Waterperry Gardens

About the garden

Owned by

School of Philosophy & Economic Science

Seven miles from the heart of historic Oxford lies Waterperry Gardens – nine 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. New developments underway include the replanting of the Mary Spiller rose garden, planting the new winter border and creating a new bluebell copse. 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 spectacular 200ft long herbaceous border, shrub borders and alpine beds.

Waterperry Gardens holds year-round events including outdoor theatre, concerts, art exhibitions, operas and 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 on leads are welcome on site, but only assistant dogs are allowed in the ornamental gardens.