Harcourt Arboretum (University of Oxford)
WHERE
Oxford
What it’s like
130 acres of woodland and wildflower meadow to roam, with a play area and den-building for the kids to get stuck into.
Most of the day here is just walking: 130 acres of woodland, a wildflower meadow, and landscape that changes properly with the seasons. There's a play area too, with an agility trail, den building and a mini-beast habitat search, so it's not all admiring trees from a distance. Kids who like poking about in undergrowth looking for bugs will get their money's worth.
It's open daily from 10am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm. You don't have to book, you can just buy a ticket on the door, though they suggest booking ahead if it's a busy period and you want to guarantee getting in. One thing to know: tickets aren't transferrable, even if the weather turns nasty on the day, which stings if you've booked ahead and it rains.
You can bring your own food and drink and eat it in the picnic area, which makes the whole visit cheaper if you pack a lunch rather than relying on anything on site. There's no alcohol or barbecues allowed though.
Parking is free on site with your entrance ticket, and there's an X40 bus from Oxford city centre if you'd rather not drive, about 27 minutes to Nuneham Courtenay then a short walk in. Worth knowing if you've got a wheelchair or a buggy that some parts have steep slopes and uneven surfaces.
Facilities
Need to know
- Last entry
- 4pm
- Parking
- Free on-site parking with entrance ticket (advance booking required for major seasonal events)
- Getting there by bus or train
- X40 bus from Oxford city centre (St Aldates Stop H4), 27 minutes to Nuneham Courtenay, then short walk
- Tickets bought in advance can't be swapped to another date, even if the weather turns
- No alcohol or barbecues allowed anywhere on site
- University of Oxford students and staff no longer need to pre-book, just bring valid ID
- Friends members should bring their membership card as staff can't check it at the door
Plan your visit
Do we need to book ahead?
No, you can buy a ticket on the door. Booking ahead is only really worth it in busy periods when they want to guarantee you a spot.
What if it rains on the day we've booked?
Tickets are non-transferrable, even for bad weather, so you can't swap to another date if it pours.
Can we bring a picnic?
You're welcome to bring your own food and drink. Just take your rubbish with you or bin it on site, and no alcohol or barbecues allowed.
Is there parking?
Free on-site parking comes with your entrance ticket. Don't park on Baldon Lane nearby, it's restricted access.
How do we get there without a car?
The X40 bus runs from St Aldates in Oxford city centre, about 27 minutes to Nuneham Courtenay, then a short walk to the Arboretum.
Is it OK for a pushchair or wheelchair?
Parts of the site have steep slopes and uneven surfaces, so it isn't all easy going. Worth thinking about if mobility is a factor for your visit.
What's there for kids to actually do?
There's a play area with an agility trail and den building, plus a mini-beast habitat search to hunt for bugs. Beyond that it's mostly the woodland and meadow to explore.
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