These are the oldest Botanical Gardens in England. They were established in 1621 and created by the Oxford University faculty of medicine to grow medicinal plants and herbs. There is an entrance fee to these gardens. To some visitors the gardens will be a disappointment.

They are not show gardens. They are a place of learning where exotic species plants that have been collected from all over the world are displayed. The green houses are fascinating and worth the entrance fee, especially the palm houses.

Where else can you show children what coffee looks like grown on a bush. The red and green berries on the same branch are an unusual sight. It is strange to think that the bean inside the flesh, once dried and roasted, produce a delicious drink. Some children would be more interested in seeing where chocolate comes from. There are a number of coco plants grown in the hot green houses and you can spot coco pods high up in the canopy.

I was fascinated to see cotton growing as well as rice. If you look carefully you will be able to see bananas growing. Boys will be especially intrigued to view all the carnivorous insect eating plants. From a practical point there are clean public toilets near the green houses. The River Cherwell passes right besides it's grounds. The punts are tied up by the river side. You can admire punting skills of some of the tourists or even laugh when they fall in.

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