Oxford Harry Potter Public Walking Tour with Self-Guided Christ Church Entry Daily 12.45
by Visit Oxford Tours
Overview
This public walking tour in Oxford runs daily and lasts three hours. It begins with a two-hour guided walk visiting Harry Potter filming locations around the city. The guide introduces various Oxford landmarks and colleges, including Radcliffe Camera, Bridge of Sighs, Hertford College, All Souls College, Brasenose College, Exeter College, Jesus College, Balliol College, Merton College, and Lincoln College. There is a five-minute stop at Lincoln College for photos. The route also passes the Turf Tavern, known for its connection to actor Robbie Coltrane, and includes a brief five-minute visit to the Oxford Covered Market to see Harry Potter-themed cakes and displays related to Alice in Wonderland. The guide provides information about each location's role in the Harry Potter films as well as Oxford's heritage. The tour includes entry to the Divinity School at the Bodleian Library when it is open; this is a filming site and the entry fee is included. The Bodleian's medieval library is not part of the tour and is closed to guided visits and children under 11. If the Divinity School is closed on certain dates, the tour visits New College from the outside instead. New College is introduced as a filming location for the Goblet of Fire movie. Visitors may enter New College on their own after the tour if it is open. The final part of the tour is a one-hour self-guided visit inside Christ Church with a guaranteed pre-booked entry ticket and an audio guide, as guided tours are no longer allowed inside. Even if Christ Church tickets appear sold out online, the operator can secure entry up to three hours before the tour starts. The tour starts promptly at 12:45 pm, and participants are advised to arrive five minutes early. Known closure dates for the Divinity School and Christ Church are published and should be checked before booking.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Christ Church
Christ Church entry worth £17-18 per person is included with a guaranteed pre-booked ticket. Visitors enter with a self-guided audio guide since guided tours inside are no longer allowed. The first two hours of the tour are guided outside Christ Church, followed by one hour inside using the audio guide. VIP access allows ticket purchase up to three hours before the tour even if Christ Church tickets appear sold out online.
60 min
Bodleian Library
The tour includes entry to the Divinity School filming site at the Bodleian Library when open, with the £3 entry fee covered. The Bodleian's medieval library is not visited as it is closed to tours and children under 11. On Divinity School closure dates, the tour visits New College instead or only Christ Church if New College is also closed.
30 min
Radcliffe Camera
The tour passes by and mentions several well-known sights without stopping.
Bridge of Sighs
The route passes by the Bridge of Sighs with mention of its significance.
New College
New College is shown from the outside only and was used for filming scenes in the Goblet of Fire movie. Visitors may enter New College independently after the tour by paying at the door without pre-booking. Last entry is about 4.30 pm. New College is closed on Mondays during winter season from mid October to mid March. During summer season, it is open daily from 10.30 am with last entry at 4.30 pm. Entry tickets currently cost £8 per adult in 2023.
The Turf
The tour walks past the Turf Tavern, nicknamed Oxford's 'Three Broomsticks pub' for its appearance and location. The group does not enter but the guide explains its connection to Robbie Coltrane and filming at New College.
5 min
Hertford College
Hertford College is briefly introduced as the tour passes by.
All Souls College
All Souls College, an exclusive research college, is mentioned during the walk and its towers noted for their 'W' shape.
Brasenose College
Brasenose College is introduced briefly, noting notable former students including David Cameron, Michael Palin, and William Golding.
Exeter College
Exeter College is mentioned as a former academic home to JRR Tolkien and where JK Rowling held an honorary lecturer title.
Jesus College
Jesus College is briefly introduced, noting Lawrence of Arabia studied there.
Lincoln College
If open, the tour stops for five minutes outside Lincoln College for photos. The guide notes it as the college of a former Prime Minister and a Rhodes scholar who wrote Dr Seuss stories.
5 min
Oxford Covered Market
The tour briefly visits the Oxford Covered Market, England’s oldest covered market, to see Harry Potter-themed chocolate cakes and Alice in Wonderland displays.
5 min
Balliol College
Balliol College, founded in 1263, is introduced during the walk and noted for producing four Prime Ministers and economist Adam Smith.
St. Michael At The North Gate
The tour discusses St. Michael At The North Gate church from outside, highlighting Shakespeare connections and its tower dating to 1040 AD.
University Church of St. Mary the Virgin
The guide points out the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin and mentions Mr. Tumnis figure and a street lamp said to inspire CS Lewis.
Merton College
Merton College is introduced as a site where Tolkien taught.
Meeting point
Meet your guide wearing red lanyard and or Hogwarts gown. Meeting next to our black sign, OUTSIDE Oxford Tourist info centre, 15 Broad street, OX1 3AS. This is also next to the Oxfam shop which has a green sign above its shop.
End point
Your guide will have pre booked entry tickets to drop you off at Christ church at the end of the tour.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
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