Harry Potter PRIVATE Tour + Self Guided Christ church Daily 12.45

Discover Oxford’s Harry Potter and Literary Landmarks with a Private Guide

This Harry Potter PRIVATE Tour offers a personalized exploration of Oxford’s iconic film locations and literary connections. Priced at $137.16 per person, the tour lasts around 3 hours to 3 hours 20 minutes, making it a manageable yet immersive experience. You’ll visit the Divinity School of Bodleian Library, Christ Church College, and other famous sights, with guaranteed entry to Christ Church. The tour begins at 12:45 pm from 15-16 Broad Street and ends outside Christ Church College, making it easy to plan your day around this captivating adventure.

What truly sets this tour apart is its private format, allowing for a more flexible and tailored experience. The guide shares enthralling stories about J.R.R. Tolkien, Lewis Carroll, and C.S. Lewis, along with the Harry Potter filming sites. The self-guided audio tour of Christ Church offers freedom to explore at your own pace after the guided portion, with pre-booked tickets ensuring you avoid long lines—though you should book well in advance to secure entry, especially in peak seasons.

While the tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides and engaging storytelling, it is designed for those with a genuine interest in Harry Potter and Oxford’s literary history. Please note that some parts of the Bodleian Library, such as the Duke Humfreys Library, are not included, and guided entry to Christ Church can be subject to availability depending on when you book.

Key Points

• Private guided tour lasting about 3 hours, starting at 12:45 pm in Oxford’s city center
• Includes entry to Christ Church College and the Divinity School of Bodleian Library
• Self-guided audio tour at Christ Church with guaranteed pre-booked tickets
• Designed for Harry Potter fans and literary enthusiasts, with engaging storytelling by knowledgeable guides
• Group discounts available, with options for mobile tickets and booking 43 days in advance
• Tour covers famous Oxford sights, with some external-only visits to colleges like New College and Lincoln College

Meet at the Heart of Oxford: Broad Street Starting Point

The tour begins at 15-16 Broad Street, a central meeting point in Oxford’s bustling city center. It is recommended to arrive 5 minutes early to avoid missing the start, especially if you’re driving or using public transportation. The tour proceeds on foot, with easy access via public transit or parking at nearby park-and-ride facilities, as Oxford’s streets can be congested.

The guide leads your group through Oxford’s historic streets, providing context and stories about the city’s role in literature and film. Most participants find that arriving early improves the experience, as the tour is strictly punctual and small group sizes help maintain a personalized atmosphere.

Exploring Christ Church: The Harry Potter Filming Location and Beyond

Christ Church College is the highlight for many visitors. The entry fee of £17-18 (included in your ticket) grants access to its famous Great Hall, staircase, and cloisters, which feature prominently in the Harry Potter films. The guided portion lasts about two hours, during which the guide explains the college’s history, its connections to the novels, and the filming secrets behind many scenes.

After the guided part, you receive a self-guided audio tour of Christ Church, allowing you to explore the college’s interior at your own pace. This audio guide is pre-booked, which is crucial during busy periods, even if tickets are showing as sold out on the college’s website. Be aware that interior access to the hall might be limited or only possible from certain entrances, depending on the date.

Inside the Bodleian Library and Its Film Connection

The tour includes a visit to the Divinity School of the Bodleian Library, a film site used in Harry Potter for the Hogwarts infirmary scenes. The £3 entry fee is included in your ticket, and the guide will take you inside as and when the site is open. The Divinity School is a stunning medieval hall, with its fan-vaulted ceiling and historic stonework.

Please note, the Bodleian’s Duke Humfreys Library is not accessible to guided tours or children under 11, and the medieval library itself is not part of the tour. If the Divinity School is closed on your visit, the tour substitutes a visit to New College, another Harry Potter filming site, with tickets available on the door.

External Passes and the Charm of Oxford Colleges

The route briefly passes by various colleges, including New College and Lincoln College. At New College, visitors see the exterior filming locations from “The Goblet of Fire” and learn about the college’s other famous alumni like J.R.R. Tolkien and Lawrence of Arabia. Entry to New College can be purchased separately for around £8, with last entries at 4:30 pm.

The tour also features a walk past Lincoln College, where the current Slytherin Prime Minister studied. Outside, photos can be taken at the entrance, and the guide shares brief stories about the college’s history. From here, the tour moves through Oxford’s historic streets, pointing out landmarks connected to Shakespeare, William Golding, and Adam Smith.

