The Best Gardens to Visit in Oxfordshire
Whether you’re a keen gardener or a newbie, visiting professional, well-kept gardens can be a great source of inspiration. And in Oxfordshire, there are plenty to choose from! Home to picturesque countryside and several large parks and estates, the region has some incredible gardens to visit. From fragrant lawn borders and manicured hedges to whimsical meadows and modern water features, each has its own unique features. As you explore, you’ll see how different elements work together and what you might like to replicate in your own garden. So where should you head to first? Read on as we reveal 6 of the best gardens in Oxford.
6 gardens to visit in and around Oxford
1. Blenheim Palace Gardens
Situated 30 minutes’ drive from Oxford in Woodstock, you’ll find one of the UK’s most impressive stately homes – Blenheim Palace. Best known as the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, this 17th century UNESCO World Heritage Site has lots to offer. Alongside tours of its state rooms, visitors can explore 2000 acres of stunning parkland and numerous gardens.
These include an Italian garden with water terraces and topiary, a tranquil secret garden, a rose garden, Churchill memorial and more. You can also stroll amongst ancient trees, spot various monuments enroute, and even challenge the family to the Marlborough Maze.
Or you can simply spend some time enjoying the estate’s many viewpoints as designed by ‘Capability’ Brown. In particular, you must stop off at Woodstock Gate overlooking Vanburgh Bridge and the Great Lake. In fact, it’s one of the best things to do in Oxford year round!
2. Rousham Gardens
Around just 12 miles north of Oxford, Rousham Gardens couldn’t feel further away from the city. Nestled on the banks of the River Cherwell, this peaceful Oxfordshire garden is one of the last of its kind. Designed by William Kent in the 1730s and 1740s, Rousham’s landscape design and 18th century architectural features are mostly unchanged. And undeniably special!
Discover Roman-inspired arches and colonnades, mythological statues, ponds and relaxing cascades and even a neatly trimmed bowling green. Not to mention three walled gardens with vibrant herbaceous borders, fruit trees, a central fountain and a dovecote. In short, there’s plenty to see at these Oxford gardens! Plus, they are open daily and picnics are welcomed.
3. Broughton Grange Gardens
Looking for more contemporary gardens to visit? Then add Broughton Grange near Banbury in north Oxfordshire to your list. Originally a farm cottage dating back to the 1600s, Broughton Grange has long been surrounded by pastureland and meadows. But in the last 20 years, the now much larger estate has been remodelled in partnership with designer Tom Stuart-Smith. As such, it now hosts multiple formal and informal gardens with gorgeous countryside views.
Its tiered walled gardens are the central feature, including a Mediterranean-inspired upper level, eye-catching middle water terrace and ground-level modern parterre. The flowerbeds here are updated seasonally, with a huge spread of tulips on show each spring. Additionally, visitors can explore a yew tree terrace, historic orchard, bamboo garden, wildflower meadows, fountains and even a young arboretum. (NB: gardens open on Wednesdays, May-Sept only).
4. Waterperry Gardens
Located 12 miles east of Oxford near Wheatley, Waterperry Gardens were once part of a horticultural school dating back to the 1930s. Nowadays, they are best known for their classic 200ft solely herbaceous borders featuring lupins, geraniums, delphinium, goldenrod and more. These cleverly selected perennials bloom in turn from May to October, without the need to fill in with shrubs. This makes Waterperry a great place to visit in Oxford whatever the season.
Other highlights include a walled garden with rare species, a rose garden, wisteria tunnel, waterlily canal and riverside walk. The estate is also home to several commercial orchards, a museum, café, play area and amphitheatre which hosts regular events. And if you’re visiting with children, you’ll be pleased to hear that under 16s get free entry at this garden in Oxford.
5. Kingston Bagpuize Gardens
Created in 1938 by the new owner Miss Raphael, Kingston Bagpuize’s relatively compact yet colourful gardens reflect her global travels. With that in mind, you can see varied species from Asia, South Africa and Canada. This includes a striking Persian silk tree and Virginian willow, plus magnolia trees, a beech avenue and various border shrubs. There’s also a small wildlife lake within the parkland and a formal terrace garden adjacent to the Georgian manor house.
What’s more, if you’re a fan of Downton Abbey, Kingston Bagpuize was used as a filming location for the show! So why not take the opportunity to step inside Lord Merton’s house and gardens for yourself? They are just 25 minutes’ drive south of Oxford and open Feb-Sept.
6. The Feature Garden at Oxford Garden Centre
Last but not least, we’d like to recommend a visit to our very own Feature Garden! Designed by Emma Bernard, the garden was completed in June 2024 by a primary team of just three staff members. Based around a ‘Four Seasons’ concept, visitors journey through themed zones, starting with Autumn and leading to Summer. An accessible pathway connects each area, whilst a tiered rockery water feature running though the centre ties everything together.
In total the garden spans 235 square metres, making it one of the smaller gardens in Oxford to grace this list. But don’t let that fool you! There is lots to see along the route! Think unique garden structures, laser cut privacy screens, pleasant seating areas, giant sundial and a folly made from reclaimed materials.
We’ve also featured a range of hardscaping materials to provide ideas for your own garden, including natural stone paving and decorative gravel. Whilst the lush planters and borders are filled with hand-chosen plants to provide year-round colour and foliage. Seasonal bulbs are also added periodically for variety – ideal if you visit us regularly!
The Feature Garden is open 7 days a week and free to visit at your leisure. And if you spot something of interest, just let us know! Our team will be on hand to offer advice and to point you in the right direction. Most of the items displayed can be purchased directly through us or our sister company AWBS, located just next door. Or we can put you in touch with a local contractor. We can also arrange fast and free delivery to Oxford postcodes and nearby towns and villages. So, don’t hesitate to stop by for a visit if you’re looking for things to do in Oxford!