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Oxford Harry Potter Locations: A Self-Guided Tour

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Oxford + Harry Potter = the ultimate adventure. Don’t believe us? Get your wands out and bring your broomsticks – we’re going to explore this magical city on a self-guided Harry Potter tour of Oxford.

If you asked us to name two of our very favourite things, we can hand on heart say that Oxford and Harry Potter would be our picks.

Why? Have you seen a photograph of Oxford? It’s beautiful – not to mention filled with so many brilliant things to do .

As for Harry Potter – need we explain? A fantasy world filled with wizards that just so happens to be some of the cosiest movies (that we rewatch every single autumn). We’re not obsessed, ok? Fine. We totally are!

But we’re guessing that if you’re reading this, you’ll totally understand. So what are we waiting for? Let’s set off on our Oxford Harry Potter tour.

Was Harry Potter Filmed in Oxford?

Yes! Some parts of the Harry Potter films were shot in Oxford, along with other British destinations like London, nearby Blenheim and Alnwick.

PS: If you want an in-depth guide to Oxford’s top sights, check out our guide to the best things to do in Oxford .

What are the Oxford Harry Potter Locations?

At a quick glance, Harry Potter was filmed in the following Oxford locations.

Christ Church College – Bodley Staircase

• Christ Church College Hall

Christ Church College Cloisters

Bodleian library – divinity school, bodleian library – duke humfrey’s library, new college – cloisters, new college – courtyard & tree, guided harry potter oxford tours.

🦉 We give you more than enough information to do your own self-guided Harry Potter tour of Oxford. However, we know that some people still like to have a guide to show them around. If that’s you, you can browse these highly recommended Harry Potter guided tours .

Self-Guided Harry Potter Tour Oxford

Christ church hall.

First up, Christ Church .

Christ Church contains quite a few stops on the Harry Potter Oxford tour, so although you have to pay an entrance fee to get into the college, it covers more than one filming location.

This historical college has a long and illustrious history that saw it founded as the pet project of Cardinal Wolsey, before being nabbed and renamed by Henry VIII (we guess that being king has a fair few advantages). It was later used as the Royal base during the English Civil War.

All very interesting, but Christ Church also just so happens to be the Oxford College most connected with Harry Potter – so it makes sense to start our Harry Potter walking tour of Oxford here.

The first Christ Church Harry Potter location is certainly the most famous – Christ Church Great  Hall, which provided the inspiration for Hogwarts’ dining hall.

We should be clear – contrary to popular belief, you won’t find the actual Harry Potter dining hall in Oxford.

Scenes of the hall were actually filmed on a special set in the Warner Bros. studios but the set was created with close reference to photos and descriptions of Christ Church’s hall. 

Good enough, right?

PS: Did you know that Christ Church isn’t actually the biggest dining hall in Oxford? That title goes to Keble. Rumours have always flown that the producers wanted access to Keble’s hall but were refused. Is it true? No idea. But we’ll be controversial and say that Keble’s hall is better* so we wouldn’t be surprised. *Runs and hides from the inevitable rain of fury from Christ Church’s many adoring fans.

Whenever we hunt out filming locations, one thing we always love seeing is how films and TV programmes use the same spaces for different purposes.

We’ve seen it with the Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik, and Christ Church’s Harry Potter filming locations are no different.

The Bodley staircase, leading up to Christ Church hall is one such location.

The top of the staircase is used in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone when the new first years (including our favourite trio Harry, Ron and Hermione) walk up to Hogwarts for the first time and are welcomed by Professor McGonagall.

We also see the trio return to this spot at the end of the film after they’ve defeated Quirrell and Voldemort. You can see the staircase again when they are about to head home.

The bottom of the stairs are used in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets as the spot where Harry and Ron are collared by Argus Filch after their escapade with the flying car, and also where Harry meets Tom Riddle.

Visiting Christ Church? Make time to visit the Christ Church Picture Gallery, which is one of Oxford’s best museums .

We told you there are a lot of Christ Church Oxford Harry Potter sites!

This one is a little more tucked away than the others. Again, it’s one from The Philosopher’s Stone – the location where Hermione shows Harry that he was born to be a seeker – showing him all the trophies that James Potter won during his time in Hogwarts too.  

Fee for entering Christ Church – £16

Next up on our Harry Potter tour of Oxford? The Bodleian Library’s gorgeous Divinity School.

The Divinity School is another spot where Oxford University and Harry Potter meet. It was used as a filming location in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and in subsequent films as the Hogwarts Infirmary.

Remember that scene in the Philosopher’s Stone when Harry is recovering after his first encounter with Voldemort and Dumbledore comes to visit him?

Or when Harry and Hermione use the time turner leaving poor Ron in the hospital bed in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban?

No doubt you recognise it, the combination of the beautiful lierne vaulted ceiling and those windows isn’t easily mistaken.

The Divinity School not only features as Hogwarts hospital, it makes an appearance in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire as the hall in which the students practice their Triwizard Tournament dances.

Who knew that all that awkwardness (Ron’s face when he has to hold McGonagall’s waist is just classic) took place in such a beautiful location?

Watch the video clip – Harry Potter Recovers in the Infirmary

Fee for entering the Divinity School £2.50

Duke Humfrey’s Library also makes an appearance in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

You know the scene where Harry is wearing the invisibility cloak and looking for information in the restricted section of Hogwarts Library? Yep, you guessed it – that’s the Duke Humphrey’s Library.

Fee for entering Duke Humfrey’s Library: Can only be accessed on tour. Cost £6.

Although we knew about quite a few of the Harry Potter filming locations in Oxford before our last trip, the New College cloisters were completely new to me.

New College itself could easily double up as Hogwarts, with its arched stone tunnels and imposing architecture. Don’t let the name fool you – the “New” College actually dates back to the 14th century (ha! Only in Oxford).

What a discovery – the gloomily quiet cloisters are one of my new secret spots in Oxford. That’s great – but where do they pop up in Harry Potter?

The New College Cloisters crop up in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire quite a few times. They were used for many of the corridor scenes within the film, including the one where Harry has to push through all the Gryffindor students wearing Potter stinks badges to go and speak to Cedric.

Read next: Cool Cocktail Bars in Oxford

The New College Courtyard was also used as an Harry Potter Oxford location in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Mad Eye Moody has popped up on the scene and transfigures Malfoy into a ferret and stuffs him down his buddy’s trousers before he’s told off by Professor McGonagall .

Funny isn’t it, how you don’t feel one shred of sympathy for Draco…

Watch the clip – Mad Eye Turns Draco into a Ferret (serves him right too)

Fee for entering New College – £8 

Got More Time? Bonus Stop for Your Harry Potter Walk in Oxford

Fancy seeing a game of real-life quidditch? Well, check out the Oxford Universities Quidditch Club.

Mudbloods Muggles dash around the pitch (sadly, they haven’t yet worked out how to fly but give them time) in a real-life version of the fantasy game.

We are so sad that this didn’t exist while we were at uni – running around with a pretend broomstick and slamming balls through Quidditch hoops sounds is exactly the kind of thing we would have spent our time doing.

And there we are, our self-guided Harry Potter walk in Oxford. We hope you have even a smidge of the fun following the tour that we did researching and writing it.

Read More: One Day in Oxford

Harry Potter Tour Oxford: Practical Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes. Oxford’s cobbled streets might be beautiful but they can be killers on your feet. You don’t want to be the person hobbling around halfway through the day.
• The colleges have very specific hours when they are open to the public. We’ve included links to their websites but check before you go. As a rule, they’re more likely to be open in the afternoon, so we recommend you start your Harry Potter walk around Oxford in the afternoon.
• You do have to pay for entrance to the colleges and the Divinity School and Duke Humphrey’s Library can only be accessed on a Bodleian tour – factor that into your costs.
• Oxford is an easy day trip from London. If it’s your first time visiting the city, we recommend staying at least one night as there’s so much to explore.
• While there is plenty of accommodation dotted around Oxford, you can actually stay in many Oxford University colleges outside of term-time for a real Oxford experience (without all the boring hard work).

🦉 Still not sure where to go? Take a guided Harry Potter tour .

Harry Potter Oxford Locations Map

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Welcome to Harry Potter Oxford

This website is a guide to the magical world of Harry Potter in Oxford, and also includes a free Harry Potter tour , you can explore the secrets of Hogwarts and walk the same mysterious hallways as Harry, Hermione, Ron, and other beloved characters. You can find out about the famous film locations inside the colleges that were featured in many of the Harry Potter movies and learn about the places across the city that inspired the movies. You can also book a private Harry Potter Highlights Walking Tour to discover more interesting facts and secret stories about Harry Potter in Oxford.  We Highly recommend this walking tour  Oxford Magic Walking Tours. This Tour visits all the main tourist attractions in  Oxford and includes  Harry Potter filming locations you get two tours in one.  This is a great tour for anyone who wants to experience the magic of Harry Potter in Oxford. what makes this tour so great the guide is a professional magician / wizard and you will get to see some great magic and illusions along the way he also creates a spell from the harry potter film which loos like trick photography this tour gets our highest recommendation. 

Free Harry Potter self guided Walking tour of oxford

We recommend you book a guide to take you around oxford.

Oxford is quite a large city whilst everything is in walking distance much of the attractions are spread out over quite a wide location a guide will be able to show you around quickly taking the most effective routes and shortcuts, Preventing wasted time looking at maps and asking for directions and leaving you more time to explore after the tour is over. By the end of the tour you will have a firm grasp on the city and where everything is 

W e also have a Harry Potter tour Quiz for you just click this text

Welcome to the Harry Potter self Guided Walking tour of Oxford, Where you will Discover the magical locations that inspired and featured in the Harry Potter movies. If you prefer you can read about and book yourself a  Harry potter tour  which is great value by clicking here here 

This tour will take you to three of the most iconic sites in Oxford: The Bodlian Library, new College, and Christ Church. You will also learn some interesting facts and stories about the filming of the movies and the history of oxford. The tour will last about two hours and will cover just over 1 mile of walking. 

all price are correct as of 16/08/2023 but are subject to change without notice to get tickets to the various places it is advised that you book in advance alternatively you can book a magical style Harry Potter Walking tour of oxford by clicking the button below. 

let’s begin!

First Stop Bodleian Library

1. Bodleian Library The first stop on our tour is the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest and largest libraries in Europe. The library consists of several buildings, but we will focus on two of them: The Divinity School and the Duke Humfrey’s Library. The Divinity School is a stunning medieval hall with a vaulted ceiling and intricate carvings. It was used as the location for Hogwarts Infirmary in the first and fourth movies, where Harry recovers from his encounters with Voldemort and learns how to dance with Professor McGonagall. It was also used as the restricted section of the Hogwarts Library , where Harry sneaks in under his invisibility cloak to find information about Nicolas Flamel. The Duke Humfrey’s Library is the oldest reading room in the Bodleian Library, dating back to the 15th century. It houses a collection of rare books and manuscripts, including some of the earliest printed books in Europe. It was also used as the location for the Hogwarts Library , where Harry, Ron, and Hermione study and research various topics throughout the movies. To enter the Bodleian Library, you need to buy a ticket from the ticket office on Broad Street or online. The ticket costs £8 for adults and £6 for students and children. The opening hours are from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays, and from 10 am to 4 pm on weekends. but please check as timeings and availabiltiy do change at time especially when there is a private event or something is being filmed there. 

Harry Potter Filming Location The Bodleian Library / the Duke Humphreys library

Second stop New College

The next stop on our tour is New College, one of the oldest and most prestigious colleges in Oxford. The college was founded in 1379 by William of Wykeham, who also founded Winchester College. The college has a beautiful cloistered garden, a magnificent chapel, and a stunning dining hall. The cloistered garden was used as the location for several scenes in the fourth movie, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. It is here where Harry confronts Malfoy, who mocks him for being chosen as a champion in the Triwizard Tournament. It is also here where Mad-Eye Moody turns Malfoy into a ferret and punishes him for his insolence. In the middle of the garden stands a large oak tree, which was planted in 1827 and is one of the oldest trees in Oxford and used in the filming of harry Potter. The dining hall was not used as a filming location, but it was the inspiration for the Great Hall at Hogwarts. The hall has a high ceiling with wooden beams, stained glass windows, portraits of famous alumni, and long tables with benches. The hall is also where the students and fellows have their meals every day. To enter New College, you need to buy a ticket from the porter’s lodge on Holywell Street or online. The ticket costs £8 for adults and £7 for students and children. The opening hours are from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays, and from 1 pm to 4:30 pm on weekends.

Harry Potter Filming Location New College

Third and final Stop on this walking tour is Christ Church

The final stop on our tour is Christ Church, one of the largest and most influential colleges in Oxford. The college was founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII, who also made it a cathedral. The college has a splendid quad, a magnificent cathedral, and a stunning dining hall. The quad is where you can see the entrance to the dining hall, which was used as the location for several scenes in the first two movies, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. It is here where Professor McGonagall welcomes Harry and his classmates to Hogwarts and leads them to the sorting ceremony. It is also here where Harry meets Nearly Headless Nick, one of the resident ghosts at Hogwarts. The dining hall was also used as a filming location for several scenes in the first two movies. It is here where you can see the inspiration for the Great Hall at Hogwarts, with its high ceiling, long tables, stained glass windows, and portraits of famous alumni. The hall is also where Harry sees his father’s name on a Quidditch trophy and learns that he is a natural seeker. The cathedral was not used as a filming location, but it is worth visiting for its beauty and history. It is one of the smallest cathedrals in England, but it has a rich collection of art and architecture, including a famous stained glass window by Edward Burne-Jones, a medieval shrine of St Frideswide, and a tomb of Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice in Wonderland. To enter Christ Church, you need to buy a ticket from the visitor centre on St Aldate’s or online The ticket costs £19 for adults and £18 for students and children. The opening hours are from 10 am to 5 pm on weekdays, and from 2 pm to 5 pm on weekends. Congratulations, you have completed the Harry Potter walking tour of Oxford! We hope you enjoyed it and learned something new. Thank you for joining us and have a magical day!

Harry Potter Filming Location Christ Church College

A quick easy to read break down of the harry potter self guided walking tour

Bodleian library.

Bodleian Library : Start here the  Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe and home to several Harry Potter filming locations. Some of the famous locations in the Bodleian Library that were used in the Harry Potter movies include:

• Divinity School : The gothic vaulted ceiling of the Divinity School was used as Hogwarts Infirmary in Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone. This awesome vaulted space is where Harry wakes up at the end of the first film after confronting Voldemort for the first time. And where Professor McGonagall teaches Ron how to dance for the Yule Ball in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
• Duke Humfrey’s Library : This library was used to film the scene where Harry uses his Cloak of Invisibility for the first time to enter the restricted section of the Hogwarts Library without being seen.

