University of Leicester Botanic Garden

Oadby, United Kingdom

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The University of Leicester Botanic Garden, founded in 1921 and established on its current 16-acre site in Oadby in 1947, was originally created to support botanical research and education linked to the university.

The garden combines the grounds of four Edwardian houses, featuring diverse themed areas such as woodland gardens reflecting local Charnwood Forest flora, medicinal plants, culinary herbs, dye plants, rock and water gardens, and British order beds arranged for scientific study. The landscape includes water features like a Koi pond, sculptures, and a limestone garden, some elements showing Japanese influence alongside Victorian grotto traditions.

The Arboretum, opened in 1997 by Sir David Attenborough, serves as a satellite garden with native trees arranged by their historical introduction to the UK. The garden plays a key role in university teaching, research, and conservation, while offering visitors peaceful walking trails, educational signage, and seasonal displays. It is publicly accessible year-round and valued both as a living collection for science and a serene green space for relaxation near Leicester.