Harry Potter Walking Tour of Oxford Including New College

If you’re a Harry Potter fan planning a trip to Oxford, this walking tour offers a chance to see the city through a wizard’s lens. For around $41, you’ll explore iconic filming locations, get an insider’s look at historic colleges, and learn fascinating stories about Oxford’s literary and cinematic history—all in just 1.5 hours. The tour is led by knowledgeable guides, many of whom are university students themselves, adding an authentic touch to your experience.

What we particularly love about this tour is how it balances Harry Potter magic with genuine historical insights. You get to see the famous Bodleian Library’s Infirmary Hall—used as Hogwarts in multiple films—plus walk through centuries-old colleges that doubled as Hogwarts interiors. A highlight is the fun Harry Potter quiz, which makes the experience engaging whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned fan.

One thing to keep in mind is that entrance to some locations, like the Radcliffe Camera, isn’t guaranteed, and certain landmarks aren’t accessible to the public. Still, the tour’s overall value lies in its combination of film locations, Oxford’s academic charm, and entertaining storytelling. This tour is perfect for Harry Potter enthusiasts, families, or those keen on discovering Oxford’s literary roots in a fun, compact outing.

Key Points

• Authentic Harry Potter filming locations in Oxford, including the Bodleian Library and college cloisters
• Knowledgeable guides, often university students, sharing insider info and fun stories
• Includes admission to the Bodleian Library and select colleges (entrance to some sites like Radcliffe Camera not guaranteed)
• Engaging experience with quizzes and trivia, suitable for all ages
• Accessible for most, with a moderate walking pace and roughly 1.5 hours duration
• Great value for the price, especially considering the included entries and expert commentary

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point & First Impressions

The tour begins conveniently at Oxford Tourist Information, right in the city center, making it easy to find. The 19-person maximum group size keeps the experience intimate and allows for more personal interactions with your guides, who are often Oxford students themselves. From the outset, the guides impress with their enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge—many of them even attend the university, sharing insider tips that add a unique touch.

Bodleian Library & Hogwarts Infirmary Hall

Our journey kicks off at the Bodleian Library, one of England’s largest, and a must-see for book lovers and Harry Potter fans alike. Here, the tour stops at the famed Infirmary Hall, featured in several movie scenes. The guide paints a vivid picture of how the hall’s richly carved beasts and biblical motifs contributed to the magical ambiance of Hogwarts.

Reviewers like Angelika appreciated the guide’s storytelling, noting that “Amy was amazing and knowledgeable about both Harry Potter and Oxford—she told fun and engaging stories about the town and filming.” This spot’s significance is not just in film but also in the history of the university’s architecture, making it a layered experience.

Exploring Old Oxford Colleges

Next, you’ll stroll through some of Oxford’s oldest colleges, including New College, built in 1379. These cloisters and medieval courtyards played key roles as Hogwarts interiors—gloomy, mysterious, and perfect for the wizarding world. Olivia, another guide, was praised for her charm and wit, managing to keep everyone engaged with fun stories about the filming and the university’s history.

The tour also touches on the role of Oxford in children’s literature, mentioning giants like Lewis Carroll and J.R.R. Tolkien, who drew inspiration from this very city. Visitors learn how Oxford’s ancient spaces served as backdrops for magical worlds beyond Harry Potter.

Iconic Landmarks & Additional Filming Sites

The Radcliffe Camera, with its distinctive dome, is an outside view and a true Oxford icon. While visitors can’t go inside without a library pass, the guide shares interesting tidbits about the underground passages students reportedly use and the strict rules librarians enforce—Madam Pince would approve!

The University Church of St. Mary the Virgin is another external stop. Although you don’t enter, it’s inspiring to see the door where Narnia’s Lucy might have found her way into another world, and to hear how Lewis and Tolkien often met nearby, exchanging ideas that shaped their stories.

The Dramatic Divinity School

One of the most atmospheric locations is the Divinity School, recognized instantly from Harry Potter’s Hogwarts’ infirmary scenes. This medieval masterpiece impresses with its vaulted ceilings and stone grandeur. It’s also a significant part of Oxford’s academic fabric, and the guide emphasizes its long history of use by the university.

Practical Aspects & Tour Logistics

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, making it a manageable outing for most travelers. It includes admission to the Bodleian Library and two colleges, although access to some sites like Radcliffe Camera may not be possible on the day (a common university policy). The tour is scheduled close to public transport links, which helps if you’re arriving in Oxford by train or bus.

Guides are generally praised for their engaging storytelling, with reviewers like Sam describing Amy as “fantastic,” and Olivia as “superb.” Many mention that the tour is fun and educational, appealing to both Harry Potter fans and those interested in Oxford’s history. The moderate pace and small group size create an atmosphere conducive to questions and personalized insights.

Value for Money

At approximately $41, the tour offers good value, especially considering the included admissions, expert guidance, and the fun, interactive elements like quizzes. The reviews highlight that guides often go above and beyond, weaving personal anecdotes and insider stories into the experience. For Harry Potter fans, this tour is an immersive way to walk in the footsteps of film magic while soaking up Oxford’s historic vibe.

Potential Drawbacks

Some visitors noted that certain sites, such as the Bodleian Library, were closed during their visit, which can be disappointing. However, the tour provider clearly communicates this possibility and offers full refunds if closures impact your experience significantly. Also, the Radcliffe Camera’s interior isn’t open to the public without special access, so expectations should be managed accordingly.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This walk is ideal for Harry Potter enthusiasts eager to see filming locations firsthand, as well as history buffs curious about Oxford’s storied past. Families with children often find the quiz and engaging storytelling a perfect mix of education and entertainment. It’s also suitable for those on a tight schedule—1.5 hours makes it a great addition to a day exploring Oxford.

This tour benefits from guides who are passionate and well-informed, often sharing behind-the-scenes secrets that you won’t find in guidebooks. While not all locations are accessible, the combination of outdoor sights, historic interiors, and movie trivia offers a balanced experience that’s both fun and educational.

Final Thoughts: Is it Worth It?

This Harry Potter walking tour offers a delightful blend of film history, architectural beauty, and Oxford’s literary heritage. It’s a solid choice for fans wanting a guided look into the movie series’ filming locations, with the added bonus of learning about Oxford’s place in children’s literature.

The tour’s strength lies in its expert guides, many of whom are university students, delivering insider stories with wit and charm. The inclusion of entrance fees, manageable length, and small groups make it a practical and enjoyable experience. Although some sites may be temporarily closed or not accessible, the overall package remains a valuable and memorable way to experience Oxford beyond just sightseeing.

This tour is best suited for those who appreciate storytelling, love Harry Potter, or want a guided introduction to Oxford’s historic and literary sights. If you’re after a fun, compact, and insightful experience, this tour will enchant you—and likely leave you wanting more of the city’s magical charm.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, which is perfect for fitting into a day of sightseeing without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
Admission to the Bodleian Library and at least two Oxford University buildings is included. Entrance to certain sites like Radcliffe Camera is not guaranteed.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, many guides are Oxford students who share insider tips, fun facts, and personal stories, making the experience engaging and authentic.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Absolutely. The fun quiz and lively storytelling make it appealing for families with kids, usually suitable for most ages.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. If you need to reschedule, you can do so with a small additional fee.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Oxford Tourist Information and ends at Meadow Building, both centrally located for easy access.

Is it accessible for people with limited mobility?
While the tour involves walking through historic sites, the pace is moderate, but some locations may have uneven surfaces or steps.

What if some locations are closed?
The tour provider will notify you of any closures in advance and offer a full refund if it affects your experience significantly.

Do guides tell a lot of Harry Potter trivia?
Yes, guides share plenty of film-related stories, behind-the-scenes gossip, and fun facts that appeal to fans and newcomers alike.

Would you recommend this tour?
Based on reviews and the experience described, it’s highly recommended for Harry Potter fans, history enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a lively, guided introduction to Oxford’s iconic sites.

This walk balances the thrill of Harry Potter magic with the beauty and history of Oxford. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or just curious about this famed city, it’s a delightful way to spend a memorable few hours.