New College

New College : Continue your tour at New College, another historic college with several Harry Potter filming locations. Some of the famous locations in New College that were used in the Harry Potter movies include:

• The Cloisters : The atmospheric 14th century cloisters within New College doubled as the Hogwarts hallways in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. It is here where Harry pushes through a crowd of his fellow students as they ridicule him with Potter Stinks badges .
• Courtyard & Tree : In the middle of New College’s courtyard stands a majestic 200-year-old holm oak tree which features in a scene where Malfoy taunts Harry, prompting Mad-Eye Moody to turn him into a ferret! (But is it really Mad-Eye Moody…?) There’s a funny story about the real ‘actor’ ferret

Christ Church College

Christ Church College : Finish your tour at Christ Church College, which contains several stops on the Harry Potter Oxford tour. This historical college has a long and illustrious history and was founded as the pet project of Cardinal Wolsey before being renamed by Henry VIII. Some of the famous locations in Christ Church College that were used in the Harry Potter movies include:

• Bodley Staircase : This grand staircase was used to film the famous entrance scene where Professor McGonagall meets Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
• The 16th century Dining Hall : This magnificent hall provided the inspiration for the Great Hall at Hogwarts. Although they never filmed in the Hall, the set was built based on pictures of the real Hall, but it’s instantly recognizable as soon as you walk into its gothic magnificence
• The Cloisters : The hallways of Christ Church were also used to film the scene in which Hermione shows Harry the Quidditch trophy his father won.

Book Your Oxford walking tour here.

Oxford University walking tour and harry potter filming locations 2 Tours in 1 Oxford #1 Magical Walking tour.

This tour is extremely Popular advance booking is advised

You can find out more information about Harry Potter in oxford by reading the blog click here

Review taking from trip advisor

This magical tour through Oxford is absolutely recommendable because it contains uprising magical entertainment by a professional magician, funny anecdotes and historical information about Oxford University and the city. The tour guide is very humorous, friendly and helpful, giving many tips around the city of Oxford. A must do!

Sonja R Sonja R

If you wish to contact a wizard please do send Owls we have currently run out in the meantime please contact us b y clicking this link

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Self-Guided Oxford Harry Potter Tour – 9 Filming Locations & Map

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Although it’s not how I spend my days as a local, I completely understand why tourists want to find the Harry Potter Oxford locations. If you’re here to explore the wonderful world of Harry Potter in Oxford, here are my tips on the topic. If you’re yet to arrive in Oxford , you’ll understand its charm when you do! With golden buildings, turrets and dreaming spires, it’s easily one of the most beautiful cities in the UK . It’s little wonder countless movies and TV shows – including Inspector Morse and The Golden Compass – were shot here.

Oxford couldn’t be better suited had it been built as a film set. But of course, much of it was built 780 years before Harry Potter filming in Oxford commenced!

New to Oxford? Start with my Oxford day trip guide and my Oxford weekend guide .

Was Harry Potter filmed in Oxford?

Not exclusively. Filming took place around the UK and Ireland. I’ve now visited several locations including the Harry Potter locations at Lacock Abbey , Dobby’s Grave in Wales, Gloucester Cathedral’s Harry Potter sites , the Cliffs of Moher cave where Harry and Dumbledore destroyed a Horcrux, and many of the Harry Potter filming locations in Edinburgh . There are several Harry Potter filming locations in Oxford. Most of them are indoors (perfect if you have bad weather during your visit) and several require an entrance fee; I’ll explain as we go.

Oxford Harry Potter tours – if you’d rather explore with a guide, take a 2 hour HP walking tour (inc Bodleian Library entry) .

What’s the deal with Harry Potter at Oxford University?

When it comes to Oxford tourist attractions, most of them are connected to the University. If you’re not familiar, Oxford University is spread out across the city encompassing many of the historical buildings and attractions. Working for the Uni in the past 100% funded me setting up this blog so hey, we’ve come full circle!

The Oxford University Harry Potter locations are well worth visiting. It’s hardly surprising the historical, charming colleges captured the filmmakers’ attention: they look exactly like Hogwarts! Although still inhabited by students, most can be visited by guests for varying entrance fees.

Related read: Visiting the Oxford University colleges: map + entrance fees

Self-guided Oxford Harry Potter tour

A couple of years ago, I was visited by some Aussie friends who were desperate to see where Harry Potter was filmed in Oxford.

I took them on this very Harry Potter tour of Oxford so I can be sure it works! Let’s get stuck in… NOTE – this blog is up-to-date with 2024 prices .

Christ Church College

You can’t research Harry Potter locations in Oxford without Christ Church College popping up! There are 38 Oxford colleges but Christ Church is the most famous. Christ Church fun facts:

• It was founded by King Henry VIII (not a feminist icon)
• Thirteen Prime Ministers have studied here
• Lewis Carrol (the author of Alice in Wonderland) lectured here
• It was a filming location for Philip Pullman’s Golden Compass
• It receives 13 million annual visitors – probably because of its Harry Oxford Potter history!

There are not one but three Oxford University Harry Potter filming locations at Christ Church College. These are…

1. Bodley Tower staircase, Christ Church College

In The Philosopher’s Stone , Harry, Ron and Hermione walk up this staircase where they’re greeted by Professor McGonagall. You can see why this Harry Potter Oxford location was selected: the sweeping staircase and ornate details are perfectly suited.

The staircase set was used again at the end of the film; after the trio has defeated Voldemort and are preparing to head home for the summer.

In the second film, you can see the staircase once again; this is the spot where the Hogwarts caretaker Argus Filch corners Ron and Harry after they arrive at the school in a flying car! The staircase is part of Bodley Tower and leads to a room just called Hall. At one point, some bells from the cathedral were moved to the tower causing Lewis Caroll to write critical articles about how they were unsatisfactory.

2. Christ Church College dining hall

Does this room look familiar? This Instagrammable place in Oxford resembles the Hogwarts Great Hall which is no coincidence because it is! (Well, sort of.) Filming never took place here however it’s the most famous Harry Potter location in Oxford. Confused? Christ Church College dining hall was the inspiration for the Great Hall at Hogwarts. Filming took place at Gloucester Cathedral (which I believe is bigger) and a specially built set in the Warner Bros. Studios, but the film set was modelled on this room. I’m guessing the directors saw it, perhaps while filming at the staircase, and thought it was the perfect blueprint for Hogwarts. You can’t blame them! With rows of dark wooden tables, old paintings on the walls, and light filtering through a dramatic window, it couldn’t be more atmospheric. You can almost imagine Dumbledore on stage and a fresh-faced Harry hanging on his every word. Fun fact about Christ Church dining hall –  students still dine here every day! I’m told they wear the appropriate gowns (which are upgraded once you’ve sat your exams) and listen to grace in ACTUAL LATIN before eating. I wonder how they feel about tourists popping their heads around the door.

3. Christ Church cloisters (hallways)

The third and final Oxford Harry Potter location at Christ Church College is the cloisters. Several of these traditional semi-open hallways were used as filming locations. If it’s crowded and busy, keep reading to location #6 for a quieter alternative.

One notable scene from the Harry Potter films set here is when Hermione shows Harry the trophies that his father, James Potter, won playing Quidditch at Hogwarts. This helps motivate Harry to become a fantastic seeker himself! Christ Church entrance fee: £17 or £18 depending on the season when booked online (they’re slightly more on the door) for a self-guided tour including a multimedia guide. It may be expensive but it’ll gain you entry to the three Harry Potter Oxford locations mentioned above. See their website to book tickets, which are released at 10 am GMT every Friday for the following week. Opening times: Hours vary, but are typically 9.30am-4.30pm (Mondays-Saturdays) and 10.30am-2.30pm on Sundays. Entry is FREE for Oxford residents and Oxford staff and students. They get a plus one so maybe you can befriend a local to sign you in! 

4. Duke Humfrey’s Library

This famous library is part of the Bodleian Libraries, Oxford’s main research centre and the UK’s second-biggest library after the British Library in London. Dating back to the 14th century, it holds 13 million items including maps and manuscripts – all the things you’d expect to find at Hogwarts! Several different libraries make up the Bodleian Libraries. One of them is Duke Humfrey’s which has a small and cosy feel. For this reason, it was used as a filming location in The Philosopher’s Stone . In the scene, Harry is looking for clues in Hogwarts Library whilst wearing his invisibility cloak planning to steal a book. Entrance details: Duke Humfrey’s is the only Harry Potter location at Oxford University not freely open to the public. Luckily, it couldn’t be easier to book a tour with an official guide. Book a tour on the Bodleian website from £6 . The 30-minute and 60-minute tour both include a stop at Duke Humfrey’s.

5. The Divinity School

Our next stop is the attractive Divinity School, also part of the Bodleian Libraries. You’ll find this grand room and its impressive ceiling just a minute’s walk from Duke Humfrey’s. The medieval Divinity School was used more than once during filming. It served as the Hogwarts hospital wing, where many key scenes are filmed after characters are recovering from their various escapades. For example, when Harry is recovering from his showdown with Quirell and Voldemort at the end of the Philosopher’s Stone , or where Harry and Hermione use the time turner in the Prisoner of Azkaban .

The Divinity School was used once again as the hall where Professor McGonagall taught the students to dance in The Goblet of Fire , much to the embarrassment of poor Ron. Background: The Divinity School is the oldest purpose-built University building in the world. It was used in the 1400s for lectures, exams and discussions about theology, and used by the House of Commons in the 1600s when they fled London to escape the plague. It still gets used today for graduations and special events. Divinity School entrance fee: £2.50, making it the cheapest Harry Potter location in Oxford. Book tickets online in advance here to guarantee entry. If taking a Bodleian Library tour to see Duke Humfrey’s Library, it’s included.

Opening times: 9am-5pm (Monday – Friday), 10am-5pm (Saturday), 11am-5pm (Sunday). You need to choose a 15-minute timeslot for your self-guided tour in advance when you book tickets. As noted above, Bodleian Library rooms are only available to see on guided tours.

6. New College cloisters

A visit to New College Oxford is quieter and cheaper than Christ Church. Hidden away from central Oxford, you’ll be surprised how spacious it is with a large quad, field, cathedral and dining hall.

But it’s not the aesthetics that bring people in: it’s the filming of Harry Potter at Oxford University, in particular the scene where Harry turns Malfoy into a ferret ! To properly explore this Harry Potter filming location in Oxford, head to the cloisters. These walkways with large, open windows look out onto the quad. You often see the Hogwarts students strolling along these in the films.

This particular one at New College is famous because it was used in Goblet of Fire. You can also spot them when Harry is being teased by students wearing Potter Stinks badges when he goes to speak to Cedric.

Keep an eye out for the Harry Potter tree outside where the confrontation between Harry and Draco took place. New College entrance fee: £8 entry. Only card payments are accepted. It’s free for Oxford City permanent residents and New College members or alumni, and there’s a concession price of £7 for seniors, under 16s and full-time students. Read more about visiting New College here . Opening times: 1.30-4.30pm (Tuesday–Sunday) from mid-October to mid-March, and 10.30am-5pm for the rest of the year. Check the website to see planned closures and note that, as this is a working college, some areas may be closed during your visit.

There are two entrances, but tourists are advised to use the entrance on New College Lane.

7. Budget option – the Harry Potter Oxford tree from outside

Don’t want to pay £8 entry? Don’t worry. You can see the tree where Malfoy gets transfigured into a ferret for free. Of course, I’d recommend going inside New College if you have the time and budget but if not, locate the Bridge of Sighs and stand under it. When facing New College, you should be able to glimpse the tree.

Next, find the tiny alleyway entrance to your left. This is called St Helen’s Passage and leads to our next Harry Potter location in Oxford…

8. The Turf Tavern

Not technically a Harry Potter movie location in Oxford, this quirky pub was a favourite of the cast during filming. It must have been a quirky time for the locals: imagine walking into your regular pub and seeing Dumbledore sipping a pint! It’s a shame it was never featured in the films because the surroundings would have been perfect for Hogwarts. When you squeeze down cobbled St Helen’s Passage, you’ll see what I mean.  Background: ‘The Turf’ has been a popular drinking hole since the 1300s although it was then known as the Spotted Cow. Another fun fact is that ex-prime minister Bob Hawke broke a Guinness World Record here by finishing a pint of beer in 11 seconds. The pub has embraced becoming a Harry Potter Oxford location but they’re yet to start serving butterbeer. Watch this space…  Entrance price: Free. But maybe buy a drink. They also serve decent pub grub if you’re hungry.

9. Bonus stop – Natural History Museum

Since no filming took place at the Natural History Museum and it’s away from town, I almost left this stop out. However, if you have time, this is one of my favourite places in Oxford to spend a rainy afternoon. Better yet, it has a Harry Potter connection.  The directors visited while filming Harry Potter in Oxford and perused the artefacts for inspiration. I don’t blame them: the museum has a long history of inspiring creative sorts. Stare long enough at the dodo skeleton and you’ll understand where Lewis Caroll got inspiration for the Dodo in Alice in Wonderland …

Tips for visiting Oxford Harry Potter locations

• When touring the Harry Potter Oxford University locations, check individual college websites / the Bodleian Libraries website. Each college is separate and may close for exam periods and other events.
• Be mindful that these are still working colleges with students and staff going about their day-to-day life. Wave a selfie stick in their face and they may not be too happy!
• Set aside 2-4 hours for all these filming locations
• Wear comfy shoes. This tour requires a bit of walking, plus cobbles.

How long does an Oxford Harry Potter tour take?

It depends on you but here are my suggestions:

• 1-1.5 hours at Christ Church – after paying £17 entry, make the most of the college and grounds!
• 30-60 minutes at Duke Humfrey’s depending on which tour you pick
• 15 minutes at the Divinity School – it’s just one room
• 30-45 minutes at New College
• 10-?? minutes at Turf Tavern (depending on if you stop for a drink).

Total entrance fees: If you follow this Harry Potter Oxford tour exactly, your entrance fees will come to £33.50 based on Christ Church costing £17, New College costing £8, Duke Humfrey’s costing £6 for a tour and the Divinity School costing £2.50.

Official Harry Potter Oxford tours

If you’d rather explore the Harry Potter locations in Oxford with an official guide, browse these tours.

Browse all Harry tours in Oxford . If you’re coming from London and don’t wish to self-navigate, you can take a Harry Potter day tour from London with GetYourGuide . The tour combines an Oxford walking tour with a visit to the iconic Warner Bros Studio London, where you’ll learn behind-the-scenes secrets from the making of the movies and discover iconic set features, including the Hogwarts Express train.

Once in Oxford, your guided tour will take you to selected colleges, alongside Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, and the Sheldonian Theatre.

Harry Potter shops in Oxford

Broad Street and Cornmarket encompass all kinds of shops, cafes and restaurants but they’ve recently become a hotspot for fans of Harry Potter in Oxford. Here are a few of the best wizard shops for muggles in Oxford:

• Head to the House of Wonders to rummage for wands, sorting hats, cuddly owls and more.
• The Shop of Secrets is a great place to search for souvenirs and collectables, including a licensed collection of wands (Note: the store recently moved from Broad Street to the back of the Oxford Campus store ).
• Flaggs is the place to shop for both general Oxford and HP-related souvenirs, and you’ll find plenty of collectables within the Watsons of Oxford store too.

