Harry Potter PUBLIC Tour + Self Guided Christ church Daily 12.45

Discover the Ultimate Harry Potter Tour in Oxford for Fans and Curious Visitors

The Harry Potter PUBLIC Tour + Self Guided Christ church Daily 12.45 offers a comprehensive exploration of Oxford’s most famous film locations and historic colleges. Priced at $109.04 per person, this 3-hour experience combines a guided walking tour with self-guided access to Christ Church College, one of the key inspirations behind Hogwarts’ Great Hall. This tour is perfect for Harry Potter enthusiasts eager to uncover behind-the-scenes secrets and for those interested in Oxford’s iconic architecture and storied past.

A significant highlight is the entry into the Divinity School at the Bodleian Library, where Hogwarts’ corridors come alive on screen. While the tour provides pre-booked tickets, note that guided inside the Bodleian medieval library is not included. The tour’s structure balances guided storytelling with self-guided exploration, making it flexible for varying interests. Expect a well-planned itinerary that may slightly run over the estimated three hours, but always offers plenty of time at each location.

This experience is highly rated, with a perfect 5.0 rating from 78 reviews and 94% of participants recommending it. The tour suits fans of Harry Potter, history buffs, and curious visitors who want an efficient way to see Oxford’s famed sites through a Harry Potter lens. Keep in mind that booking is on average 36 days in advance, and tickets include multiple entry fees to save on costs, with some restrictions on closures during holidays or special dates.

Key Points

• Affordable and well-structured 3-hour tour combining guided and self-guided elements
• Entry to Christ Church College included, with pre-booked tickets for self-guided exploration
• Visits to the Divinity School at Bodleian Library, with a small additional fee
• Passes by notable Oxford sights, including The Turf Tavern and Lincoln College
• Insightful guides who share Harry Potter trivia, film secrets, and Oxford history
• Limited inside access to Bodleian’s medieval library, with alternative visits if closed

Starting at the Heart of Oxford: Christ Church Entrance and Self-Guided Tour

The tour begins at 15-16 Broad Street, Oxford, promptly at 12:45 pm. You are dropped off at Christ Church, where entry is included in the ticket price, valued at around £17-18. The first part of the experience involves a guided walk around the college’s stunning architecture, with a focus on its role in inspiring the Hogwarts Great Hall.

Once inside Christ Church, self-guided audio guides allow you to explore at your own pace. While guided inside Christ Church is not permitted, the pre-booked tickets ensure smooth entry, even if online tickets sell out. If Christ Church is unavailable, the tour offers alternative visits to New College, renowned for scenes from “Goblet of Fire,” with a small extra fee paid on-site. Be aware that New College’s opening hours vary seasonally, and it may be closed on certain Mondays during winter.

Exploring the Bodleian Library’s Divinity School Film Site

A key highlight is the Divinity School at the Bodleian Library, where Harry Potter’s Hogwarts corridors come alive on screen. The £3 entry fee is included, allowing access when it’s open. The guide introduces the site’s film history and its role in the franchise, although interior visits to the Bodleian’s medieval library are not part of the tour, as access is restricted.

On days when the Divinity School is closed, your guide will instead show New College’s film site. If both sites are closed, the tour proceeds with just the exterior views and other Oxford landmarks. This flexibility ensures you still get a meaningful experience, but it’s advisable to check for closures, especially around holidays or graduation dates.

Passing Iconic Oxford Sights and Harry Potter Filming Locations

Throughout the walk, the guide points out famous colleges and landmarks, such as Lincoln College, home to the Slytherin Prime Minister student and where children’s author Dr. Seuss was a Rhodes Scholar. The Oxford Covered Market provides a brief stop to see Harry Potter-themed cakes and Alice in Wonderland references, connecting Oxford’s literary history.

The Turf Tavern, a hidden-away pub often likened to the “Three Broomsticks,” is introduced as a filming location where Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid) used to drink while filming nearby. While not entered, the walk-by offers a chance to appreciate its secretive charm. Other colleges like All Souls and Tolkien’s old teaching spots are briefly mentioned, giving context to Oxford’s literary and political history.

