Oxford Harry Potter Insights entry to Divinity School PUBLIC Tour

Unlock the Magic of Oxford with the Harry Potter Insights Tour

For fans of Harry Potter and lovers of Oxford’s historic charm, the Oxford Harry Potter Insights entry to Divinity School PUBLIC Tour offers an engaging way to explore the city’s connection to the wizarding world and legendary authors. Priced at $51.48 per person, this 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours tour operates with a passionate guide, who tailors the experience to your interests. With over 1,000 reviews recommending it and a rating of 4.5/5, it remains a popular choice for families, Harry Potter enthusiasts, and history buffs alike.

This guided walking tour begins outside the Oxford Visitor Information Center and takes you through iconic university landmarks, with a special focus on Harry Potter filming locations. Included in the price is entry worth £3 inside the Divinity School at Bodleian Library, where scenes from Hogwarts’ infirmary and classrooms were filmed. While the tour lasts around 90-120 minutes, it offers a flexible and informative experience, though some dates when the Divinity School is closed may replace this stop with New College at an additional cost.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $51.48 and lasts about 90 to 120 minutes.
• Main Highlights: Visits Harry Potter filming sites, the inside of Divinity School, plus viewpoints of Oxford landmarks like the Radcliffe Camera and Bridge of Sighs.
• Expert Guides: Guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and adept at sharing stories about Oxford’s literary legends like J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Lewis Carroll.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for all ages, with a focus on Harry Potter fans and those interested in Oxford’s history.
• Booking Notice: Book 28 days in advance on average; group sizes are limited to 20 travelers, ensuring a personal experience.
• Accessibility and Closures: The tour is near public transportation and allows service animals. Be aware that on certain dates, Divinity School is closed, and the tour may replace this with New College visit.

Exploring Oxford’s Harry Potter Filming Locations

The tour’s core focus is on filming locations used in the Harry Potter films, making it particularly appealing for fans eager to see real sites from the movies. The guide leads you through recognizable spots that have appeared in the films, explaining their significance and stories behind the scenes. The highlight is inside the Divinity School at Bodleian Library, where scenes of Hogwarts’ infirmary and classrooms were shot. The included entry fee of £3 enhances the experience, although visitors cannot go inside the medieval library itself due to restrictions.

If Divinity School is closed on your selected date, the tour instead visits New College, which is open until 4:30 pm and costs £8 for entry. This flexibility ensures that guests still enjoy an enriching experience, even on days with closures.

The Route: From Bodleian to Oxford Landmarks

The tour starts at the Oxford Visitor Information Center, where guides in Harry Potter-inspired cloaks greet and prepare you for the walk. From there, the route covers the Bodleian Library, where you see the iconic Divinity School, and proceeds past Oxford’s main sights such as the Radcliffe Camera, University Church, Bridge of Sighs, and various university colleges.

You’ll learn about the history of Oxford University, its numerous literary legends, and how J.K. Rowling chose Oxford as the setting for her stories. The guide shares insider stories about the stages of Harry Potter filming and the inspiration behind the scenes. The tour finishes back at the original meeting point on Broad Street.

Unique Stops: From Sheldonian to New College

One of the tour highlights is the Sheldonian Theatre, a famous Oxford landmark, where you learn about its role in university ceremonies. The walkthrough briefly introduces New College, known for its connection to the filming of Harry Potter’s Goblet of Fire. Visitors can opt to visit New College after the tour, as it remains open until 4:30 pm and charges an additional £8 entry fee.

The Turf pub is also featured as a visual of Knockturn Alley, adding a fun touch for Harry Potter fans. The pub’s reputation as Oxford’s Three Broomsticks makes it a memorable point of reference. Other college stops include Exeter College, where Tolkien studied, and Lincoln College, associated with Dr. Seuss’s author.

Inside the Divinity School: Film Set and Heritage

The Divinity School at Bodleian Library is the most notable interior visited during the tour. Known for its stunning medieval architecture, it served as Hogwarts infirmary and classroom in the films. The £3 entry fee is included in the ticket, allowing visitors to see the space where Harry and friends learned magic. Due to restrictions, private guided tours inside the medieval library are unavailable, but the exterior and interior scenes provide ample visual delight.

On days when the Divinity School is closed, the visit switches to New College, which has its own Harry Potter connection and welcomes visitors until mid-afternoon.

The Role of Guides: Knowledgeable and Enthusiastic

Guides are praised for their depth of knowledge and friendly demeanor. Several reviews highlight guides like Peter and Michiel, who bring stories to life with humor and passion. They provide insider gossip about the films and the university, as well as stories about Oxford’s literary giants like CS Lewis, Tolkien, and Lewis Carroll.

Guests appreciate guides who can tailor the tour to interests, whether focusing more on Harry Potter or Oxford’s history. The group size of up to 20 helps keep the experience intimate and interactive.

Booking, Accessibility, and Closure Notices

Reservations should be made around 28 days in advance, and the tour begins at 12:45 pm from 15-16 Broad Street. The tour’s public tickets include mobile access and group discounts. The tour is accessible, with service animals permitted and close proximity to public transportation.

Potential visitors should check closure dates for the Divinity School—notably on May 16-17, 31; July 19, 29; August 1-2, 9; September 26-27; and November 7-15, 2025. On these days, the tour offers alternative visits to New College at a small extra fee.

Final Thoughts: A Solid Choice for Fans and Historians

The Oxford Harry Potter Insights Tour provides a well-rounded, engaging experience that combines film sites, university history, and literary stories. Its affordable price and included entry to the Divinity School make it a noteworthy option for Harry Potter fans eager to see real filming locations. The guided narration by enthusiastic, knowledgeable guides elevates the experience, especially for those keen on Oxford’s literary heritage.

While some may wish for a longer tour or deeper exploration of Oxford’s history, the efficient route and clear focus on Harry Potter and Oxford’s famous colleges make this tour a memorable highlight for most visitors. It’s particularly suited for families, film fans, and literature enthusiasts looking for a fun, informative walk through one of England’s most historic cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and suitable for children over 6 years old, especially those interested in Harry Potter.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 90 to 120 minutes, with some variation depending on the day and stops.

Does the tour include inside visits?
Yes, it includes entry to the Divinity School at Bodleian Library, valued at £3, but not inside the medieval library itself.

What happens if the Divinity School is closed?
The tour replaces the visit to Divinity School with a visit to New College at an additional cost of £8.

Can I customize the tour?
Guides are known for tailoring the experience to guests’ interests, especially if they ask questions about Oxford’s literary history or Harry Potter.

Are group discounts available?
Yes, the tour offers group discounts and mobile ticketing for convenience.

How far in advance should I book?
It is recommended to book about 28 days in advance, as this experience is quite popular.

What are the tour’s start and end locations?
The tour starts at 15-16 Broad Street and ends nearby at Bodleian Library on Broad Street.

Is the tour accessible for all?
Yes, it is near public transportation, service animals are allowed, and the walking route is manageable for most.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund.

Would you recommend this tour?
Absolutely, especially for Harry Potter fans and history lovers, due to the knowledgeable guides and beautiful sites.