Head to nearby Blenheim to see the Harry Potter tree

Another related attraction within Oxfordshire can be found a short bus ride away within the Blenheim Palace grounds beside the village of Woodstock. This famous tree was used as a filming location in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix during a flashback had by Professor Snape. Not only is the tree free to visit, but the whole of Blenheim is free to enter if you use my guide to the Blenheim free entry gates . The S3 bus runs every 30 minutes from Oxford’s Gloucester Green , arriving right outside Blenheim Palace. The ride takes 30 minutes and tickets cost just £2 each way.

More things to do in Oxford

Visit the Radcliffe Camera and Radcliffe Square: this scenic square is home to one of the important buildings in Oxford, the Radcliffe Camera which is a library and part of the Bodleian Library. Even just viewing it from the outside is incredible but you shouldn’t miss the iconic view from the top of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin (£5 for the tower climb). Spot the quirky Sheldonian Heads on the outside of the Sheldonian Theatre. Walk under the Bridge of Sighs named after the one in Venice. This is close to the Turf Tavern that I’ve already mentioned as one of the Harry Potter locations in Oxford. Try punting along the river – it’s £25 an hour per boat or you can hire a chauffeur for £35. Visit museums like the Pitt Rivers and the Ashmolean – and have tea or drinks on the roof of the Ashmolean. Take a nature walk in University Parks or check out cool neighbourhoods like Jericho and the Cowley Road.

Another fun Harry Potter-related activity in Oxford

Harry superfans may be delighted to know that you can watch a real (well, sort of!) Quidditch match in Oxford! How is this possible, you might wonder? Well, like many universities these days, Oxford University has a Quidditch Club and they put on competitive matches from 2-4pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays in University Parks. Anyone can go and watch!

More literary connections in Oxford

Although it’s the Oxford Harry Potter connection that keeps tourists coming, there are plenty of other points of interest for bookworms and movie buffs. Some places to check out are:

• The Eagle and Child pub – this historic drinking hole is where members of the ‘Inklings’ literary group would meet to discuss their work. Members of the group included J.R.R Tolkien and C.S Lewis who wrote Lord of the Rings and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe !
• Alice and Wonderland locations – author Lewis Carroll was said to have based his literary dodo on the one in the Natural History Museum and there’s also a stained glass window at Christ Church College with an Alice connection. Finally, the Alice Shop on St. Aldate’s is where the real Alice (the daughter of Carroll’s friend) would buy sweets.
• Narnia locations – there are several Oxford locations thought to have inspired C.S Lewis including the gold ‘fawn’ on St Mary’s Passage.
• Discover more on a C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien walking history tour of Oxford (£27).

Where to refuel

Check out my Oxford food and drink guides because I’ve written in detail about brunch, coffee, Asian restaurants and more! For a quick eat, Sasi’s Thai in the Covered Market is one of my favourite Oxford restaurants . Coffee lovers, head straight to the Missing Bean on Turl Street, one of the best cafes in Oxford known for its cappuccinos and cakes.

Getting to Oxford

Book a train on   Trainline ; it takes just 1 hour from London Paddington. A cheaper option is the Oxford Tube , a bus service that runs up to every 10 minutes between Oxford and London. In addition to the Oxford Tube, there are a few other bus services running between UK cities and Oxford. Compare journey prices and times on Busbud .

Thanks for reading!

Visiting the UK?  Guidebooks – LP always get my seal of approval. Use the latest copy of Lonely Planet England . Getting around by air – I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Car hire – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals in the UK (and all around the world). For hotels and self-catering apartments, I use Booking.com . You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld.com . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. I use GetYourGuide for tours & activities when I don’t want to travel solo. The guides are knowledgeable and you can’t beat the prices. I also check Viator as they often have fun and unique offerings. Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and budget tips from my 10+ years on the road!

Thanks for following my Harry Potter Oxford tour!

Check out my other Oxford posts:

• How to spend a weekend in Oxford
• How to spend one day in Oxford
• 32 free things to do in Oxford
• A guide to visiting Oxford’s colleges
• My top 20 Instagrammable spots in Oxford
• The best food in Oxford
• Where to find the best brunch in Oxford
• Oxford restaurants with outdoor seating for
• The top Oxford pub gardens
• Best cafes and coffee shops in Oxford
• A guide to Jericho, Oxford’s coolest neighbourhood
• The best food in Oxford’s Jericho neighbourhood
• The best food in Oxford’s Cowley Road neighbourhood
• The best Oxford food markets
• What to eat in the Covered Market, Oxford
• What to eat at Gloucester Green Oxford Market
• 10 amazing Asian resta urant s in Oxford
• AND Backpacking the UK budget tips

See you next time for more adventures,

For more travel content, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

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Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

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I’m sharing this with a friend of mine. She’s going to London soon to visit Harry Potter related sights, I’m sure she wouldn’t mind a bit of a detour!

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The Oxford Harry Potter Tour

Welcome to hogwarts.

Visit all three Harry Potter film locations at Oxford University with a professionally qualified, local, expert tour guide, Accredited Christ Church Guide, and Oxford Graduate. 

The only Oxford Harry Potter Tour to guarantee entry to all three film locations .

The tour is for private pre-booked family or friend groups of 4 or 5 people.

£55 per person.

Minimum 4 people.

Maximum 5 people.

This INCLUDES entry fees to  all three locations .

Larger groups are possible, please contact me for details.

Tours start at 10.00am and 2.00pm

The tour lasts 2 hours.

CLICK HERE to WhatsApp +44 (0) 743 484 5596

About the Tour

This fun, friendly, and fascinating Oxford Harry Potter Tour is packed with amazing sights and stories about the filming of some of the most iconic scenes in the adventures of the Hogwarts wizards.

Guided Visit

“You learn so much more than just wandering around on your own.”

Join me on a guided walking tour of Oxford University to explore the film sites of the Harry Potter movies in Oxford.

Special Tour

You visit  all three  movie locations – Divinity School , New College , and Christ Church .

Entry fees and ticketing are all handled for you.

SPECIFIC PLACES YOU WILL SEE

Bodleian Library – Divinity School

Harry’s first confrontation with Lord Voldemort in the Philosopher’s Stone left him recovering in Hogwarts Infirmary, which was shot in the beautiful Bodleian Library’s Divinity School.

This awesome vaulted space is where Harry wakes up at the end of the first film after confronting Voldemort for the first time.

And where Professor McGonagall teaches Ron how to dance for the Yule Ball in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Find out how movie director Mike Newell got a natural performance out of the young actors.

Another memorable scene is when Harry uses his Cloak of Invisibility for the first time to enter the restricted section of the Hogwarts Library without being seen.

New College – The Cloisters

The atmospheric 14th century cloisters within New College doubled as the Hogwarts hallways in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

It is here where Harry pushes through a crowd of his fellow students as they ridicule him with Potter Stinks badges.

It’s also where Harry tips Cedric off about the dragons they’ll be battling in the first task.

And in the middle stands the majestic 200 year old holm oak tree which features in the scene immediately following Harry and Cedric’s exchange where Malfoy taunts Harry, prompting Mad-Eye Moody to turn him into a ferret!

There’s a funny story about the real ‘actor’ ferret…

Finally we will head to the magnificent Christ Church.

Christ Church – The 16th century Dining Hall

Here in the magnificent college of Christ Church is their Dining Hall which provided the inspiration for the Great Hall at Hogwarts. Actually  they never filmed in the Hall , the set was built based on pictures of the real Hall, but it’s instantly recognisable as soon as you walk into its gothic magnificence.

They did film at the top of the grand staircase, where Professor McGonagall famously welcomed Harry, Ron and Hermione and the other students to Hogwarts.

Christ Church – The Cloisters

After Harry has been made seeker for the Gryffindor quidditch team, Hermione tells Harry being a seeker is “in his blood” and shows him a display case in the hallway containing a quidditch trophy with his father James’ name on it.

This scene was filmed here just outside the ancient 12th century Chapter House doorway on the left.

In all these locations you’ll be able to stop, pose for photos, and imagine you’re in the wizardly world of Harry Potter.

Christ Church The Great Staircase

Meeting Point

10.00am and 2.00pm.

This INCLUDES entry fees to all three locations .

Minimum 4 people, maximum 5.

Come on the Oxford Harry Potter tour, it’s wizardly fun!

And if you’re looking for Harry Potter books and other gifts click on the image below, it will take you to Oxford’s own magic bookshop, Blackwell’s !

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Harry Potter Tour Oxford Film Locations

Introduction

Thank you for choosing to take a self-guided tour with Free Tours By Foot. We believe in operating quality tours that are affordable to everybody, regardless of their budget and we hope that you enjoy your tour with us today.

Today, you have chosen to come along on our GPS-Enabled Self-Guided Harry Potter Walking Tour. This tour will see you walking in the footsteps of the world’s most famous wizard.

We’ll show you where iconic movie scenes were filmed, and where the filmmakers got their inspiration for the blockbuster series.

This self-guided tour is a little bit different, as you will need to purchase tickets - and occasionally be accompanied by a guide - to visit many of the locations.

We will highlight the ticketing options and guidelines you’ll need to follow for each stop. Note that many of the locations are on University campuses.

These schools are still operating and, as such, occasionally may be unexpectedly closed to the public.

We recommend taking this tour in the afternoon, as the locations tend to be less busy.

For the first part of your Harry Potter adventure, you’ll be visiting Christ Church College.

To visit locations at Christ Church, you must purchase a ticket. When inside the college, you will be accompanied by a guide when visiting the College Hall and The Bodley Staircase. For the cloisters, you will be allowed to visit on your own.

As of recording, ticket prices to enter Christ College are priced at £15.00 for adults and £14.00 for concessions.

Christ Church College Hall (Need Ticket)

When walking into the Christ Church College Great Hall, you will immediately feel as though you’ve walked into the Great Hall at Hogwarts.

And for good reason, the set designers for the Harry Potter films used this room as their inspiration for the Great Hall in the movies.

Originally, the production team was trying to find a way to use the Great Hall in the films, but found that it wasn’t possible because not all 4 tables - where the students of the 4 Houses of Hogwarts dine - would fit inside.

After meticulously measuring and mapping almost every part of this room, a near complete recreation of the Hall was constructed at Leavesden Studios and used for all 8 of the Harry Potter films.

Take note that the Great Hall here is, in fact, still an actual dining hall. It has been in continuous use since the 16th century and still serves 3 meals a day to Christ Church students.

These days there are two dinner services - one standard sitting and a second, formal meal where gowns must be worn!

Christ Church College – Bodley Staircase (Need Ticket)

Just adjacent to the Great Hall is the Bodley Staircase. Built in 1805, you may recognise it as our first glimpse of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Harry Potter films.

In  The Philosopher’s Stone , Professor McGonagall is standing on top of the stairs, drumming her fingers on the stone as she awaits the arrival of the first years, who have travelled to Hogwarts via boat, before taking them into the Hall to face the Sorting Hat and join the welcome feast.

If you pay attention in that scene, you will spot the Great Hall behind her and this is the actual Great Hall you have just visited.

The staircase is seen again in one of the final scenes of  Philosopher’s Stone , where the trio are reunited after defeating Professor Quirrell.

The staircase was also used in  Chamber of Secrets . After Ron and Harry arrive at Hogwarts in an enchanted Ford Anglia, they race up the stairs, trying to get to the welcome feast before anybody realises they are missing.

Unfortunately they run into Filch before they can get into the hall. We see the stairs again in the second film as the location where Tom Riddle speaks to Dumbledore - an encounter we get to see through the perspective of Riddle’s diary.

Christ Church College Cloisters (Need Ticket)

Before becoming a University, the buildings here were part of a Priory that was established in 1122.

Rebuilt in 1499, these cloisters were common features in monastic establishments as they provided a path for monks to move throughout the building without being disturbed by the outside world.

From the cloisters you can also glimpse the nearby Cathedral spire - the oldest surviving stone spire in England, completed in 1230.

By the time of the Reformation in the 16th century, the monks that lived here were evicted and Thomas Wolsey began creating a College on this site.

Henry VIII would eventually take over the project, renaming the buildings Christ Church College, but keeping most of the original structures - such as these cloisters.

Throughout the creation of the Harry Potter movies there was quite a bit of filming in the cloisters - you may recall images of students passing through these walkways in between bigger scenes.

There was one major scene in Philosopher’s Stone that was filmed right here, that you may remember. This is the location of a trophy case, where Hermione shows Harry trophies his father, James, had won during his time playing quidditch at Hogwarts.

The exact location this scene was filmed is just outside the current Christ Church gift shop.

Next, you will be visiting the Bodleian Library - also known as Duke Humfrey’s Library - and The Divinity School. To access these two locations, you will need to join a guided tour and there are two to choose from: A 30 minute tour or a 60 minute tour which incorporates additional buildings.

At the time of recording, the 30 minute tour is £9.00 and the 60 minute tour is £12.00.

Bodleian Library – Duke Humfrey’s Library (Guided Tour Only)

As you enter the library, you may recognise the seemingly never-ending stacks of books as part of the Restricted Section in Hogwarts Library.

It’s easy to see why they chose to film here - the floor-to-ceiling stacks of books - making up over 80  miles worth of shelf space, the beautifully bound spines of rare and ancient books, and the eerie sense of history that hangs in the room.

Duke Humfrey’s Library is the oldest reading room in the Bodleian Library and is named after Humphrey of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Gloucester who was a 15th century connoisseur of literature.

When he died in 1447, he donated his collection of 281 books to the University of Oxford which was quite impressive given that, at the time, Oxford University only had 20 books!

Sadly, because of events such as the Reformation (which saw the burning of any materials that could be considered linked to Roman Catholicism - regardless of whether they were indeed linked or not), only three of the Duke’s original books survive.

The library as you see it now was restored between 1598 - 1632 - giving it the Hogwarts-esque look it has today.

The library was used twice during the creation of the Harry Potter films. Firstly, in the Philosopher’s Stone, it was used for the scene where Harry wears his invisibility cloak and creeps to the Restricted Section late at night, hoping to find information on Nicholas Flamel.

It appeared again in Half-Blood Prince in the scene where Harry and Hermione are talking about Slughorn’s Christmas party.

You may also recall that the books in the Restricted Section are charmed to loudly scream should somebody try to take a book they are not permitted to - and that is the case here, too!

Well, almost. No screaming, but the books are fixed with an alarm system that goes off if anybody touches them so make sure to keep your hands and wands to yourselves!

Divinity School (Need Ticket)

Built between 1427 and 1483, the Divinity School is the oldest surviving purpose-built building at any university - although it is no longer in use today.

The ornate ceiling is made up of lierne vaulting and sports 455 bosses so make sure to take a moment to take in all the details.

Despite the name of this beautiful space, Professor Trelawney’s Divination classes weren’t filmed here. Instead, this space was used as the Hogwarts Infirmary Ward throughout the Potter films. We see this space a number of times…

Firstly, in The Philosopher’s Stone , this is where Harry recovers after his confrontation with Volemort at the end of the film.