The Quirky Charm of Oxford: Pubs and Hidden Gems

Although the Turf Tavern is not visited inside**, the guide introduces it as Oxford’s “Three Broomsticks”, a pub where Hagrid actor Robbie Coltrane used to drink during filming. The alleyway location has an authentic, magical feel, and the guide shares fun anecdotes about the filming process.

Throughout the walking route, several colleges and sights are mentioned briefly, including All Souls College, recognized for its “W”-shaped towers—a detail linked to wizards and witches. The tour also highlights Christ Church’s 13th-century church and the story of Shakespeare’s connection to Oxford, adding layers of literary and cinematic history.

The Market and the Pop Culture Connection

A brief visit to Oxford Covered Market, the oldest in England, offers a look at Harry Potter-themed chocolates and Alice in Wonderland displays. The market, dating back to 1263, features characters and artifacts that tie into Oxford’s literary heritage. This stop is quick but offers a fun break for photos and snacks.

Accessibility and Practical Tips for Visitors

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed and public transportation nearby. It is recommended to arrive early due to strict start times and potential delays in entering colleges or the Bodleian. For drivers, Oxford’s streets are congested, and parking can be challenging; park-and-ride options are advised, with buses into the city.

If you’re planning to visit other colleges like New College, note their opening hours and possibility of additional ticket costs. The tour’s strict schedule ensures a smooth experience, but late arrivals will miss out on parts of the experience.

The Benefits of a Private Tour Experience

The private format ensures small group sizes, which improve the quality of storytelling and allow for personalized questions. The guides are praised for being knowledgeable, friendly, and entertaining, making even the most complex stories accessible.

With group discounts available, this tour offers excellent value for fans eager to explore Oxford’s Harry Potter filming sites and literary landmarks without the hassle of large crowds. The focus on Harry Potter and classic Oxford sights makes it a particularly appealing choice for fans of the films and books.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour covers many key sites, some attractions like the Duke Humfreys Library are not included, and interior access to certain parts of Christ Church can be limited depending on the day. The cost of entry tickets outside the package (e.g., for New College) is not included unless paid separately.

Booking well in advance is strongly recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure entry tickets and avoid long queues. The tour does not offer refunds unless cancellations are made 24 hours in advance, so planning ahead ensures a smooth experience.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour the Most?

This Harry Potter PRIVATE Tour is ideal for fans of Harry Potter and Oxford’s literary history who want a personalized, in-depth experience. It suits families with children, literature buffs, and film enthusiasts alike. The small group setting and engaging storytelling make it accessible and fun for all ages.

It is especially beneficial for those wanting guaranteed access to Christ Church and the Bodleian Library’s film sites, with guides providing interesting anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories. Advance booking is essential to ensure all desired sites are included.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the ticket price?
The ticket covers entry to Christ Church College (including the hall), the Divinity School of Bodleian Library when open, and up to £27 in total entry fees per person. The self-guided audio tour of Christ Church is also part of the package.

Can I visit New College after the tour?
Yes, New College can be visited separately after the tour by paying on the door. The last entry is around 4:30 pm during the summer.

Is the Bodleian Library interior accessible?
The Divinity School is accessible when open and is included in the tour. However, other parts like the Duke Humfreys Library are not open to guided tours or children under 11.

What happens if Christ Church tickets are sold out?
The tour has VIP access to purchase tickets up to 3 hours before the start, even if the website indicates sold-out tickets. If tickets are unavailable, the guide will inform you of alternative options.

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is approximately 3 hours to 3 hours 20 minutes, with about two hours guided and an hour self-guided at Christ Church.

Are there group discounts available?
Yes, group discounts are offered, and the small group size enhances the personalized experience.

What is the best way to arrive in Oxford?
Public transportation, especially train services, is recommended for speed and reliability. If driving, plan for extra time due to congested roads and limited parking; park-and-ride options are advised.

What should I bring or prepare for the tour?
Arrive early and wear comfortable walking shoes. Having a smartphone or audio device ready for the self-guided portion enhances the experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is child-friendly, especially for Harry Potter fans, with snacks and dress-up opportunities. The guide’s engaging storytelling makes it enjoyable for families and teenagers.

This private Harry Potter tour in Oxford offers a compelling blend of film locations, literary insights, and historical sights. With expert guides, guaranteed college entry, and personalized service, it stands out as a top choice for fans eager to see the magic behind the movies and stories.