Britain's oldest Botanic Garden was founded in 1621 in Oxford, opposite Magdalene College, in order to study medicinal plants within a controlled environment. 

Now, 400 years later it joins the many other great educational institutions that make modern Oxford the ultimate seat of learning.

But it is by no means stuffy and crusty, Oxford Botanic Gardens is a wonderful and refreshing place to visit, combining botanical interest with a beautiful and engaging setting right in the middle of the city.

The gardens are made up of three distinct areas - The Walled Garden, The Lower Gardens and The Glasshouses.

The Walled Gardens: Surrounded by high, capped, ancient stone walls, this scientific enclave presents plants in beds by family or location of origin. 

But it is not just for the academic, being superbly maintained with lush grass areas dotted with mature trees and shrubs, all focussed toward the central pond and fountain. 

There is a distinct and relaxing atmosphere here as you wander the long, straight, gravel pathways contemplating the wonders of nature, as if in a monastic cloister.

The Lower Gardens: Passing through the wall archways the mood changes to a more open and bright informality dominated in summer by the Merton borders that erupt in a riot of colour and texture to celebrate the diversity of self-seeded, wild meadowlands. 

These are also experiments in preparing for a warmer and dryer planet as well as more sustainable horticulture for the future.

Alongside are extensive plantings of fruit, especially apples and pears, a rock garden, lush and beautiful ornamental borders, a water garden and of course the ever picturesque River Cherwell where tourists attempt to punt casually upstream, downstream and sideways too.

And the mixed borders are amongst the best I have ever seen anywhere - so that's quite an accolade.

The Glasshouses: The oldest is over 300 years old and together with six other structures, present a variety of climates and 1,200 different exotic plants - again, all maintained in excellent condition.

From carnivorous plants, exotic pitcher plants, giant water lilies, stunning orchids and Helliconia through to cactii, ferns and Agave, these glasshouses will provide interest and delight to so many visitors throughout the year. And of course its a lovely place to retreat to on cold, winter days.

Some believe that Botanic Gardens are just for botanical nerds, but although this reviewer does fall into this category I do believe that Gardens such as this one can be a place to just beneficially commune with nature.

You don't have to know a single plant or read a single plant label. 

It is the riot of diversity, a tapestry of colour and texture and of course the wonderfully relaxing vibe that make this such a lovely place to spend the best part of a day when visiting Oxford.

P.S. As part of Oxford botanic Gardens there is also the Harcourt Arboretum located six miles south of Oxford at Nuneham Courtenay which comprises 130 acres of ancient and modern tree plantings and feature the oldest Redwood in the UK along with delightful bluebell woods, Rhododendron and wildflower meadows.