Secondly, in Chamber of Secrets , we see the Divinity School a few times -  when Harry must regrow his bones after Lockhart removed them, when Dobby comes to see Harry after causing him an accident and also when Hermione is petrified and Harry pays her a visit.

In Prisoner of Azkaban , the Divinity School is the background in a key scene where Harry and Hermione leave Ron behind to go back in time to try to save Buckbeak and Sirius.

And in Half Blood Prince, Ron winds up here after accidentally ingesting both poison and a love potion!

Also take note that this room was also used in Goblet of Fire , as it is here where Professor McGonagall attempts to teach the students of Gryffindor how to dance properly in preparation for the Yule Ball.

You may also recognise the Divinity School from other films such as Mary, Queen of Scots and The Favourite .

Now you will be visiting New College. If you are visiting between November and February, then entry is free. If you are visiting from March to October, you will need to purchase a ticket which, at time of recording, is £5.00. Once inside, you can explore on your own.

New College – Cloisters (March - Oct Ticket Nov - Feb FREE)

Despite the name, New College is actually one of the oldest colleges in Oxford. Originally founded in 1375 as a school for priests, today the college welcomes students from all over the world.

You may recognise these corridors as soon as you enter as you will have seen these cloisters many times - primarily in the Goblet of Fire .

Quite a few scenes from that movie were recorded here, both transitional scenes of students walking through the corridors as well as the background for two notable scenes.

Firstly, this is where Harry, having found out what the first of the Tri Wizard tasks is going to be, looks for Cedric Diggory so that he can warn him about what they are going to face.

To do so, Harry has to push his way through crowds of students - who are all flashing ‘Potter Stinks’ badges in his face.

Secondly, during the Yule Ball, Harry steps outside and hides in the cloisters when he discovers Professor Snape and Igor Karkaroff (headmaster of Durmstrang Institute) in the courtyard.

Harry sees Snape peering inside all of the parked carriages, trying to find and turf out students who have snuck out of the party to find privacy in the quiet coaches.

After evicting one unfortunate couple (and deducting 10 points from Hugglepuff and Ravenclaw) Igor turns on and then lunges at Snape in an attempt to look at his Dark Mark having noticed that his own is growing darker by the day.

Harry witnesses the exchange tucked right behind the walls of this cloister.

New College – Courtyard & Tree

From the cloisters you can make your way to the beautiful courtyard, which is where Harry manages to catch up to Cedric to let him know about the dragons.

While here, you’ll notice a large tree in the courtyard and it is said to be over 200 years old. It also happens to be the location of one of the more memorable scenes in Goblet of Fire .

Harry is walking through the courtyard and hears Malfoy calling his name. He looks over to find him sitting in that oak tree.

When Malfoy slides out of the tree, he confronts Harry and tells him that he doesn’t think he will last 10 minutes in the Tri Wizard Tournament and that his father, Lucius, says he won’t even last 5.

After some harsh words Harry turns to walk away and, unbeknownst to him, Malfoy has drawn his wand and is aiming it at his back.

Professor Moody spots this and immediately stuns Malfoy before turning him into a ferret! Eventually Professor McGonagall appears and, realising the ferret is a student, turns Malfoy back to his original form.

Shop of Secrets

If you’re looking to buy some Harry Potter merchandise, then this is where you need to be. The Shop of Secrets opened in 2019 - making it the first store in Oxford to exclusively and specifically sell only Potter memorabilia.

It’s a family business run by Harry Potter fanatics, and it shows. The shelves here are well stocked with merchandise relating to all four Hogwarts houses as well as all your favourite characters.

You’ll find almost everything you could want here including a full range of apparel and jewelry, collectables and magical creatures, stationery and wands and even wizarding treats and drinks!

Eagle and Child Pub

Okay, we will be honest and say that this pub doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with Harry Potter - but that doesn’t mean it has no literary links.

The Eagle and Child (nicknamed The Bird and the Baby), is one of the most famous pubs in Oxford and is an absolute must visit for a drink or some traditional pub food.

The age of the pub is not quite known but the first recorded mention of it comes from 1684 with a reference to the Early of Derby whose family crest depicts a new born baby in an eagles nest.

But the fame of the pub comes from it’s many former patrons - in particular, The Inklings.

The Inklings were a group of authors and literary enthusiasts who were focused on the value of narrative in fiction and support of the writing of fantasy.

Throughout the 1930’s and 40’s, the group, who routinely met at the Eagle and Child on Mondays and Tuesdays, had around 15 primary members, but another dozen or so who visited with them from time to time.

The best known of the Inklings are C. S. Lewis (who wrote the Chronicles of Narnia) and J. R. R. Tolken (who wrote the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings series). Perhaps it is these authors who Joanne was thinking of when she decided that her pen name should be J. K. Rowling?

Museum of Natural History - Props and Costumes (Knight Bus Scene)

Oxford’s Museum of Natural History was established in 1850 and is housed in a beautiful neo-gothic building. You won’t recognise it when you go inside, as none of the Harry Potter films were shot here.

Instead, this is where the movie makers and prop creators came looking for inspiration. Filled with artefacts and relics that are mysterious and beautiful, there was a lot here that the filmmakers brought to the big screen.

In particular, if you recall the Knight Bus scene in Prisoner of Azkaban , you may remember the shrunken head that hung inside the bus, making jokes and assisting the driver.

His name was Dre Head, and he was directly modelled off some of the shrunken heads on display in the museum.

The same is true with the heads hanging outside of the Three Broomsticks who stopped Harry and Hermione entering the pub in the same film.

University Parks - Quidditch Club

If you’d like to finish your tour with a stroll through a beautiful park, consider heading to University Parks. Originally a grassland where, in the 17th century, King Charles II used to walk his dogs, the space here was purchased by the University of Oxford and was laid out in the 1860’s.

The intention here was that part of the parks should be set aside for sports and recreational purposes. When visiting the park you may see students here playing cricket, rugby, croquet, hockey, lacrosse, tennis and even quidditch!

That’s right, the Universities of Oxford have a Quidditch Club, abbreviated OUQC. The club is made up of students from the University of Oxford as well as from Oxford Brookes University.

There are two teams that play for Oxford, the Radcliffe Chimeras (not necessarily named after Daniel but rather the academic and politician who graduated from Oxford in the 17th century and lends his name to the famous Radcliffe Camera) and the Quidlings.

Both teams are official members of Quidditch UK, the governing body of quidditch in the United Kingdom, which is affiliated with the International Quidditch Association.

Originally founded at Middlebury College of Vermont in 2005, today the International Quidditch Association oversees the playing of quidditch in over two dozen countries on six continents.

As in the books, quidditch is a co-ed sport with teams of seven students, (although, unlike the books the teams themselves are larger with just seven students playing per game), and players must have a broomstick between their legs at all times.

The positions are the same as well - beaters, keepers, chasers and seekers, and they play with the same equipment: quaffles, bludgers and, yes, even a golden snitch.

The snitch, in this instance, is a small ball attached to the waistband of a snitch runner - a neutral player and referee dressed in yellow.

Since 2012, the University Parks have been home to the OUQC and players train and play here throughout the year so make sure you keep an eye out for any flying bludgers…

If you’ve enjoyed your GPS-Enabled Harry Potter Walking Tour with us and are considering visiting London, head over to our website at www.freetoursbyfoot.com .

There you will find more Harry Potter content including our fabulous walking tours, self guided walks and information on filming location. You’ll also find self-guided tours of Royal London, the Beatles in London, the East End, Jack the Ripper and more.

You will also find information on other audio-tours that we offer and also our full tour schedule. Free Tours By Food offers pay-what-you-like walking tours on a daily basis and we’d love to have you join us - simply book online.

Thank you for touring with Free Tours By Foot today and we hope you’ve enjoyed every step of your journey.

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Self-Guided Tour to the Best of Harry Potter in Oxford

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 5th February 2022

Categories England , Filming Locations

Last Updated on 5th February 2022 by Sophie Nadeau

If the magic is still real for you too, then a visit to the city of dreaming spires, AKA Oxford, will guarantee a trip down memory lane in the form of plenty of Harry Potter filming locations , inspiration, and more. And so, if you’re looking for a dreamy destination, then experience the mystery and history of one of England’s oldest university cities during this tour of Harry Potter in Oxford!

Editor’s note:  Though all of these locations can be seen as a self-guided experience on a long weekend in Oxford or as a day trip from London, there are, of course, ways to go on guided tours of the city with an experienced and knowledgable local.

For example, this guided tour will show you all of the best magical sites the city has to offer! While some Harry Potter locations are free to visit, others are inside buildings that you’ll have to pay to access to come prepared by bringing your wallet along.

Dining Hall

Bodley tower staircase, cloisters, bridge of sighs & oak tree, divinity school, duke humphrey’s library, how to visit oxford (and see the harry potter in oxford filming locations), map of harry potter locations in oxford, enjoyed reading about the best of harry potter in oxford filming locations pin it now, read it again later:, christ church college.

Please note that, as of 2022, you have to book your Christ Church ticket online in advance. The cost of a ticket is £9. Book your tickets well ahead of your visit to avoid disappointment. Find out more details here in advance.

The main highlight of Christ Church College, a piece of Oxford University which was first founded by Henry VIII is the magnificent dining hall. This long room was used as the inspiration for ‘The Great Hall’ in the wizarding series.

And so, if you make it your mission to see just one Harry Potter filming location in Oxford, then make it the dining hall. Although actual filming took place in the Leavesden Studio, this Tudor Dining Hall remains well worth a wander through.

While the dining hall itself dates all the way back to 16th-century Tudor times, some of the paintings on the wall date back even further. Many of the windows there are filled with stunning stained glass.

One stained glass window of note is dedicated to the fantastical works of Charles Dodgson (better-known as his pen-name of Lewis Carroll- aka the author of the Alice in Wonderland series of books). Dodgson attended Christ Church, as did a plethora of other iconic authors, artists, and politicians. King Edward VI and Albert Einstein even studied there!

For true fans of both the wizarding series of Harry Potter as well as the magical world of Alice in Wonderland, it’s worth noting that there are guided tours of Christ Church College, as well as the nearby Bodleian Library and Divinity School.

This one and a half hour tour is full of insider information, including Oxford Harry Potter filming locations and stories about Lewis Carroll. Check all the details here .

For those who are familiar with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the Bodley Tower Staircase likely needs no introduction. This beautiful set of steps can be found on the way up to the Christ Church dining hall and a visit here is included in the ticket admission price for Christ Church College.

The ornate staircase was used in the scene where McGonagall meets Harry, Ron, and Hermione for the first time, as well as in the scene where Ron and Harry rush to the Great Hall following the flying car incident. It’s worth noting that Bodley Tower is not named for the same man as the Bodleian Library, but instead for the architect G.F. Bodley.

Elsewhere on the Christ Church campus, filming locations can be found in abundance. Some of the hallways- specifically those of the Cloisters- were used as the setting for the scene where Harry Potter discovers that his father was a Seeker on the Gryffindor Quidditch team.

While some of the other Harry Potter in Oxford filming locations are much better-known, the Cloisters is more of a hidden gem of movie sets. These beautiful cloisters, which now house an Oxford University gift shop, were originally where the Priory of St Frideswide was located until the 16th-century. Frideswide was the first abbess of Oxford Monastery and is now interred in the very heart of Christ Church Cathedral.

New College

Conveniently easy to spot behind Oxford’s very own Bridge of Sighs, the giant Oak tree which featured during a duel between Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire can be seen in New College Cloisters.

And while the cloisters themselves are closed to the public, a photo of the tree can still be snapped from the roadside, making this one of the best free Harry Potter locations in Oxford to visit!

For those more interested in the history of Oxford University (rather than Harry Potter in Oxford locations) , the Bridge of Sighs has a rather unique history. This structure spans the space between Hertford College and New College and is now a Grade II listed building, making it a must-see Oxford landmark.

Constructed at the beginning of the 20th-century, the bridge was meant to be Oxford’s very own version of the Bridge of Sighs in Venice . Somehow, however, the architecture was quite literally lost in translation and so this bridge actually resembles the Rialto Bridge of Venice!

Bodleian Library

Much like Christ Church, visitors must book their tickets online ahead of visiting the Divinity School and so be sure to book your trip well ahead of time to ensure that you’ll actually get a spot on the day. As of 2022, tickets to enter inside the Divinity School cost £2.50 per person. Find out more details here.

If you’re planning on visiting both the Divinity School and Duke Humphrey’s Library as part of your visit, then you can purchase a combination guided tour ticket. Find out more details on the University’s official website.

This beautiful room that is the Divinity School was first constructed between 1427 and 1483 for teaching theology. Back then, Theology was the only, and lectures and exams were done orally. The room is directly opposite the RadCam (Radcliffe Camera) and lies directly underneath Duke Humphrey’s Library.

The Divinity School also happens to be the oldest surviving purpose-built university room. During Harry Potter filming, the room was used as a sanatorium (infirmary).

The carved ceilings of the room, as well as its beautiful architecture, means that it has been used as a backdrop for several other high budget movies, including X Men: First Class and the Golden Compass.

If you’re not a student (or a member of the British Royal Family!), then this world-famous library can, unfortunately, only be seen as part of a guided tour. No photos are allowed to be taken within the library (although I did find a couple on Instagram! ) . During the Harry Potter films, part of the Bodleian Library was used as the Restricted Section of the Hogwarts Library.

Historically, Duke Humphrey’s Library dates all the way back to the 15th-century and is also home to the oldest reading room at the University. The library is named for one of Henry IV’s younger sons and architecturally forms an ‘H’ shape, for ‘Humphrey’.

If you’re a little short on time in the UK but still want to see some of the magic for yourself, then a day trip to Oxford from London couldn’t be easier. During the daytime, trains depart every half-hour from Paddington Station and take just over an hour.

Alternatively, for a stress-free visit with no self transfers, this Oxford, Stratford, and Cotswolds Day Trip from London tour combines many of the major attractions in the local area. For more magic on a day trip to Oxford from the UK capital city, this Harry Potter Studio Tour & Oxford Day Tour from London provides the perfect wizarding experience!

All of the Harry Potter in Oxford locations in this list can be visited within the space of a day, all the while checking out some of the other highlights of this historic UK city. If you’re looking for other interesting things to do in Oxford, then I highly recommend visiting Blackwell’s Bookshop (which houses the largest single room selling books in the world).

For one of the best views of the city (after all, Oxford isn’t called the City of Dreaming Spires for nothing!) then I recommend paying a few pounds to ascend the University Church of St Mary the Virgin. Later on, head to FREUD cocktail bar , for some of the best drinks in town. This bar is housed within a former 19th-century church and is perfect to visit on a warm summer’s night.

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Tania Fonseca

Thursday 4th of April 2019

Can´t wait to follow your tips next month! Thank you for such a great guide!

Alasdair de Voil

Sunday 3rd of February 2019

Hi Sophie, great article.

