University of Oxford Botanic Garden
England's oldest botanic garden, founded in 1621 and facing Magdalen Tower across the street. The bench where Lyra and Will agree to meet in His Dark Materials is here.
The University of Oxford Botanic Garden was founded in 1621 and is the oldest botanic garden in England still in existence. It lies beside Magdalen Bridge on the banks of the River Cherwell. Seventeenth-century walls divide the garden into neat flower beds, a medicinal plant area and a group of glasshouses, with a collection of about 5,000 plant species. The bench where Lyra and Will arrange to meet at the end of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials is in the garden and draws fans of the books. From the garden you can photograph Magdalen Tower and the punts on the river. Admission is about £7. Tickets must be bought online or on site, and opening hours vary by season.
Opening hours
Approx. 10:00–17:00 (longer in summer, shorter in winter)
Nearby sights
- Magdalen College, Oxford
- Punting on the River Cherwell
- Merton College, Oxford
- New College, Oxford
- Christ Church Meadow
- University Church of St Mary the Virgin
- Turf Tavern
- Radcliffe Camera