Oxford: Harry Potter Film Sites Tour & Divinity School Entry

Summary

Walk Oxford’s famous colleges & see Hogwarts film spots up close

You’ll step through real Harry Potter filming sites in Oxford with a local guide who knows every story and shortcut. See inside the Bodleian Library’s Divinity School (entry included), stroll past iconic colleges and quirky corners, try Hogwarts-themed treats in the market, and feel that mix of history and movie magic come alive around you.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget stepping into the Divinity School at the Bodleian Library — that echo of shoes on stone, the kind of hush that makes you whisper even if you don’t have to. Our guide, Anna, grinned when she caught me gawking at the ceiling (she called it “fan vaulting,” which I’d never heard of). She told us how they filmed Hogwarts hospital scenes right here. I could almost picture Madam Pomfrey bustling past. It was chilly in there, but not in a bad way — more like the air was holding stories.

We wandered out past Radcliffe Camera and the Bridge of Sighs. Anna had all these little tidbits about student life at Oxford — apparently, Tolkien and Rowling both have their own college connections. There was a moment outside Balliol College where a group of students rushed by in robes and trainers, laughing about something I didn’t catch. It felt oddly normal and magical at the same time. We stopped by a pub alleyway that she said looked like Knockturn Alley; honestly, I could see it. The smell of coffee from somewhere mixed with rain on old stone — classic English weather, but somehow it fit.

At one point we ducked into the Covered Market for “Hogwarts cakes” (I’m still not sure what was in mine — definitely chocolate). Anna tried to get us to say some Latin motto from Trinity College; Li laughed when I tried to repeat it (probably butchered it). The tour kept moving but never felt rushed — maybe because every corner seemed to have another story or film reference tucked away. When the Divinity School is closed, they take you into New College instead; Anna said that’s where they filmed bits of Goblet of Fire. So yeah, either way you get a real taste of Harry Potter’s Oxford.

I keep thinking about that ceiling in the Divinity School and how I felt just standing there for a minute after everyone else had moved on. If you’re even half a fan, or just curious about Oxford’s layers, this day trip from central Oxford is worth it for those small moments alone.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Oxford Harry Potter and University Tour

• See inside Divinity School at Bodleian Library
• Pass by Radcliffe Camera
• Pass by University Church
• Pass by Bridge of Sighs
• Pass by multiple Oxford colleges
• Visit Sheldonian Theatre
• Visit New College and learn Goblet of Fire stories
• See alleyway like Knockturn Alley and Three Broomsticks pub
• Pass by Balliol College
• Pass by Trinity College
• Pass by JK Rowling's applied college
• Visit Tolkien's college
• Pass by other colleges on route
• Check Hogwarts cakes inside Oxford Covered Market
• Visit college of Dr Seuss writer
• Pass by All Souls College
• Visit church where CS Lewis preached and look for Mr Tumnis

Top questions

Is entry to the Divinity School included in this Harry Potter tour?

Yes, entry to the Divinity School at the Bodleian Library is included unless it is closed; then New College is offered as an alternative (extra fee may apply).

How long does this Oxford Harry Potter walking tour last?

The tour usually lasts between 90 and 120 minutes.

What happens if the Divinity School is closed during my visit?

If closed, your guide will offer entry to New College instead—note there may be an extra cost for New College entry.

Do we go inside any other Oxford colleges on this tour?

You’ll see many famous colleges from outside; entry inside depends on closures and ticket options for specific dates.

Is this Harry Potter tour suitable for kids?

Yes, families with children are welcome—infants can ride in strollers or prams too.

Where does this walking tour start?

The meeting point is central Oxford—exact details are given when you book; please arrive 5 minutes early.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

Yes, most routes are wheelchair accessible and suitable for prams or strollers.

Will we visit Duke Humfrey's Library during this tour?

No private guiding is allowed inside Duke Humfrey's Library; separate tickets must be booked directly if you wish to visit it after age 12+.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walking through central Oxford’s Harry Potter film locations with stories from your local guide, entry fees for either the Divinity School at Bodleian Library or New College (if applicable), plus stops by iconic sights like Radcliffe Camera and Bridge of Sighs—and even time for Hogwarts-themed treats in the Covered Market before wrapping up near your starting point.