By the way, anyone who wants to visit Christchurch, please be aware that on Saturdays year round or during Xmas or summer high season daily, Christchurch gets very busy and can have long queues to enter. However, Christchurch website sell advance entry skip queue tickets which go on sale on Thursday ever week for Monday to Sunday of the following week. Entry costs from £8-£10 per adult.

In my view though, all of us tour guides who deliver Oxford tours much prefer visiting the other two film sites which are New college and the Bodleian library. New college is free entry but from 2pm to 3.45pm last entry from approx March 10-Oct 14th. Then it charges £5/6 per child/adult from March 11th to Oct. 13th but opens from 10am to last entry 4.45pm. New college is older & has lots more to see than Christchurch. They both have wonderful dining halls but please note that the Hogwarts dining hall is entirely CGI shot at WarnerBros studio!

Divinity school now costs £2 per entry and is open daily from 10am to 4.40pm last entry but is sometimes closed for private events or graduations. Divinity school is where they filmed Hogwarts infirmary and also dance scenes. By the way, as for the Bodleian medieval library, you can also visit there so long as no children aged under 11 and it is open from 10am daily (11am on Sundays) till last entry about 4.30pm but you have to join the library's official tours which run every half hour and cost from about £7 upwards.

Please note that this info was correct on Feb 3rd 2019 and it is written by Oxford's best reviewed Harry Potter film sites tour operator.

Wednesday 24th of July 2019

Great comment and amazing post. Very informative and will definitely refer to this for my trip in September. I was just wondering then if you would say that the Harry Potter trip is doable on your own or would you recommend doing it with a tour. If so, would it be best to do New College or Christ Church. Still very conflicted about that as most tour groups only allow for one of them plus divinity. Thanks in advance for any advice!

Monday 26th of November 2018

New College is actually open to the public at certain times, and is well worth a visit to see the cloisters and tree featured in the movie, as well as the courtyards, beautiful chapel, and dining hall. You can get a map and some information for a self-guided tour at the entrance to the college on Holywell Street. Here's a website showing open times at all the colleges: https://www.ox.ac.uk/visitors/visiting-oxford/visiting-the-colleges?wssl=1 .

Saturday 14th of July 2018

Wow, Harry Potter or not, those locations look gorgeous! I love HP though and have been to the studios outside of London and rode the steam train in Scotland. I'll ddefinitely have to come and visit Oxford next!!

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Harry Potter Oxford Locations: Complete Self-Guided Walking Tour

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Is there a place in the UK that actually comes close to encapsulating the essence of Hogwarts in real life? George Heriot School in Edinburgh may have inspired  Hogwarts with its turrets and house system, but that’s where the similarities end. I think that the Harry Potter Oxford locations, both places that did and didn’t appear in the film, are the most reminiscent of the famous wizarding school. 

Most of the credit should go to the University of Oxford. This historic and prestigious educational institution sprawls across the entire city meaning there are cinematic and picturesque buildings everywhere . You can’t even turn your head without spotting another architectural marvel designed by Christopher Wren or a cute cobbled side street. The location scouts for the Harry Potter franchise knew what they were doing when they chose to film here.

And the great news is, you can visit ALL the Oxford University Harry Potter filming locations! Yes, there are four Harry Potter Oxford locations in total and they are all in a university building open to the public. There are also University of Oxford Harry Potter locations that inspired studio sets.

This self-guided Oxford Harry Potter Tour will show you exactly where those locations are. It will also tell you everything you need to know so you can visit them all, based on my own trip to Oxford. So, grab your Nimbus 2000 or a handful of Floo powder and let’s explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Oxford! I’ve even a created Harry Potter Oxford Locations map you can follow too.

Where Was Harry Potter Filmed in Oxford?

Every Single Harry Potter Oxford Filming Location

1. new college cloisters and oak tree.

Which Film? Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire  (2005)

Let’s start your self-guided walking tour of Harry Potter at Oxford here! Several cloisters from cathedrals and castles all over England have stood in for Hogwarts’s courtyard . In the Goblet of Fire ,  New College  stepped in. Contrary to its name, New College isn’t actually very new because it dates back to 1379. But it was the second college dedicated to St Mary (the older being Oriel College) so everyone began calling it the New College and the name stuck.

No doubt the huge 200-year-old oak tree that casts a long shadow over the courtyard was one of the features that attracted the Harry Potter production team to the New College Cloisters . Because so synonymous with its 15 minutes of fame in Harry Potter, many people refer to it as the ‘Harry Potter Tree.’

This Oxford Harry Potter location appears in the scenes where Harry walks past students wearing ‘Potter Stinks’ badges. It’s where Draco sits in the tree and Mad-Eye Moody turns him into a ferret. And it’s also where Harry warns Cedric about the dragons in the first Triwizard Tournament task.

Tickets and Opening Times

All the information you need to visit this location is on the  New College Website . Do check the website ahead of your trip as they sometimes close for private events. You don’t need to book ahead they take card payments only at the New College Lane entrance.

I’ll be honest, I visited the college by myself on a weekday and waltzed right in without paying. To be fair, the guard wasn’t at his desk. And I assume if he did see me he might’ve thought I was a student because of my huge backpack.

Entrance Fees: £8 for adults, £7 for concessions and free to Oxford residents and University of Oxford alumni.

Visiting Hours:  10:30 – 17:00 every day in summer. 13:30 – 16:30 every day except Mondays when they are closed in winter.

2. The Divinity School at the Bodleian Library

Which Films?  Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone  (2001),  Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets  (2002),  Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban  (2004),  Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire  (2005),  Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince  (2009)

Only a four-minute walk around the corner from  New College is the  Divinity School . It was the University of Oxford’s first proper lecture hall and classroom. It has a striking van-faulted Gothic ceiling decorated with religious icons and the family crests of donators to the school. One-half of the school has dark wooden benches where the students would memorise passages for exams. Paper was pricey in 1488 when the school opened!

Today, it’s part of the university’s Bodleian Library  complex and one of the most iconic and beloved Harry Potter Oxford locations. It appeared in the first three movies ( Philosopher’s Stone ,  Chamber of Secrets , and  Prisoner of Azkaban ) as the  Hospital Wing . In  Goblet of Fire , it appeared as the practice room where McGonagall teaches the students how to dance before the Yule Ball. And finally, it appears again as the  Hospital Wing  after Ron drinks the poisoned wine in  Half-Blood Prince .

There are two ways you can visit the Divinity School   and both of them require booking tickets beforehand. I strongly suggest you book as far in advance as you can as tickets always   sell out.

Option 1: Book a timeslot to see the Divinity School only. It’s open Monday – Friday from 9:00 – 17:00, Saturdays from 10:00 – 17:00 and Sundays from 11:00 – 17:00. Tickets are £2.50 each. Timeslots are available to book around one month in advance and you are limited to 15-minute visits. Book your timeslot here .

Option 2:  Book a 30-minute guided library tour to see the Divinity School and Duke Humfrey’s Library. There are also 60-minute and 90-minute library tours that include these locations plus others, but the 30-minute tour covers the only two Harry Potter locations in the library and it’s the one I booked. They run twice a day (around 10:00 and 15:00), sometimes three in peak times, with very limited numbers. Tickets are £9 and tours are available to book around one month in advance. Book your library tour here .

3. Duke Humfrey’s Library at the Bodleian Library

Which Film?  Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone  (2001)

Sitting right on top of the  Divinity School  is Duke Humfrey’s Library and Reading Room . The University of Oxford built Duke Humfrey’s Library just after they built the Divinity School to house a collection of books left to the university by Humphrey of Lancaster when he died in 1447. 

This library doubles as the Hogwarts Library and the Restricted Section when Harry uses the invisibility cloak to sneak into the library over the Christmas holidays. I thought that the library also stood in for library scenes in later films like Chamber of Secrets ,  Goblet of Fire  and  Half-Blood Prince . But the library tour guide said it only closed for three days of filming and the students were outraged by just those three days. So I doubt they allowed it to close again! I imagine they used sets inspired by Duke Humfrey’s Library  in the later films.

You can only visit Duke Humfrey’s Library by booking a place on one of the library tours with the Divinity School. Note that there are strictly no photos allowed in this Harry Potter Oxford University location because it’s a working reading room.

But… I managed to sneak a few shots by opening up the camera setting on my phone before entering the library and taking them from behind my back. I know, I’m such a badass. But no one else is in any of the shots (they’re also not very good haha). And I didn’t hold up the tour, so I don’t feel too bad!

4. Bodley Staircase and Hall at Christ Church College

Which Films?  Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone  (2001),  Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets  (2002)

Walk 10-minutes south of the  Bodleian Library  and you’ll reach  Christ Church College . It’s one of the most popular colleges to visit at the University of Oxford, not just because it’s one of the best Harry Potter locations in Oxford. It has a huge quad and a clocktower designed by Christopher Wren (the architect who designed St Paul’s Cathedral in London). 

But it’s the  staircase  in  Bodley Tower  that will attract those seeking Harry Potter locations in Oxford. It stands in for the Great Hall’s Staircase . This is the staircase where Harry rejects Draco’s offer of a handshake before entering the Great Hall for the first time in Philosopher’s Stone . This is also where McGonagall catches Harry and Ron as they are late for the sorting hat ceremony in  Chamber of Secrets  and a few other scenes from both movies too.

The  Bodley Tower Staircase  does actually lead to  Christ Church Hall which is supposedly the inspiration for Hogwarts’s Great Hall. But of course, the Great Hall you see in the movies is a sound stage which you can now explore at the Warner Bros Studio Tour . 

All the information you need to visit this location is on the Christ Church College Website . Do check the website ahead of your trip as they sometimes close specific sections or the entire college for private events. They only release tickets for bookings the following week at 9:00 every Friday. You  must  book your ticket for a timeslot in advance as they will likely sell out . Head to the Christ Church Gift Shop 10 minutes before your time slot to get your audio guide which acts as your ticket.

Entrance Fees:  £16 for adults, £15 for concessions. They have an inflated “on the door” fee too if, by some miracle, they haven’t sold all their tickets.

Visiting Hours:  10:00 – 17:30 with the last entry timeslot of 15:45. Apart from the closing time, there is no limit on how long you can spend at Christ Church. Note that the hall is closed between 12:00 and 14:00 every weekday. Cathedral closures are also common.

Join a Harry Potter Oxford Tour of the Filming Locations

Would you prefer to join a Harry Potter tour in Oxford instead of a DIY tour? You absolutely can and Get Your Guide is the place to find the right tour for you! There are tons of Harry Potter tour Oxford options so you can explore the filming locations with a knowledgeable guide without having to worry about tickets and timeslots.

This two-hour Harry Potter Walking Tour includes Christ Church College and the Divinity School. And this  Harry Potter Tour   includes guided visits to New College and the Divinity School. Unfortunately, you won’t find any Harry Potter tours in Oxford that visit every single location. The University of Oxford run the only tours that visit Duke Humfrey’s Library!

That’s why I recommend you use the information in this Harry Potter Oxford locations guide and embark on your own walking tour.  I saw all four locations in one afternoon and it would be even more doable if you had a whole day to spare . I visited New College first, then visited Christ Church College with a 13:00 timeslot (but waited around until the Hall opened at 14:00). Then, I walked over to the Bodleian Library for my 15:00 tour. Perfect!

Oxford Harry Potter Shops Where You Can Spend Your Sickles

If you cannot resist buying Harry Potter merch whenever you see it, your wallet will shrink considerably after your trip to Oxford! There are lots of Harry Potter shops in Oxford that sell all types of nick-nacks and clothing relating to the Wizarding World. Check out  Flaggs, The Shop of Secrets ,  House of Wonders  and  Watsons of Oxford . They’re all marked on the Google Map at the top of this post.

But keep in mind that you probably don’t need any more Harry Potter paraphernalia cluttering your home! It doesn’t make you any less of a fan.

More Harry Potter Filming Location & Inspiration Guides

I’ve visited a fair few Harry Potter filming locations all over the UK, including  every  single location in Scotland. If you’re also a Potterhead who is keen to visit more locations, I will probably have the perfect Harry Potter location guide for you.

I   Harry Potter Filming Locations at Alnwick Castle, Northumberland

J   Harry Potter Filming Locations at Malham Cove, Yorkshire

I   Harry Potter Filming Locations at Goathland Station, Yorkshire

J   Harry Potter Filming Locations at Durham Catherdral and York Station

I   Harry Potter Filming Locations in London: A Complete Guide

Harry Potter Filming Locations in Scotland: A Complete Guide

Harry Potter Steam Train in Scotland: How to Ride AND Photograph

The Ultimate Self-Guided Harry Potter Tour in Edinburgh

J   Harry Potter Studios Extensive Guide: Tips, Travel + Secret Filming Location!

And that’s my Harry Potter Oxford self-guided walking tour! Are you a fan of Harry Potter and are you visiting Oxford soon? Let me know in the comments below!

Read next: Harry Potter Filming Locations in Yorkshire & North East England (ALL 5!)

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Availability

May – August : Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday – 10am, 12pm, 2pm September – April : Friday, Saturday & Sunday: 12pm 2pm

Duration : 1.5 Hours Language : English Price : £24.99 per person (adults) / £19.99 per person (children under 16) / £10 Under 5s Includes : Entrance to New College and Divinity School part of the Bodleian Library!

 June 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 13th, 15th, 16th, 19th – 24th, 26th, 28th-30th; Divinity School, part of the Bodleian Library and used in the filming of Harry Potter is set to be closed on these days, and it will be covered externally.

All Our Tours Meet At Oxford Tourism Information, 16 Broad Street, OX1 3AS ( see here )

Please note – for our public Harry Potter Tour, once payment has been made it is confirmed. This tour is non-refundable. 

Unfortunately our tours are not dog-friendly, and no animals are permitted to join the group for the safety of our customers. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Thank you for your understanding.

New College

One of the most influential and architecturally stunning Colleges at Oxford. With its grand medieval buildings and darkened cloisters, it’s easy to imagine Harry and the gang walking around here. Entrance is included. Iconic parts of the College clearly recognisable from the film are the grand cloisters, providing an imposing start to your exploration of New College. Along with a very special tree…

Divinity School

Go inside the medieval Hogwarts Hospital with its images of beasts and biblical scenes. This ornate building is not only a perfect room for a hospital and separate dance scene while filming Harry Potter in Oxford – it would also serve as the first purpose lecture rooms at Oxford University.

Oxford University

The links with Oxford University and Harry Potter run deeper than the buildings used in the films. For instance we have a college Quidditch league, an almost similar sorting process for colleges (minus the talking hat) and many other elements. This tour provides a visitor with the opportunity to visit the major film sites for Harry Potter in Oxford, the history of Oxford University, but also hear about the similar traditions and student antics, all from a student who has attended the University.

Other World Famous Children Stories

Not only do we include those magical wonders of Harry Potter in Oxford, but we also hear about the other fabulous children’s books written in Oxford, including Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, the Hobbit, Lord of the Rings and the Chronicles of Narnia, and the scholars who wrote them. For those looking beyond Harry Potter, Oxford has also produced numerous famous graduates, along with other notable academics. Oxford University focused information will be provided throughout the tour, though the extent of it will be tailored to each groups requirements.

