Oxford: Harry Potter Tour Public New College Tour

Explore the Magic of Oxford’s Harry Potter Film Sites for $53

This Harry Potter tour in Oxford offers a 105-minute guided experience focusing on New College, one of the key film sites in the beloved series. Priced at $53 per person, the tour combines a walk through medieval halls and gardens with behind-the-scenes insights from expert guides. It’s a perfect choice for fans eager to see iconic locations where scenes like Malfoy’s transfiguration take place.

The tour includes entry to New College valued at up to £12.50, making it a good deal for those interested in both the magic on screen and the historic university grounds. The guide’s engaging narration and brief walking pace make this tour suitable for most visitors, including those with limited time. A notable feature is the option to add self-guided entry to the Bodleian Divinity School at just £2.50 at the end, allowing fans to extend their Harry Potter experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $53 and lasts 105 minutes, balancing a comprehensive experience with a manageable schedule.
• Filming Location Focus: The visit centers on New College, where iconic Harry Potter scenes, such as Malfoy’s transformation, are filmed.
• Expert Guide: Knowledgeable guides share exciting facts and trivia about the film sites and Oxford’s Harry Potter connections.
• Included Entry: Tour price includes entry to New College, valued at £12.50, with optional access to Bodleian’s Divinity School for £2.50.
• Limited Access in Holidays: Please note New College may close during Christmas from around December 21 to January 3, affecting access.
• Private Bookings: The tour now operates mainly for private groups to ensure a personalized experience due to competition.
• Meeting Point: The tour departs from outside the Oxford tourist info centre at 15 Broad St, marked by a black sign and identified by guides wearing red ‘I love Oxford’ lanyards or Hogwarts gowns.
• Accessibility and Flexibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, free cancellable up to 24 hours in advance, and allows reservations without immediate payment.

Inside New College: The Heart of the Harry Potter Tour

The main attraction of this tour is inside New College, which served as a key filming location for the Harry Potter series. Visitors walk through the cloisters where the scene of Malfoy’s transfiguration was filmed, making it instantly recognizable for fans. When the cloister is open, it’s a highlight to see where the magic was captured on camera.

The medieval halls and gardens surrounding New College add to the historic charm of the location. These sites are not only film locations but also part of Oxford’s broader university traditions, offering a rich setting for fans and history enthusiasts alike.

The Guide’s Role in Bringing Harry Potter to Life

Guides leading the tour are expert storytellers, providing insightful facts and trivia about the film series and the university’s connections to Harry Potter. Their engaging narration helps visitors understand the film production process as they walk past filming locations and learn exciting behind-the-scenes stories.

The guides also clarify access details—such as when the cloister may be closed during official events, including graduations or Christmas holidays. This transparency allows visitors to plan accordingly and set expectations.

Visiting the Film Locations at New College

The tour highlights key scenes filmed at New College, especially the cloisters where memorable moments like Malfoy’s transformation happen. The guide explains why Oxford’s architecture is ideal for the wizarding world, helping fans appreciate the film’s visual choices.

If the cloister is temporarily closed during the visit, the tour proceeds without it but still covers the surrounding grounds and historic halls. This flexibility ensures a meaningful experience regardless of occasional closures.

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Add-On Access to Bodleian’s Divinity School for £2.50

At the conclusion of the tour, visitors may choose to visit the Bodleian Divinity School, a renowned filming location for Hogwarts’ interior scenes. The self-guided entry costs just £2.50 and is not included in the main tour price. This allows fans to extend their exploration and see the beautiful medieval architecture that served as Hogwarts’ classroom in the films.

Note that the medieval library inside the Bodleian is not accessible as it is closed to children under 11 and not part of guided tours. Entry to Christ Church College is also not included but can be experienced via alternative tours.

Meeting and Starting the Tour

The tour begins outside the Oxford tourist info centre at 15 Broad St, near the Oxfam shop. Guides are easy to spot, wearing Hogwarts gowns or red ‘I love Oxford’ lanyards. Arriving promptly ensures a smooth start to this engaging experience.

Practicalities: Booking, Cancellations, and Accessibility

Reservations can be made without immediate payment, allowing flexibility. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a range of visitors.

However, potential closure dates for New College during Christmas or graduation periods should be checked in advance, as access can be affected.

Comparing This Tour to Other Oxford Harry Potter Experiences

While this tour focuses exclusively on New College, it offers a more personalized experience through private bookings. It’s ideal for fans who want to see specific film locations rather than the entire university.

Other tours in Oxford may include Christ Church or broader university highlights, but this experience emphasizes the magic of New College’s film sites and the expert storytelling that enriches the visit.

Final Thoughts on the Oxford Harry Potter Tour at New College

Priced at $53, this tour provides value for money considering the entry included and the expert guidance. It’s a condensed yet capturing experience for Harry Potter fans interested primarily in filming locations and Oxford’s historic architecture.

The limited access during holidays and focus on New College make it less suitable for those wanting a broad university tour, but it excels for fans craving specific film site insights. The option to visit Bodleian’s Divinity School adds a nice extension for those wanting more Harry Potter sights.

This tour best suits fans of the series who appreciate history and architecture and prefer a small, private group experience. It offers a well-organized, engaging, and affordable way to connect with the wizarding world embedded in Oxford’s historic streets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is entry to New College included in the tour?
Yes, entry to New College is included and valued at up to £12.50.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 105 minutes.

Can I visit the Bodleian Divinity School after the tour?
Yes, for £2.50, you can self-guide into the Bodleian Divinity School at the end of the tour.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is outside the Oxford tourist info centre at 15 Broad St, near the Oxfam shop.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Are there any closures I should be aware of?
New College may close during Christmas (around December 21 to January 3) or on graduation days, which could affect access.

How do I pay for the tour?
You can reserve without paying upfront and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I book this tour for a private group?
Yes, due to high demand, the tour is mainly available for private group bookings to ensure a personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby