About the garden
Owned by
School of Economic Science
Seven miles from the heart of historic Oxford lies Waterperry Gardens – eight acres of beautiful ornamental gardens with a fascinating history. Established as a School of Horticulture for Ladies by Beatrix Havergal in 1932, it is now also home to a plant centre, garden shop, art gallery, gift barn, museum and teashop.
The gardens are extensive, well maintained and full of interesting plants. Much has been redesigned and replanted in recent years, with some fine formal features and pleasing plant combinations. The Virgin's Walk is a good place to study shade-loving plants, but the main feature of this area is a long classical herbaceous border brilliantly colourful from late May until October. The Mary Rose Garden, enclosed by yew hedges, illustrates both modern and older roses, and the formal garden is particularly neatly designed and colourful, with a small knot garden, herb border and wisteria tunnel. Nearby are some interesting ways of training apples and roses, but the main part of the garden is the extensive shrub borders, alpine beds and flower borders.
Waterperry Gardens holds year-round events including outdoor theatre, concerts, art exhibitions and there is always something fun for the children to do in the holidays. Don’t go home without a bottle of the award-winning apple juice, made on site with apples hand-picked from the five-acre orchards and pressed using time-honoured methods.
Please note: Dogs are welcome on site, but only assistant dogs in the ornamental gardens.