All of our Oxford walking tours are delivered in such a way as to ensure you don’t fall asleep! We hate dry, boring tours that don’t engage their audiences. History doesn’t need to be boring, and with so many big names and events having been tied to Oxford (as well as the University having so many bizarre traditions and funny stories), we see no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy every single minute of your tour experience.

Please note the University is a working institution and there may be closures on the day which are beyond our control 

Due to feedback from our tours, we do not enter Christ Church on this tour. While touring Christ Church, the guide is not able to speak to you – so there is little point in us providing you with this. You are more than welcome to enter Christ Church after, or before the tour – and you can purchase tickets directly using this link here  

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13 Best Harry Potter Tours in Oxford in 2024 (magical!)

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Ready to tour Harry Potter locations on a Harry Potter tour in Oxford?

You’ve come to the right place, as we’re going to explore the best 13 Harry Potter tours in Oxford – all led by expert guides who want to share their love of Harry Potter and help you skip the tourist traps.

If you’re like, just cut to the chase already, then don’t worry.

The best Harry Potter tour is this New College Oxford Harry Potter Insights .

It has over 30 amazing reviews, so there’s no going wrong.

You’d be surprised at just how many scenes in Harry Potter were filmed in Oxford, especially in and around the historic colleges.

If you want to see what your other options are, here are 10 more tours that are definitely worth your time.

So let’s get into the list of the best Harry Potter tours in Oxford so you can book it already!

PS – booking in advance is highly, highly recommended so you don’t miss out.

⏳ Don’t have time to read the whole list?

The best Oxford Harry Potter tour is this New College Oxford Harry Potter Insights tour .

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Easy Guide: Best Oxford Harry Potter Tours

1. new college oxford harry potter insights.

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 30+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

• Entry to New College.
• Entry to Divinity School (provided it’s open).
• See plenty of colleges used in the filming of Harry Potter.
• Learn how Oxford influenced JK Rowling in her writing.

This Harry Potter Oxford tour is the ideal choice for anyone based in Oxford looking for a Harry Potter themed group tour that packs in as many significant sites and film locations in its runtime as possible.

Two particular highlights of this tour include entry to the university’s New College and the Divinity School, both of which were key filming locations in the Harry Potter movies (making it one of the best Oxford University Tours for Harry Potter).

Outside of New College and the Divinity School, you’ll see all manner of grandiose buildings that cover central Oxford with a particular focus on the many, many colleges in the area.

Your guide will fill you in on how the many sites you see are relevant to Harry Potter.

They’ll also provide an array of insights into JK Rowling’s own links with Oxford.

The sheer number of sites covered and detailed insights from the guide, alongside the included entry to two sites, means this tour is for you – regardless of whether you’re a Potterhead or not.

2. Harry Potter Studio Tour and Oxford Day Trip

⭐️  RATING:  4.7 out of 5 Stars, 2000+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  11 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Pick-up and drop-off in London.
• Walking tour of Oxford.
• Entry to Warner Bros Studios.
• Free time to explore Oxford.

If you happen to be based in London and are a massive fan of Harry Potter, then check this tour out .

Your day starts with a drive out from London to Oxford.

Once in Oxford, you will take part in an hour long walking tour of the city.

During which, you will see several colleges and sites around the city used in the filming of the Harry Potter movies.

Following this, you have an hour of free time in which you can amble through Oxford’s historic streets and grab some lunch before hopping back aboard your coach.

The second part of your day consists of a trip to Warner Bros Studios.

Here, you’ll learn all about the secrets behind the magic of the filming of Harry Potter.

You’ll also get to see an assortment of sets – all instantly recognizable from the movies.

For the diehard Harry Potter fans this tour will feel like you’ve died and gone to heaven.

3. Harry Potter Walking Tour in Oxford

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Private tour
• Entry to Divinity School
• Entry to New College
• Entry to Christ Church

You’ll get a whole lot of bang for your buck on this private walking tour as you’ll find it has entry included to three of Oxford’s colleges.

Spend the afternoon bewitched by your guide’s knowledge and the beauty of Oxford’s colleges while you explore them together.

For over three hours on your Harry Potter tour Oxford, your guide will guide you around these colleges, filling you in on their significance within the movies.

Along the way, you’ll discover all kinds of behind-the-scenes secrets and some of the more unusual trivia related to the filming of the movies.

Expect to see the room that inspired the Great Hall, the Great Hall staircase, and the Infirmary, alongside many other memorable film locations.

Take this tour for a thorough investigation of three notable Oxford colleges and their links with one of the greatest franchises in history.

4. Harry Potter Film Locations Walking Tour Led By University Alumn i

⭐️  RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Guide is a university alumnus
• Entry to New College and the Divinity School. Or Christ Church College
• Trivia regarding cast members from Oxford

Expect top-tier facts, trivia, and insights on this walking tour with a university alumnus as your guide.

Since it’s a private tour you’ll have your guide’s undivided attention.

So, take advantage of the opportunity to ask a former Oxford student any questions you might have – Harry Potter related or not.

On the tour, you’ll either visit New College and the Divinity School, or just Christ Church College.

In addition to these colleges, you’ll see sites from around the university that were used in the filming of Harry Potter and other movies too.

Throughout this 90 minute tour, your guide will serve up all kinds of intriguing information regarding JK Rowling’s relationship with the university and the backgrounds regarding cast members who grew up in Oxford.

See some of Oxford University’s most striking Harry Potter locations with a guide who is an expert not just on Harry Potter but the university itself on this tour!

5. Harry Potter Walking Tour of Oxford Including New College : Oxford Harry Potter tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 80+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Professional guide
• Harry Potter quiz

Get stuck into the fun with your group of no more than 20 on this walking tour.

For 90 minutes your guide will take you all over crucial film locations such as New College and the Divinity School.

Throughout which, your guide will test your Harry Potter credentials with a quiz!

On top of these film locations, your guide will take you to many of Oxford’s wizarding world analogues.

Check out sites such as Oxford’s equivalent to Flourish and Blotts at Blackwell’s, and The Three Broomsticks at The Bear Inn.

These stops will make you feel as if you’ve stepped straight into the wizarding world!

Your tour will end at Christ Church College where you can either buy tickets to explore inside or head back to the city centre.

You should take this tour if you’re looking to test your wits against other Potterheads while traversing some of Oxford’s best-known Harry Potter sites, as well as sites significant to Oxford itself.

6. PRIVATE Harry Potter in Oxford Tour with Entry to Divinity School

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 10+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hour 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Private tour.
• Entry to Divinity School.
• Learn insights about the cast and filming process.
• See locations significant in the filming of Harry Potter.

Explore several locations related to the filming of Harry Potter on this tour , including of course the unmissable Divinity School.

For an extra fee, you can add also New College to your itinerary.

Your guide will take you to a medley of other locations around Oxford too. Many of these have been featured in other movies as well as Harry Potter.

For example, you might recognize the distinctive Bridge of Sighs from The Mummy.

For the duration of your tour, your guide will provide a plethora of contextual information on how JK Rowling, the cast and the producers came to make the movies.

They’ll also let you know about Oxford’s role in the creation of other much-loved literary creations such as the Chronicles of Narnia, the Hobbit, and Alice in Wonderland.

This tour is a superb choice for any of you looking for a private tour that informs you of not just Harry Potter, but also other creations linked to Oxford.

7. Oxford Harry Potter Insights – PUBLIC tour entry to Divinity School

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 300+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Learn about Oxford’s connections to other literary masterworks.
• Family-friendly.

I would recommend this tour to anyone who is after a tightly packed, family-friendly itinerary.

Especially since this Harry Potter tour in Oxford places a particular emphasis on the family-friendly factor.

Tour the Divinity School with your guide, catching glimpses of the area used as the infirmary and as classroom space in the movies.

Once you’re done with the Divinity School, you’ll visit a number of other unmissable landmarks in Oxford, culminating in the magnificent Sheldonian Theatre.

Along the way, your guide will fill you in on the buildings’ significance with regard to Harry Potter and their relation to other literary masterpieces that have roots or links with Oxford (think all-time greats like the Lord of the Rings).

You’ll also be made privy to all kinds of insider scoops regarding the Harry Potter cast and why JK Rowling wanted to film many scenes in Oxford.

Choose this tour if you want to learn about Harry Potter and Oxford’s literary greats in a family-friendly way.

8. Harry Potter walking tour + Entry to Christ Church

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 35+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Entry to Christ Church.
• Audio guide for Christ Church.
• Discover behind-the-scenes trivia about the actors and author.

This tour is a must-pick for anyone looking to spend part of a tour with a guide while also having time to explore independently.

Of course, you’ll check out the ever-astonishing Divinity School and learn about the ways in which it was used for the filming of Harry Potter.

Aside from the Divinity School, you’ll see several other notable landmarks, such as the Bridge of Sighs and the neo-classical Radcliffe Camera.

All the while you’ll learn about the links these various sites have with Harry Potter as well as trivia relating to the films.

Your tour will end with a one hour self-guided tour of Christ Church College, where you will find the room that inspired the Great Hall.

Audio guides are provided for this final section too, so you won’t miss out on any vital information.

This is a superb opportunity to really take your time investigating one of Oxford University’s premier colleges without a guide hurrying you along.

9. Alice in Wonderland + Harry Potter Tour with Christ Church Self Guided Entry

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 25+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours to 30 hours 20 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Learn about Oxford’s role in the creation of Alice in Wonderland.

On this tour , you can expect to visit locations relevant not just to Harry Potter but also to one of Oxford’s most well-known literary creations: Alice in Wonderland.

Included is entry to the Divinity School and Christ Church. As previously mentioned these two sites were indispensable to the filming of Harry Potter, even if no actual filming took place in Christ Church’s famous Great Hall.

While exploring Christ Church, you’ll also learn about the college’s importance in the creation of Alice in Wonderland, as it was where Lewis Carroll met his inspiration for the titular character.

The guides – who will be decked out in either Harry Potter or Alice in Wonderland costumes – are particularly engaging and will keep all the guests engrossed and involved throughout, no matter the group size.

You’ll love this tour if you’re a fan of not just Harry Potter but Alice in Wonderland too.

10. Private Family Tour: The Fantasy Worlds of Oxford

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Professional guide.
• Entrance to one of the colleges (the college varies depending on which ones are open).
• Free drink of tea, coffee, beer or a soft drink.

Tour number 10 is for any and all fantasy buffs, not just the Potterheads.

Embark on this private tour and see all the key spots in relation to Oxford’s links to various fantasy worlds.

Get inside the minds of authors like JRR Tolkien, C.S Lewis and Lewis Carroll as you’re taken to the very spots where they spent much of their time while working on their classic stories.

Among the included sites are the Botanical Gardens, where Tolkien and Lewis often passed time, Pembroke College where Harry Potter took his first flying lesson, and of course the Divinity School.

At some point, you will also enter one of the many colleges during your tour. Which one exactly is dependent upon what’s open to visitors on the day of your tour.

Provided you are ready to get lost in a medley of fantasy worlds you will thoroughly enjoy this tour.

11. Top 10 Oxford Highlights with Divinity School and New College

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours 45 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Expert guide
• Selection of landmarks related to both Harry Potter and other subjects

You would do well to check out this tour if you’re on the hunt for a tour that encompasses not just Harry Potter landmarks but all the best that Oxford has to offer.

In terms of Harry Potter related sites, entry to both New College and the Divinity School are included – it’s no surprise that these two made it onto this 10 Oxford Highlights Tour as they are by far two of Oxford’s best Harry Potter locations.

On top of the Harry Potter landmarks, you’ll be taken to several other classic Oxford locations that you won’t be forgetting in a hurry.

Of particular note is the twee cobblestoned Merton Street, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Grade I listed Sheldonian Theatre.

Of course, you’ll get to see plenty more though!

Take this tour if you’re hoping for a tour that includes not just top Harry Potter sites but ones that encompass all that makes Oxford great!

12. Bespoke Oxford Walking Tour with a Private Guide

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 30+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 45 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Private Oxford Harry Potter walking tour
• Personalized to fit your interests.
• Professional Blue Badge guide.
• See all the key Harry Potter landmarks in Oxford that YOU want to see.

As we all know, it can be difficult at times to find a tour fitting your specifications exactly.

Especially if you’re a Harry Potter megafan and you’re looking for the perfect themed tour.

If this is the case, why not book a tour that specializes in providing personalized tours?

Once booked, let the guide know beforehand that you’re looking for a tour that focuses on Harry Potter.

In the Bespoke Oxford Walking Tour , you can rest easy knowing that your guide is Blue Badge Certified and won’t steer you wrong.

The tour primarily focuses on Oxford’s most significant landmarks.

You’ll see a selection of stunning buildings while learning their fascinating history.

Provided you’ve let your guide know in advance that you’re looking for a Harry Potter themed tour, you’ll also learn how the sites you visit are linked to Harry Potter!

Run by one of Oxford’s best-known tour companies, this tour is a safe bet if you desire guaranteed quality on a private bespoke tour.

13. Cotswolds and Oxford Guided Day-Trip

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 920+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  10 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Scenic Cotswold villages, set in stunning landscapes.
• Opportunity to see all of Oxford’s main sites.
• Local recommendations on best lunch spots.

This final tour, starting from London, has perhaps the most expansive itinerary of all the tours listed.

Begin your day with a coach drive out to an area of the UK renowned for its natural beauty: the Cotswolds.

Here, you’ll stop at two villages, Bourton-on-the-Water and Bibury, both famed for their beauty.

After the Cotswolds, you’ll continue on to Oxford. Once there, you’ll have free time to explore the City of Dreaming Spires and discover sites used in the production of Harry Potter.

Make the most of your time in Oxford by taking advantage of your guide’s recommended local eats and walking route that will allow you to appreciate the city’s unspoiled beauty.

Arrive back in London by 6 pm after a day of discovering sites related to Harry Potter and England at its most bucolic.

Book this tour if you’re short on time while visiting England and you want to take in both Oxford and the Cotswolds before the end of your holiday.

Hey! Want to use our trusty guides to the best tours in other places across the UK? Check these out!

