. Get off at the Baldon Lane bus stop for the Arboretum and use the pedestrian gate
Free parking
The details

Website

Oxford Lodge, Peacock Gate OX44 9PX

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Know?

Local children fundraised, filled in forms and surveys, applied for grants and donations to reach their target of £50,000 to build the playground in Sandford Play Park for their local community! Five years of hard work - kudos to you!

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