Harcourt Arboretum is the University of Oxford’s tree garden at Nuneham Courtenay, offering pinetum plantings, woodland, meadows, and a quieter long-form walk beyond the city. Its collections include giant sequoias and coast redwoods among a broad arboretum landscape of rare and heritage trees.
Visit information
- Access
- Open to public
- Last verified
- 01 May 2026 · 1 source
- Access note
- Dogs are not permitted, except assistance dogs. On-site parking is available; please do not park on nearby Baldon Lane.
- Opening times
- Open daily 10am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm. Some events may have different arrangements.
- Official site
- botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk/visit-arboretum
Redwood species here
Native to the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, giant sequoias were introduced to Britain in the 1850s during the Victorian plant-collecting era. They are the world's most massive trees by volume and have thrived in the UK's mild, wet climate, often growing faster than in parts of their native range. Many Victorian-era plantings now rival mature specimens in California.
Multiple trees of varying ages, including fine Victorian specimens.
Well-established grove
Native to the fog belt of coastal California and Oregon, coast redwoods are the tallest trees on Earth. In Britain they thrive where rainfall, humidity, and sheltered woodland conditions echo their native range, forming narrow, soaring avenues and groves with reddish fibrous bark and flat fern-like foliage.
Good for comparison with the sequoias; healthy and well-growing.
A small grove planted in the 20th century
About this place
About Harcourt Arboretum
Harcourt Arboretum is located in Nuneham Courtenay, Oxfordshire, England.
Species Present
Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum)
Native to the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, giant sequoias were introduced to Britain in the 1850s during the Victorian plant-collecting era. They are the world's most massive trees by volume and have thrived in the UK's mild, wet climate, often growing faster than in their native range. Many Victorian-era plantings now rival mature specimens in California.
Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens)
The tallest trees on Earth, coast redwoods can exceed 100 metres in their native California. Less common in Britain than giant sequoias, they prefer sheltered, moist locations and can still reach impressive heights in the UK. The tallest known coast redwood in Britain is over 50 metres.
Access
This location appears to be publicly accessible. Please check locally for current opening times and any admission charges.
Data sourced from Redwood World (redwoodworld.co.uk) and enriched by Redwood Finder.
Information
Sources
- Harcourt Arboretum — University of Oxfordofficialharcourt.ox.ac.uk