• 11 Best Tours of the Cotswolds from London in 2023
• 11 Best Tours of the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh in 2023
• 5 Best London Open Top Bus Tours
• 9 Best Scottish Outlander Tours
• 9 Best Ghost Tours in Oxford
• 5 Best Bath Ghost Tours
• 9 Best Bus Tours in Edinburgh
• 19 Most Unique London Tours
• 9 Best Day Trips to Oxford from London
• 7 Best Stonehenge Day Trips from London
• 7 Best Changing of the Guard Tours in London
• 11 Best Oxford Walking Tours
• 11 Best London Rock ‘n’ Roll Tours
• 11 Best London Museum Tours
• 3 Best Morse Tours in Oxford
• 11 Best London Beatles Tours
• 11 Best Walking Tours in Bath
• 11 Best London Bike Tours
• 11 Best Jack the Ripper Tours in London
• 9 Best London Literary Tours
• 9 Best Street Art Tours in London
• 13 Best Evening & Night Tours of Edinburgh
• 15 Best London Pub Crawl Tours
• 11 Best London Bus Tours for Families
• 17 Best Harry Potter Tours in London
• 17 Best London Foodie Tours
• 13 Best Ghost & Haunted Tours in Edinburgh
• 11 Best Edinburgh Walking Tours
• 11 Best Private Tours in London
• 11 Best Ghost Tours in London
• 11 Fun Tours of Royal London
• 13 Isle of Skye Tours for a Magical Time
• 13 Mysterious Tours of Loch Ness
• 7 Best James Bond Tours in London
• 7 Best Paris Tours from London
• 7 Best Stratford-upon Avon Tours from London
• 7 Best Tours of Bath from London
• 7 Best Black Cab Tours from London
• 11 Best Downton Abbey Tours in the UK

UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs

🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?

Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here , a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.

🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?

Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one , which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.

🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?

The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.

🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?

For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.

📳 Will my phone work in the UK?

Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.

🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?

Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system. London water is safe to drink .

Heading to London? Want the best tips?

Check out my Ultimate Guide to London for Visitors. Using text, images and video, this guide is packed full of tips, tricks, safety advice, knowledge on how to get around and what to do, and more!

Moving to the UK or already an Expat?

Grab my book which covers moving to the UK, struggles I faced and that you might face too, and uplifting advice to help you along the way! Available in hard copy and on Kindle.

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Home > Articles > Enjoying Oxford

Oxford Free Self-Guided Walking Tour to Plan a Visit at Your Own Pace

Oxford is a gem of a town. There’s so much to see, and you can visit practically all of their attractions on foot. This is why walking tours are an excellent option for those coming to Oxford. Some will choose to have a guide, while others might prefer to explore the city, its University museums and sights at their own rhythm . We’ve created these maps to help you do exactly that. Below, you will find free walking tour maps (you can download them to your phone if you prefer) to see all that Oxford has to offer. Pubs and restaurants? We got it. Colleges and libraries? Of course! How about a bit of shopping or a Harry Potter-themed adventure? Look no further. 

(Want to see a self-guided walking tour for Oxford Museums only? Check this link ). 

Oxford Basic Free Self-Guided Walking Tour

Download this Image

Let’s start with a quick overview of the town. This walking tour is perfect for those visiting Oxford for just a few hours. It is a leisurely tour that should give you a great idea of what the town is all about. There are two paths I like to do myself when walking around Oxford:

In pink : Start from the train station or bus station and make your way to the centre of the city. This short walk should take about 30 minutes to an hour at a relaxed walking pace – and cover the best attractions in Oxford: Its colleges, churches, museums, and shops.

In purple : If the day is nice and you have an extra 40 minutes, you can also walk down St Aldate’s and into Christ Church meadow, where you will be able to relax in the shade and see the famous Cherwell river. Make your way back north through the Botanic Garden path and enter the city through the east, where you will see some of the oldest colleges of the university. 

Let’s go into a little more detail if you want to do the short (or pink) self-guided walking tour. 

• Arriving at the train or bus station, walk down George Street. If you are already hungry, this is the perfect opportunity to grab a bite, as there are several restaurants and bars here. If not…
• Continue walking until you reach St Michael at the North Gate . This was the city limit when Oxford was surrounded by a wall!
• Turn right and walk down Cornmarket Street, the central commercial vein. Don’t miss 24-26 Cornmarket Street , a house dating back to the 14th century (it’s on the left, right across the tower).
• You can continue walking down the street and check out the Covered Market , or turn left on Market Street and continue down Braselose Lane, which will eventually lead you to the landmark Radcliffe Camera library. To your right, you will also see the Church of St Mary the Virgin, and to the left, the Bodleian Library .
• Turn left again after you exit, and you’ll see the Sheldonian Theatre and, right across Broad Street, Trinity College .
• Walk up to Corn Steet and turn left again, so you can enjoy a pleasant stroll up Parks Road and see the Natural History Museum and Keble College .
• You can continue until Keble road to close the circuit or turn left on Museum Road to see a secret passage and the most beautiful tree in Oxford!

What You Shouldn't Miss in This Self-Guided Walking Tour

(You can click here to see all the historical places you will encounter )

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

This is the largest church in Oxford and is popular with students, professors, and visitors. The first church here was built in 1086, although the building that can now be seen on the north side of the chancel is from 1320 (when the Univesity was officially founded). The Baroque porch (considered “the most beautiful porch in the world”) was designed by Nicholas Stone, and the tower (also from the 13th century) can be climbed and offers an excellent view of Oxford. 

Radcliffe Camera

This circular library is probably considered by most locals and visitors as “the very centre of Oxford”. It was built in 1749 by James Gibbes and has an Edwardian Palladian style. Although it appears to have three stores from the outside, it’s actually one main floor. This floor is divided into different bays separated by Corinthian columns. Today, the Radcliffe Camera holds over 600,000 books. It’s open to students but not to the public. 

The Bridge of Sighs

Although you also won’t be able to cross this bridge (unless you are a Hertford College student), you can still admire its beauty from the street level. The bridge was built in 914 by Sir Thomas Jackson and received its name because it looks like its homonym in Venice. The geometrical concept is also inspired by Archimedes in the 3rd Century BC (the area of the parabolic segment is 4/3 of an inscribed triangle). 

St John’s College

A constituent college of the University of Oxford, St John’s College was founded in 1555 as a men’s college but turned coeducational later.

Keble College

Keble College is one of the University of Oxford’s constituent colleges. It is located on Parks Road, opposite the University Museum.

Exeter College

A constituent college of the University of Oxford in England, Exeter College is the fourth-oldest college of the university.

Christ Church College

Christ Church is college of the University of Oxford. It was founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII and is one of the larger colleges.

Brasenose College

Oxford University’s Brasenose College (BNC) was founded in 1509 and is home to one of the oldest rowing clubs in the world.

All Souls College

All Souls College is a constituent college of the University of Oxford. It was founded by Henry VI and it has no undergraduate members.

See all Oxford Colleges >

Oxford Museums

Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology in Oxford is Britain’s first public museum. It was founded in 1683.

Oxford University University Museum of Natural History

The Oxford University Museum of Natural History or OUMNH displays many of the University of Oxford’s natural history specimens.

See all Oxford Museums >

Oxford Libraries

Radcliffe Camera is a neo-classical style building inside Oxford University, built from 1737 to 1749 for the Radcliffe Science Library.

Bodleian Library

The Bodleian Library is one of Oxford’s most famous landmarks. Among the oldest in Europe, it’s easy to visit and incredible to see.

See all Oxford Libraries >

Un-Missable Stops in an Oxford Walking Tour

If you’re exploring Oxford on your own, there are a few places you should consider stopping by. This includes colleges (which are normally open to visitors during the day), museums, the Botanic Garden , shops, and definitely, if you can, the Bodleian Library !

Of course, Oxford has something for everyone, so if you’re looking for places to shop or parks to relax, you can see some good options in the list below this section.

However, before you move on, if you’re interested in visiting the best Oxford museums (and combining them with the city walking tour), you can use this map.

Also, here’s the complete guide covering the most popular Oxford Museums .

And the direct link to download the museum walking tour map . 

Best for Shopping in Oxford

There are two – possibly three – shops you should NOT miss if you’re visiting Oxford and doing a self-guided walking tour. These are Alice’s Shop (with tons of Alice in Wonderland memorabilia, all beautifully displayed in a historically-relevant little building!), The Shop of Secrets (more Harry Potter merch than you can dream of), and Blackwell’s Bookshop , founded in 1879.

Of course, as Oxford continues to grow, there re several other places you can visit if you’re looking for unique gifts or just a memorable experience. Below is a more comprehensive list with all of them. 

Blackwell’s Bookshop

Blackwell’s Bookshop first opened its doors in 1879, on Broad Street, Oxford. They have been trading continuously from there ever since. The History of Blackwell’s Bookshop The first Blackwell’s Bookshop

Alice’s Shop

Alice’s Shop is a little shop placed exactly where Alice Liddell (the “real” Alice that inspired the books) used to buy sweets.

Arcadia Bookstore

Arcadia is a popular bookstore in Oxford, offering second-hand books and stationery with a vintage and whimsical vibe.

The Shop of Secrets

The Shop of Secrets is Oxford’s chamber of Harry Potter collectibles and merch. A shopping must-to in the city, this is why you should visit.

Parks and Meadows

Oxford has many beautiful parks and meadows – which make perfect spots for a picnic or a relaxing stop. These parks are large and tend to have exotic plants and students practising sports or reading a book under the shadow of a tree. The best thing about adding a visit to a park during your self-guided walking tour is that you can visit them any time of the year. University Parks , for example, are evergreen and have seats no matter the season. Of course, if you like plants and quietness you should not miss the Botanic Gardens, they are included in the map above and have exotic species, lots of secret corners, and even a pond with fish!

Oxford Botanic Gardens & Arboretum

The Oxford Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in the UK. It was founded in 1621 and holds unique and important species.

Christ Church Meadow

Christ Church meadow is open to the public all year round. This open space in the heart of Oxford is an ideal choice for recreation.

Oxford University Parks

Oxford University Parks (or University Parks) is a large park area northeast of the city. The park is open to the public during the day.

Port Meadow

Port Meadow is a large open space in the north of Oxford. The River Thames flows through its heart and the plains are home to many animals.

Learn More About Oxford

Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum: A Brief History

Oxford College Gardens

Oxford Aerial Map and Guide

Insight Guides Great Breaks Oxford

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Oxford walking tours

Oxford walking tours A Oxford university & Harry Potter Style Walking tours visit filming location and site's of inspiration

Oxford best walking tours.

Oxford Walking Tour / 2 tours in 1

2 Walking Tours in 1  

Join us on an amazing journey as we visit the main tourist locations at Oxford University . Learn about the history of the buildings we visit and tales of student life. We’ll also visit some Harry Potter  filming locations and sites of inspiration.

Your guide is not just any guide – a professional magician  who has entertained the British Royal Family on several occasions and will perform magic and illusions for you around the tour. We will also create a popular spell from the Harry Potter film 🪄 that looks like trick photography – it has to be seen to be believed!

See Oxford in a new and unique way, perfect for adults and families alike 🌟. This is not your usual boring tour!

🎟️ Tickets can be purchased from the guide prior to departure. Numbers are limited and advanced booking is recommended.

🌟 The only Tour Company in Oxford that has live entertainment on the tours.

⏰ Tour running time approximately 90 min.

Recommended age for all our Tours is 10+

Due to popular demand, we have added an extra time slot!

🕰️ Time: 11 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM Daily.

Oxford walking Ghost Tour

Are you ready for an unforgettable journey through Oxford gruesome past? Join us on a spine tingling journey as we walk through the city of Oxford as we explore and discover the darker side of this city

👣 Guided Nighttime Exploration: Walk along the spooky cobbled streets and lanes of oxford at night where this tour Brings the horrible past alive once again

👻 More Than Just Stories: We don’t just take you to a location and tell you stories like other tours. This tour is immersive fun with a jump scare or two along the way.

💀 Diverse Dark Tales:    executions / suicide / murder and even a broken heart. listen to a chilling tale about the devil himself.  lets not forget about the grim reaper do you think you have what it takes to escape his grasp join us and  we shall find out as we play a quick game of cards of life or death. 

🧛‍♂️ Age-Appropriate Chills: Age guidance for this tour is 10+

🚫 Important Notes: Please note this tour is not suitable for people with a heart condition or of a nervous disposition. 

⏰ Tour Details: Tour running time is approximately 75 min  

Halloween week every evening  from Wed the 25th October – Tue 31st October 7 pm start time

Time 7 pm Fri Sat & Sun

Private Tours of Oxford

Discover the Magic of Oxford with Our Exclusive Private Tours

Embark on a journey through the historic and enchanting streets of Oxford with our private walking tours, tailored just for you. Whether you’re an individual, a company looking for a unique team-building experience, or a school group eager to explore the educational riches of Oxford, we have the perfect tour for you.

🏛️ Explore Oxford University & Harry Potter Filming Locations

🎩 Entertainment Like No Other

🕰️ Flexible and Convenient Tour Times

📆 Special Halloween Week Tours

Official OXFORD Walking TOURS

Not just a walking tour, it's a magical experience.

Official Oxford Magic Walking Tours , your fun oxford walking tour company.

Welcome to Oxford Walking Tours! We offer a unique infotainment experience that blends education and Magical live entertainment on the tour. Our tour is led by a knowledgeable guide who will take you on a captivating journey through Oxford’s rich history. But that’s not all! Your guide is also a real-life magician/wizard who will perform tricks and illusions throughout the tour, keeping you entertained every step of the way. Say goodbye to boring tours!

We also bring a spell to life from the harry potter films which looks like trick photography. 

It’s the only official walking tour in Oxford that offers such a unique experience no other tour includes magic and illusion form a professional magician / wizard 

Our Oxford Walking tours / Ghost tours are perfect for anyone eager to learn about Oxford’s history while enjoying award winning magical entertainment. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, our Walking tours promise an unforgettable experience.

We also offer private walking tours that can be tailored to your specific needs. Please contact us for more details. Our guides are highly trained and experienced, ensuring you receive the best possible experience .

Don’t miss out! Book your tickets now  and join us for an unforgettable and magical walking tour of Oxford!

We now have a  blog which gives tips and insights  on anything related to walking 

Oxford walking tours Finding us

We are at 13 Broad Street oxford

You cant miss us we are right buy the red postal box you will see our sign and the guide will be holding a clip board with Oxford Magic Walking Tours written on it.. 

Key Highlights of Oxford Magic Walking Tours:

• Unique Blend of History and Magic : The tours are not just about sightseeing; they incorporate live magic performances by a professional magician, adding an extraordinary twist to the exploration of Oxford’s historic sites.
• Engaging and Interactive : The guide, a skilled magician, performs tricks and illusions throughout the tour, ensuring a captivating and interactive experience.
• Comprehensive Exploration : The tour covers all the major tourist locations in Oxford, including Harry Potter filming sites, offering insights into the city’s rich history and academic traditions.
• Small Group Experience : With a focus on small groups, the tour ensures a more personalized and engaging experience, allowing for deeper interaction with the guide and the magic performances.
• Family-Friendly Adventure : The tours are designed to be enjoyable for both adults and children, making it a perfect family activity when visiting Oxford.

Why Choose Oxford Magic Walking Tours?

• Distinctive Experience : Unlike standard city tours, Oxford Magic Walking Tours offers a blend of education and entertainment, making it a memorable experience.
• Expertise and Entertainment : The guide’s knowledge of Oxford’s history, combined with their skill in magic, creates a unique and enjoyable tour experience.
• Personalized Tours : They also offer private walking tours that can be tailored to specific interests, providing a more customized experience.
• Official Walking tours of oxford

In summary, Oxford Magic Walking Tours stands out with its innovative approach to city touring, combining the charm of Oxford’s history with the wonder of magic and illusion. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking an engaging, educational, and entertaining tour of Oxford. for those who like harry potter – oxford university or a tour of the city of oxford this tour has it all 

The Best walking tour's in oxford?

