Oxford: Harry Potter Walking Tour Including New College
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Local guide
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Reservations
History
Oxford, one of the world’s oldest university cities, has a rich history dating back over 800 years, with its prestigious colleges shaping scholars, writers, and global influencers. Its medieval architecture and academic legacy inspired J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, with iconic locations like the Bodleian Library and New College serving as filming sites for Hogwarts in the beloved films released between 2001 and 2011.
Beyond Harry Potter, Oxford has been a literary hub, influencing works like Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll and J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit. The city’s historic halls, cloisters, and libraries provided a magical backdrop for the wizarding world, blending real-world academia with fictional enchantment, making this tour a unique blend of cinematic and cultural heritage.
Highlights
- Visit the Bodleian Library’s Divinity School, used as Hogwarts’ Infirmary
- Explore New College, a key filming location for Harry Potter scenes
- Discover Oxford’s oldest colleges and their cinematic connections
- Hear insider trivia about Harry Potter characters and movie production
- Learn about Oxford’s influence on children’s literature, from Alice to Hogwarts
Full Description
Embark on a magical 1.5-hour walking tour through Oxford’s historic streets, led by an Oxford University student guide who brings the Harry Potter world to life. Meet at the Oxford Tourism Information Centre on Broad Street and begin your journey at the Bodleian Library’s Divinity School, a stunning hall featured as Hogwarts’ Infirmary in the films. Admire its intricate carvings and imagine the hospital beds where Harry and friends recovered, while learning about its role in multiple Harry Potter movies.
Next, explore New College, one of Oxford’s oldest and most picturesque colleges, whose cloisters and dining hall inspired iconic Hogwarts scenes, such as the Goblet of Fire’s Yule Ball preparations. Your guide will share behind-the-scenes trivia about the films, characters, and Oxford’s influence on J.K. Rowling’s vision, alongside stories of the city’s literary legacy, including connections to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and The Hobbit. Test your Harry Potter knowledge with a fun quiz, with a prize for the winner, adding an interactive twist to the tour.
This wheelchair-accessible tour includes skip-the-line entry to the Divinity School (subject to availability, limited in June–August) and New College, ensuring a seamless experience. With a blend of cinematic magic, academic history, and engaging storytelling, this tour offers an enchanting way to explore Oxford’s charm and its role in the Harry Potter universe.
Why Choose This Experience?
Perfect for Harry Potter fans, literature lovers, and Oxford visitors, this tour combines the magic of the wizarding world with the city’s rich academic and literary heritage. Led by a knowledgeable student guide, it offers insider insights into both the films and Oxford’s history, making it engaging for all ages and backgrounds, from casual fans to die-hard Potterheads.
The tour’s wheelchair accessibility, skip-the-line access, and compact 1.5-hour duration make it inclusive and convenient, while the included quiz adds a fun, interactive element. Visiting iconic filming locations like New College and the Bodleian Library, alongside learning about Oxford’s influence on children’s literature, creates a unique, memorable experience that stands out among other city tours.
What’s Included
- Expert Oxford University student guide
- Entrance to the Bodleian Library’s Divinity School (subject to availability)
- Entrance to New College
- Harry Potter quiz with a prize
Itinerary
- Meet at Oxford Tourism Information Centre, 16 Broad Street
- Visit the Bodleian Library’s Divinity School, featured as Hogwarts’ Infirmary
- Explore New College, a key Harry Potter filming location
- See other historic colleges and filming sites
- Enjoy a Harry Potter quiz with a prize
- Conclude at central Oxford, near the starting point
Pricing
From $40 per person
Meeting Point
Meet at Oxford Tourism Information, 16 Broad Street, OX1 3AS. Look for your guide outside the centre.
How to Get There
- By Foot: The meeting point is a 5-minute walk from Oxford’s city center or Carfax Tower.
- By Bus: Stagecoach or Oxford Bus Company routes (e.g., 1, 5, or S1) stop at High Street or Magdalen Street, a 2-minute walk to Broad Street.
- By Train: Oxford Railway Station is a 10-minute walk or short taxi ride to the meeting point.
- By Car: Park at Westgate Shopping Centre Car Park (OX1 1TR), a 7-minute walk to the meeting point; limited street parking is available.
Good to Know
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes for walking on Oxford’s cobbled streets
- Weather-appropriate clothing (tour is mostly outdoors)
- Camera for photos at filming locations
Know Before You Go
- Divinity School access is limited in June–August due to closures and high demand; the tour may skip this site during peak season.
- The tour is wheelchair accessible, with paved routes suitable for most mobility aids.
- Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- The “reserve now, pay later” option allows booking without upfront payment.
- The tour involves moderate walking on cobbled surfaces, with some steps in colleges.
- The tour is in English only, with no audio guides available.
Reviews
- Amazing tour! Freya’s knowledge and energy made it so fun. A must for Potter fans!
- Loved it! Sue’s stories about Oxford and Harry Potter were captivating. Highly recommend!
- Great experience! Our guide was informative and charming. The quiz was a fun touch!
Maps
Video
FAQ's
What is the duration and structure of the Harry Potter Walking Tour in Oxford?
This 1.5-hour tour starts at the Oxford Tourism Information Centre on Broad Street, guiding you through Harry Potter filming locations like the Bodleian Library’s Divinity School (Hogwarts’ Infirmary) and New College, which inspired Hogwarts scenes. Your student guide shares film trivia and Oxford’s literary history, with a fun Harry Potter quiz included. The wheelchair-accessible route involves moderate walking, and you’ll conclude near the starting point, with time to explore Oxford afterward. Check start times when booking to fit your schedule, noting Divinity School access may be limited in summer.
Is the tour suitable for non-Harry Potter fans interested in Oxford’s history?
Yes, the tour appeals to non-fans by highlighting Oxford’s literary and academic heritage, including its influence on Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and The Hobbit, alongside Harry Potter. The guide’s insights into the Bodleian Library and historic colleges like New College provide a broader cultural context, making it engaging for history or literature enthusiasts. The wheelchair-accessible route and lively storytelling suit all ages, though the Harry Potter quiz may be more niche. It’s a great way to explore Oxford’s charm, even if you’re new to the wizarding world.
Can I cancel or modify my booking if plans change?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for travelers adjusting their Oxford itinerary, ideal for those combining the tour with visits to nearby Blenheim Palace or London. The “reserve now, pay later” option lets you book without immediate payment, perfect for fluid plans. Modifications, such as changing tour times, depend on availability—contact the operator via your booking confirmation email for support. Always review cancellation terms at booking to ensure compliance, as summer tours can fill quickly due to high demand from Harry Potter fans.
Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, with paved routes designed to accommodate mobility aids, making it inclusive for most participants. However, Oxford’s cobbled streets and occasional steps in colleges like New College may pose minor challenges, though the guide can adjust pacing if notified in advance. Contact the operator to discuss specific needs, especially for Divinity School access, which involves flat surfaces but potential summer closures. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as the tour is mostly outdoors, ensuring a comfortable experience across Oxford’s historic sites.
What makes this tour unique compared to other Oxford walking tours?
This tour uniquely blends Harry Potter fandom with Oxford’s literary and academic legacy, focusing on filming locations like the Bodleian Library’s Divinity School and New College, which inspired Hogwarts. Unlike general city tours, it offers skip-the-line access (Divinity School availability permitting) and a student guide’s insider perspective on both the films and Oxford’s influence on authors like Lewis Carroll and J.R.R. Tolkien. The Harry Potter quiz with a prize adds a fun, interactive element, while the wheelchair-accessible route and concise 1.5-hour format make it a distinctive, engaging option for fans and history buffs alike.
