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

View on Google Maps

SEARCH ADVENTURES

Rear of The Victoria Arms leading to the river

Did you

Know?

Oxford Preservation Trust bought the Victoria Arms pub in 1959 to save the nearly derelict building. Now fully renovated, this rural gem re-opened in 1984. It's still standing proud and serving Oxford’s pub-goers every day!

Fancy buying me a ko-fi?

Want to support my work?

Feel free to buy me a (strong!) coffee, it will help fuel my adventures near and far. Support can come in many form though: sharing my website in your school WhatsApp group or liking a Facebook post is equally appreciated. 

FEATURED

ADVENTURES

Minster Lovell playground
Minster Lovell playground

A refurbished playground given a new lase of life with exciting equipment for a wide age range. Read more

Natural History Museum at Tring
Natural History Museum at Tring

A museum stuffed full of taxidermy. Fascinating...and a bit unnerving at the same time! Read more

Clara’s Corner soft play
Clara’s Corner soft play

A whimsical soft play in a muted palates, best suited to little ones. Read more

Loading...