# 1 oxford magic walking tours, introducing the all-new oxford walking tours.

At the top of the List we have the all new Oxford Magic Tours: Oxford Magic Tours stands out as the number one walking tour in Oxford due to its blend of live entertainment and captivating storytelling by a professional magician. Unlike traditional tours, this unique experience infuses magic tricks, illusions, into the exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks.

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Please click here to read more information on walking tours of oxford and the oxford city tours which includes the two tours in one

Live entertainment

This tour is Led by a highly skilled master magician how has entertained at the highest levels including the British Royal family , Oxford Magic Walking Tours takes you on a journey through the streets of Oxford, combining historical anecdotes with awe-inspiring magic. As you visit all the best sites in oxford such as  the Bodleian Library or the Radcliffe Camera, the bridge of sighs, HARRY POTTER filming location and much more you’ll be spellbound by astonishing tricks and illusions and learning about the city’s rich history and academic traditions.

The Distinctive Appeal of Oxford Magic walking Tours

The live entertainment aspect of Oxford Magic Tours sets it apart from other walking tours, injecting a sense of wonder and excitement into your exploration of Oxford. The magician’s expert sleight of hand and engaging storytelling captivate both adults and children, making it an unforgettable experience for the entire family.

Elevating the Experience

While other tours may offer valuable insights into Oxford’s history and architecture, Oxford Magic Tours elevates the experience by adding an element of surprise and intrigue. At oxford magic walking tours we ensure every step of your journey is filled with moments of wonder, leaving you with lasting memories and a newfound appreciation for oxford city’s enchanting atmosphere.

Step into a World of Magic and Mystery

If you’re seeking a walking tour that goes beyond the ordinary then oxford magic walking tours is for you. you will be immersed in a world of magic and mystery, Oxford Magic walking Tours is undoubtedly the top choice. Prepare to be amazed as you embark on this extraordinary adventure, where Oxford’s captivating history is brought to life through the artistry of a professional magician

# 2 Footprints walking Tours:

Footprints Tours offer an engaging and informative walking tour of Oxford led by enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides. The tours cover the main highlights of the city, including the colleges, the Sheldonian Theater, and the Bridge of Sighs. They provide a comprehensive introduction to Oxford’s history, traditions, and famous alumni. They also Offer a free tour that you pay a donation. Foot prints tours can be found 2 doors down from Oxford Magic tours signage as of the 15/ 08 / 2023 They are located at number 15 broad street oxford 

# 3 Oxford Walking Tours: 

Experience the captivating Official Oxford Walking Tours, led by highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic Oxford  Tour Guides. Immerse yourself in the wonders of this historic city as you explore its renowned landmarks, including the iconic Bodleian Library, the elegant Radcliffe Camera, and the prestigious colleges. Delight in a range of themed tours tailored to diverse interests, such as the enchanting Harry Potter tour or the intriguing Inspector Morse tour. Uncover the secrets and stories of Oxford. This tour operator can be found outside trinity college 

# 4 Oxford Free Walking Tours

As the name suggests, Oxford Free Walking Tours operate on a “pay-what-you-want” basis. Led by local guides, these tours take you through the heart of Oxford, exploring its iconic landmarks and hidden corners. The guides share interesting stories and historical facts about the city, making the experience enjoyable and informative. As of 22 / 07 / 2023 This oxford walking tour company does not have great reviews on Google out of 5 reviews 3 of them are 1 star  and 1 is only a week old. Whilst i have not experienced this walking tour myself i am unable to comment on the validity of the reviews. Oxford free walking tour does not seem to be free at all instead you have to pay a donation to the guide at the end of the tour.

Please click here to read more information on the so called free Tours of oxford 

Oxford walking tours Top Questions people ask

Are you curious about exploring the charm and history of Oxford through captivating walking tours? We’ve compiled a list of the most common questions people have about our tours:

1. What Makes Oxford Walking Tours Special?

Our walking tours offer a unique blend of history, entertainment, and magic. Led by experienced guide.

2. Who Leads the Tours?

The tour is led by knowledgeable guide who is passionate about Oxford. Plus, he is a master magician who performs live tricks and illusions, ensuring an engaging journey from start to finish.

3. What Sites Will I Visit?

You’ll explore Oxford’s iconic landmarks, including the renowned Bodleian Library, the stunning Radcliffe Camera, the Bridge of Sighs, and  harry Potter filming location and harry potter inspiration  and so much more . Get ready to uncover hidden gems.

4. Are the Tours Family-Friendly?

Absolutely! Our tours are designed for everyone, from adults to children. The live magic performances add an element of excitement that appeals to all ages, making it a fantastic family activity.

5. Can I Book a Private Tour?

Yes, indeed! We offer private tours that can be customized to your preferences. Whether it’s a special occasion or a unique gathering, our private tours provide a personalized experience.

6. How Do I Book a Tour?

Booking a tour is simple. You can easily reserve your spot through our website or contact our friendly team for assistance. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!

7. What Should I Expect During the Tour?

Prepare to be amazed! The guide will share captivating historical insights, while the magic aspect of the tour will dazzle you with mind-boggling tricks. Be ready for a journey that’s both educational and enchanting.

8. Is the Tour Accessible for Everyone?

We strive to make our tours accessible to all. If you have any specific accessibility concerns or requirements, please let us know when booking, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

9. Do I Need to Have Prior Knowledge of Oxford?

Not at all! Our tours are designed for both locals and visitors, whether you’re familiar with Oxford’s history or not. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the city’s heritage while having a magical time.

10. What Should I Bring for the Tour?

Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and your sense of wonder are all you need. Don’t forget your camera to capture the magical moments!

Have more questions or ready to embark on a captivating Oxford walking tour? Feel free to reach out to us for further information or to reserve your spot. We look forward to welcoming you on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting streets of Oxford

General Questions about oxford

Best walking tour in oxford.

The all new Oxford Magic Tours tops the list: Oxford Magic Tours stands out as the number one walking tour in Oxford due to its blend of live entertainment and captivating storytelling by a professional magician. Unlike traditional tours, this unique experience infuses magic tricks, illusions, into the exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks.

Can you walk around Oxford?

Yes, Oxford city is considered a highly walk-able city. All the tourist sights are quite close to each other which makes it easy to explore by walking. Many of the major sights, including the historic colleges, museums, and libraries, are within walking distance of each other. To see the sights of oxford it is best to book a walking tour please check Oxford magic tours the number one magic walking tour in Oxford. Oxford also has pedestrianized areas and numerous walking paths, making it convenient and enjoyable for visitors to navigate and discover the city’s charm by walking. Additionally, the city’s flat terrain and well-maintained sidewalks contribute to its walk-ability.

Can you walk around Oxford University for free?

Yes and No Most of the colleges charge a fee ranging from around £4 up-to £25 for entrance there are one or 2 colleges hidden away that are free to enter.  but they are very hard to find . it is always best to find a walking tour guide to take you around and see all the best landmarks that way you will not waste valuable time wandering around aimlessly or get lost.  i highly recommend Oxford magic tours as it has some entertainment involved which is a great tour for the whole family 

Can you tour oxford on your own?

When it comes to exploring Oxford, there is one tour that stands above the rest: Oxford Magic Tours. Renowned as the best tour in the city, Oxford Magic Tours offers an exceptional experience that should not be missed. However, if you prefer to explore Oxford independently, there are several must-visit places worth considering. Among these are the captivating colleges, which often welcome visitors during the day, allowing you to soak in the prestigious atmosphere. Additionally, the city boasts an array of fascinating museums, the serene Botanic Garden, enticing shops, and if possible, an absolute must-see is the iconic Bodleian Library. Whether you choose Oxford Magic Tours or opt for your own exploration, these highlights will ensure an enriching and memorable experience in Oxford.

Why Visit oxford?

Oxford, an enchanting city adorned with magnificent architecture, is a haven of rich history and culture. Immerse yourself in the splendor of both ancient and modern colleges that grace the streets, offering a glimpse into the prestigious academic heritage. Explore captivating museums and galleries that house treasures from various eras, providing a fascinating window into the past. Amidst the vibrant city, discover tranquil parks, verdant gardens, and ample green spaces where you can unwind and find solace.. For an even deeper appreciation of Oxford’s beauty and history, consider embarking on the remarkable Oxford Magic Walking Tours

Can you visit Oxford for 1 day?

Oxford, is and can be described as one of the most picturesque cities in the UK and for good reason, an ideal destination for a nice memorable day trip from London its not far and only takes around 45 min from London to oxford by train. While a single day might seem fleeting, it provides a remarkable opportunity to savor the essence of this captivating city. To truly make the most of your visit, I highly recommend embarking on a walking tour, particularly the renowned Oxford Magic Tours – the city’s top-rated walking tour. With their expert guides leading the way, you’ll have the chance to visit all the best places without wasting valuable time or getting lost. With Oxford Magic Tours, you’ll embark on an immersive experience that allows you to explore the very best of Oxford in a day, leaving you with lasting memories of this wonderful city.

where to walk in oxford?

When exploring Oxford on foot, there are several areas and landmarks that you should include in your itinerary. While you can certainly explore independently, considering a walking tour can enhance your experience by providing a deeper understanding of the city’s history and hidden gems. Oxford Magic Tours, in particular, stands out as an exceptional choice for an enchanting and entertaining walking tour. Here are some areas and landmarks to consider visiting:

1. Radcliffe Square: Start your walk in the heart of Oxford at Radcliffe Square, where you’ll find the iconic Radcliffe Camera. This circular library is a sight to behold and offers a great starting point for your exploration.

2, The University Colleges: Oxford is renowned for its prestigious university and stunning college buildings. Consider visiting popular colleges like Christ Church, Magdalen College, or New College. These colleges showcase remarkable architecture and beautiful courtyards.

3. The Bodleian Library: any visit to Oxford is not complete unless you visit the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest and most famous libraries in all of Europe.

4. Covered Market: visit oxfords Covered Market, which dates back to the 18th century. you will can find some fun and quirky shops and items that you might not find on the traditional high street

5. The Bridge of Sighs: which is Located at Hertford College, the Bridge of Sighs is a picturesque landmark that connects two parts of the college over New College Lane. Its architectural beauty makes it one of the most photographed landmarks in all of oxford

While exploring these areas independently can be enjoyable, considering a walking tour like Oxford Magic Tours can truly elevate your experience. With their professional magician guide, you’ll not only discover these renowned landmarks but also witness mesmerizing magic tricks and enchanting performances along the way. Oxford Magic Tours adds an extra layer of excitement and entertainment to your exploration of Oxford, making it the best walking tour option for a truly magical experience.

How long are the walking tours of Oxford?

The walking tours in Oxford vary in length depending on the type and itinerary of the tour. Generally, they last between 90 minutes to 2 hours. 

Do I need to book in advance for a walking tour of Oxford?

 It depends on the tour operator and availability. Some tours require pre-booking online or by phone, while others allow you to join on the day by paying the guide before or after the tour. It is advisable to check the website or contact details of the tour you are interested in for more information.

What should I wear for a walking tour of Oxford?

You should wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking and weather conditions. Also bring something to drink especially in the summer months. Oxford can be cold and rainy at times, so it is recommended to bring a jacket, umbrella, or raincoat. Some tours may also require you to cover your shoulders or knees when entering religious buildings.

Can I take photos during a walking tour of Oxford?

Yes, you can take photos during a walking tour of Oxford unless otherwise stated by your guide or by signs at certain locations. However, you should be respectful of other people’s privacy and property when taking photos. after all a walking tour is no good if you cant save those magic moments 

How can I book a walking tour in advance and what are the payment options?

You can book a walking tour in advance online through the websites of the tour providers or through third-party platforms such as TripAdvisor or Viator.  You can pay by credit card, debit card, PayPal, or cash on the day of the tour. Some tours may require a deposit or full payment in advance, while others may allow you to pay on arrival. You should check the booking and cancellation policies of each tour before booking.. Oxford magic tours it is best to book in advance their tour is unique and gets very busy at times so booking in advance on this tour is recommended

What are the best times and days to join a walking tour in Oxford?

There is no  best time and or days to join a walking tour in Oxford as it all depends on your availability, preferences, and the weather. Generally, the tours run all year round, but some may have different schedules or availability depending on the season or the day of the week. For example, some tours may not run on Sundays, bank holidays, or during university vacations. You should check the timetable of each tour before booking. You may also want to avoid peak times or days when the city or the colleges are more crowded or busy, such as during graduation ceremonies, festivals, or events. You may also want to consider the weather and choose a time or day when it is sunny, dry, and warm

What are some of the filming locations and literary inspirations that I can see on a walking tour in Oxford?

Some of the filming locations and literary inspirations that you can see on a walking tour in Oxford are filming location for Harry Potter (the Great Hall and the staircase), Alice in Wonderland (the inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s stories), The Golden Compass (the inspiration for Philip Pullman’s stories), and Brideshead Revisited (the TV series and the movie). X men First Class – transformer the Last night  – The Golden Compass not forgetting the Queens Speech.

Free Walking Tour Oxford

See the best Free Tours of Oxford offered by local tour guides

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Free Walking Tour › Oxford

Things to Do in Oxford

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Best Free Walking Tours in Oxford

Tour starting point - Please meet your guide opposite TSE NOODLE Restaurant No.8 Ship Street, Oxford (postcode is OX1 3DA) and join Premium Oxford University Walking Tours. Please fill our Book Now or Contact Us form. Call us for booking or queries on 07412937003. Tour Timings - 11 am, 2 pm & 3.45 pm Everyday.

We are well organised and already expecting you to join our tour., our guide will come 10 minutes before the tour starts at the tour starting point..

Tour starting point - Please meet your guide opposite TSE NOODLE Restaurant No.8 Ship Street, Oxford (postcode is OX1 3DA) and join Premium Oxford University Walking Tours.

Universal Orlando Resort Offering Free 'Harry Potter' Interactive Wand with Gift Card Purchase

F or the first time ever, guests can receive a free interactive wand to use in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with the purchase of a gift card at Universal Orlando Resort.

Free Interactive Wand at Universal Orlando Resort

Signs around the resort advertise a free interactive wand with the purchase of a $300 shopping card, a.k.a a gift card . This offer is not entirely new, as Universal has previously held promotions for free non-interactive wands ; however, this is the first time the interactive wands are up for grabs. They are currently priced at $65.

Here’s a look at the four options guests can choose from after purchasing a gift card.

This added perk is likely a sign that new interactive wands and upgraded experiences could be on the way. Over the past year, we’ve seen several patents come in for various wand experience upgrades. The changes are rumored to debut at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort this summer.

Will you be taking advantage of this deal? Is using the interactive wands a key part of your Universal vacation? Let us know in the comments below.

For more Universal Studios news from around the world, follow Universal Parks News Today on Twitter , Facebook , and Instagram . For Disney Parks news, visit WDWNT .

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