Oxford: Harry Potter Walking Tour & New College Entry

Summary

Wander Oxford’s wizarding sites with a student storyteller

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto a film set as you wander Oxford’s medieval colleges with a student guide, explore New College cloisters where scenes were filmed, peek inside the Bodleian Library, and hear quirky stories tying together magic, history, and literature. Expect laughter, unexpected trivia, and glimpses of real university life woven through every stop.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it — I signed up for this Harry Potter walking tour in Oxford mostly out of curiosity (and maybe nostalgia). But the moment we met our guide outside Blackwell’s, who was already waving a battered quiz sheet and cracking some truly questionable puns, I felt that weird tingle of excitement. The city’s old stones looked different when you’re half-expecting to spot a broomstick overhead. Even the air smelled like wet paperbacks and coffee drifting from the bookshop door.

We ducked into the Bodleian Library, which honestly feels like it could swallow you whole if you wandered too far from the group. Our guide — Tom, an actual Oxford student — pointed at a row of ancient books and started talking about alchemy and astrology being real fields of study here until not that long ago. It was wild thinking how close magic and science used to be. Someone asked about Divinity School access, but Tom shrugged and said during summer it’s almost always closed for events. He didn’t sugarcoat anything, which I appreciated.

The highlight for me was stepping through New College cloisters. The light bounced off those pale stones in a way that made everything look just slightly unreal — or maybe I was just getting carried away by all the film references. There was this moment where Tom tried to get us to reenact a scene (I won’t say which), and half the group just dissolved into laughter. I’m still not sure if my wand technique would pass muster at Hogwarts.

We wandered past Radcliffe Camera (can’t go inside unless you’re a student), but hearing about secret tunnels underfoot made me want to peer down every drain cover. There were little asides about Tolkien meeting C.S. Lewis nearby — apparently over pints, not butterbeer — and how even non-Potterheads end up loving these stories because they’re stitched right into Oxford’s streets. By the end, my feet hurt but my brain was fizzing with trivia I never expected to care about. So yeah, if you’ve got even a flicker of curiosity or just want to see Oxford through someone else’s eyes, this is worth your time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Oxford's Harry Potter sites

• Visit Blackwells bookshop
• Tour Bodleian Library
• Learn about magic studies at Oxford
• Explore New College medieval cloisters
• See Radcliffe Camera exterior
• View CS Lewis inspirational door
• Visit oldest University site used in filming

Top questions

Is entry to New College included on the Harry Potter walking tour?

Yes, entry to New College is included during the tour.

Can visitors go inside the Bodleian Library on this tour?

The tour includes access inside parts of the Bodleian Library unless closures apply; Divinity School access may be limited in peak season.

Does this Oxford Harry Potter tour include Radcliffe Camera entry?

No, Radcliffe Camera is only viewed from outside as entry requires a library or student pass.

Is the tour suitable for children or families?

Yes, infants can ride in prams or strollers and specialized infant seats are available.

Are there references to other books besides Harry Potter?

Yes, stories from Alice in Wonderland, The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings and more are included.

How long is the walk between stops on this day trip?

The walking distances are moderate; travelers should have at least moderate fitness.

Is this Harry Potter walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible throughout central Oxford locations.

What happens if parts of colleges are closed during peak season?

Your guide will inform you honestly about any closures; some areas like Divinity School may not be accessible in summer months due to high demand.

What’s included

Your day includes entry fees for New College and selected areas of Bodleian Library (subject to availability), guidance from an Oxford student who brings plenty of stories (and puns), plus time exploring iconic filming locations around central Oxford on foot.