Visiting Oxford’s Famous Colleges: Lincoln, Lincolnshire, and More

A brief stop outside Lincoln College offers photo opportunities, as long as the entrance is open. This college is notable for studies by figures like David Cameron and J.R.R. Tolkien. It’s also linked to the current Slytherin Prime Minister’s alma mater and the author of Dr. Seuss.

The tour also passes Oxford’s historic Covered Market, the oldest in England, where Harry Potter-themed chocolates are on display. The market’s historic charm and literary connections—such as references to Alice in Wonderland—add depth to your visit.

Other colleges like All Souls and St. Mary the Virgin Church are highlighted for their architectural features and links to Shakespeare and Tolkien, with emphasis on their unique towers and historical significance. The guide shares interesting tidbits about notable alumni and stories associated with these sites.

The Self-Guided Exploration of Christ Church College

After the guided tour, self-guided access allows you to wander Christ Church College independently, at your own pace. You can explore the Great Hall, which inspired Hogwarts’ dining hall, and the cathedral with its stunning architecture.

Tickets for Christ Church are valid until about 4:30 pm during summer, and visitors can pay on the door if they wish to extend their visit. It’s worth noting that Christ Church Hall may be closed on specific dates, so check ahead to avoid disappointment.

Tour Logistics: Group Size, Booking, and Accessibility

The tour operates with a maximum of 20 travelers, maintaining a comfortable group size for easy interaction with guides. It departs promptly at 12:45 pm, so arriving 5 minutes early is recommended.

The tour features mobile tickets for convenient entry, and guides are known for their friendly, informative style, often sharing personal insights about Oxford and Harry Potter trivia. Weather can impact the experience, with guides sometimes dressing up or offering extra props to enhance the fun, though rainy days may limit certain photo opportunities.

Value for Money and Additional Costs

The ticket price of $109.04 covers entry fees worth up to £27 and guide services, providing good value considering the sites visited. However, not all inside areas, like the Bodleian’s medieval library, are accessible, and some stops like New College may involve extra costs if visited during closures.

The tour is ideal for those wanting a balanced experience, combining Harry Potter film sites with Oxford history and architecture. For visitors seeking more Harry Potter trivia and hands-on fun, other specialized tours might be more suitable, but this experience offers a solid overview with flexible self-guided time.

Final Thoughts on the Harry Potter Oxford Tour

This tour delivers a well-organized, informative, and friendly introduction to Oxford’s Harry Potter filming locations and historic colleges. The combination of guided storytelling and self-guided exploration maximizes flexibility, while the inclusion of Christ Church entry offers significant value.

Guide quality is consistently praised, with enthusiastic, knowledgeable guides making the experience engaging. The scenic routes, iconic sites, and literary connections make it especially appealing for Harry Potter fans and literature lovers.

While interior access to some locations is limited and the tour may run over schedule, the overall experience remains a strong choice for visiting Oxford through a Harry Potter lens. It’s especially suited for those who want a manageable, affordable, and memorable way to explore the city’s magic and history in just a few hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is appropriate for families, though some locations involve walking and stairs, which could be tiring for very young or frail individuals.

Are inside visits to Bodleian Library included?
No, the interior of Bodleian’s medieval library is not accessible as guided tours do not have permission, but the Divinity School film site is included with an extra fee.

Can I visit New College if Christ Church is closed?
Yes, New College can be visited separately by paying on the door, provided it’s open during your visit.

How long do I have inside Christ Church?
You can explore Christ Church at your own pace until about 4:30 pm during summer months, with tickets valid for self-guided visits.

What if I arrive late for the tour?
The tour starts promptly at 12:45 pm, so arriving 5 minutes early is recommended to ensure full participation.

Is this tour worth the price?
Considering the entry fees included, the knowledgeable guides, and the self-guided flexibility, most find this tour offers good value, especially for Harry Potter fans wanting a quick, comprehensive view of Oxford’s film locations and historic sites.