School visits to the Garden
A visit to the Botanic Garden is an ideal opportunity for children and students to engage with the natural environment. Our collections include plants from tropical rainforests, deserts, mountains and bogs. We also have a range of fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants. All our sessions are held outside and include a variety of hands-on activities, based on national curricula.
Primary schools
Groups are encouraged to experience the different parts of the Garden and Glasshouses, and get to know some of our plants. We provide a hands-on opportunity to learn about plants, their uses and their habitats.
Secondary schools
We welcome groups to the Botanic Garden throughout the year and run a series of interactive sessions for each key stage. We aim to promote a love of the natural environment, to support and encourage future generations of botanists and conservationists. Our sessions cover science, art and geography and look at topics such as conservation, plants and human health, and a sketchbook introduction to the Garden.
Nursery schools
Most of our school sessions can be adapted for a younger age group. However, if you do not wish to attend a session with the Education team, adults on a nursery school trip will pay normal entry and children will get in free.
You must however pre-book your visit with the Education team. If you would like to make a booking, please fill out our booking enquiry form below with your requirements.
School visits to the Arboretum
A visit to the Harcourt Arboretum is an ideal opportunity for children and students to engage with the natural environment. The Arboretum is just six miles south of Oxford, and its 130 acres host a range of habitats including woods and a wildflower meadow. All our sessions include a variety of hands-on activities.
Primary schools
The Arboretum offers a range of sessions to enhance the curriculum for Foundation Stage and Key Stages 1 and 2.
Sessions for Nursery groups are also available.
Each session last between ninety minutes and two hours, and has a maximum capacity of 35 children. Our sessions fill up quickly, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Secondary schools
The Arboretum runs a series of interactive sessions for each Key Stage. We aim to promote a love of the natural environment, to support and encourage future generations of ecologists and conservationists. Our sessions cover art and geography. We also welcome joint visits with the other museums and collections of the University, especially the Museum of Natural History.
Nursery schools
Most of our school sessions can be adapted for a younger age group. However, if you do not wish to attend a session with the Education team, adults on a nursery school trip will pay normal entry and children will get in free.
You must however pre-book your visit with the Education team. If you would like to make a booking, please fill out our booking enquiry form below with your requirements.