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Oxford Harry Potter Insights entry to Divinity School PUBLIC Tour

Badge of ExcellenceOxford, England

Harry Potter Filming Locations Tour in Oxford

1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Guided walking tour of Harry Potter filming locations in Oxford
Family-friendly and ideal for fans of Harry Potter
Learn about literary legends that attended Oxford University

What's Included

Please see the section titled 'Additional Information' or 'Voucher Details' for info on any and all dates on which due to partial or full closures of film sites venues that are known at this time.
See inside the Divinity school film site at Bodleian library + see many super sights from outside
On any dates when Divinity school closed, we'll offer entry inside New college but at extra £5 cost

This tour does NOT include entry to Christ church- we run that as a separate tour from July 5th.
On dates when Divinity school closed, tour running instead to New college at extra £5 per person
Please see notice of 2024 Divinity school closures below...
January 20, Feb 24, March 2, May 11, May 18 of 2024

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

15 Broad St, Oxford OX1 3AS, UK
Meet your guide wearing red lanyard and/or Hogwarts gown by our red sign, OUTSIDE Oxford Tourist Info centre, 15 Broad Street, OX1 3AS.

Start time

12:45 PM

End point

Bodleian Library
Broad St, Oxford OX1 3BG, UK
Tour ends nearby on same street as we start tour on.

What To Expect

Your tour begins outside of Oxford Visitor Information Center. Greet your guide—the one in a Harry Potter-inspired cloak—prior to your departure time.

As you stroll towards the historic Oxford University, your guide regales you with tales of literary legends including C.S. Lewis, J.R.R Tolkien, and Lewis Carroll. Discover insider gossip about the stars of Harry Potter and find out why J. K. Rowling chose to set the films in Oxford.

Your tour concludes at your original departure point.

Bodleian Library

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Bridge of Sighs (Pass By)

Radcliffe Camera (Pass By)

Sheldonian Theatre

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

New College

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

The Turf

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Balliol College (Pass By)

Trinity College (Pass By)

Wadham College (Pass By)

Exeter College

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Jesus College

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Oxford Covered Market

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lincoln College

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Brasenose College (Pass By)

All Souls College

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

University Church of St. Mary the Virgin

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 16 hours of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
Please arrive 5 minutes early for your tour at our meeting point.
REFUNDS or RESCHEDULE REQUESTS Given with at least 24 hours notice before tour starts
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible

Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.5

351 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

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Showing 1-10 of 351 reviews

A fun tour. Could be longer

Ryan_A, Apr 2024

Our guide was very knowledgeable about both Oxford and Harry Potter. He was very friendly and made the tour fun - a true Hufflepuff. New college was closed and it doesn’t go as far as Christchurch, but we still saw a lot.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Hiya. Thanks for recommending your tour experience. For anyone else reading this, please note that we offer three versions of the Harry Potter Oxford tour experience here as follows: 1) Public or private tour including entry to Divinity school. This tour lasts 90-120 minutes 2) Public or private tour including above plus self guided audio guide entry to Christ church. This tour lasts just over 2 hours guided plus 1 hour self guided entry to Chch college 3) private group tours only to New college plus Divinity school lasting average 2 hours.

Great, but not my jam

Rebecca_L, Feb 2024

Our guide was very friendly, passionate about the topics, and cared about our experience! I just think with so much history and stuff to see, I should have selected a different type of tour (more history and faster pace).

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Thanks for sharing your feedback.

Comprehensive tour

hoi_y, Nov 2023

Our tour guide of the day was Ben. He is very knowledgeable about history of Oxford. All the questions you asked about the buildings the streets, he gives you details of the full story. He also came well prepared by showing us videos of the Harry Potter scenes while we visited several spots where the scenes were shot. At the end of the trip he also recommended us where to shop and eat for our next day explorations around the town.

Response from Host, Dec 2023

Thanks for the super review of our newly trained guide Ben. Sincerely, Alasdair

Amazing tour! Learned...

Christopher_S, Sep 2023

Amazing tour! Learned about Oxford and Harry Potter. Would recommend to anyone that’s interested in Harry Potter.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thanks

A Must for Harry Potter fans

Marjorie_L, Sep 2023

My husband and I enjoyed the tour tremendously with Peter thanks to his contagious enthusiasm for Oxford, and his inside knowledge not just to Harry Potter but also CS Lewis, Tolkien, Alice in Wonderland and Shakespeare, and lots more.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Thanks

Great for History Buffs and Potterheads

Jesse_I, Sep 2023

The "Harry Potter Insights Walking Tour of Oxford" proved to be an enchanting journey through the rich history of the University of Oxford, interwoven with fun facts about Harry Potter as well as other literature and pop culture. Our guide, Peter, was an integral part of the experience, infusing the tour with his friendly demeanor and infectious energy. The tour visited the Oxford Divinity School, a breathtaking architectural masterpiece that served as the Hogwarts Infirmary in the films. Peter's extensive knowledge of both the Harry Potter universe and Oxford's academic heritage allowed him to provide fascinating insights into the intersection of fiction and reality. An optional add-on to the tour was the audio guide of Christ Church for an additional 16 pounds. Christ Church, with its iconic Great Hall, was one of the inspirations for the Hogwarts' dining hall. The tour lasted approximately 2.25 hours, a duration that felt just right, giving participants a comprehensive experience without feeling rushed. However, a minor downside was Peter's attempt at political humor, which didn't resonate with everyone. These moments could have been better spent delving further into the Harry Potter lore, or the history of Oxford. On the flip side, Peter's musings and anecdotes about J.K. Rowling and Emma Watson were a highlight. His personal connection to Oxford and insights into the famous alumnae added an extra layer of authenticity to the tour. Oxford itself proved to be a picturesque backdrop for our trip. The stunning architecture, quaint streets, and serene atmosphere offered a refreshing contrast to the hustle and bustle of London. In conclusion, the "Harry Potter Insights Walking Tour of Oxford" is a must for Potterheads and history buffs alike. With Peter as your guide, you'll gain a ln appreciation for the magic that lies within the heart of Oxford, and the enchanting stories that continue to captivate the world.

It is more about the tour...

Imelda_S, Aug 2023

It is more about the tour in the City Centre. Not much related to Harry Potter. A bit disppointed of the so called Harry Potter Insights Tour.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Hi Imelda, I am sorry to see you were disappointed with the tour which I personally led on Aug 6th. I appreciate that you are welcome to share your opinion and it's a pity that you didn't feel for whatever reasons that the advertised tour met your expectations. I didn't understand fully from your comment as to why that was. I did have a 5 star review from other clients on the exact same tour which you joined on Aug 6th and personally I thought the tour went down well and was well received. Best regards. Sincerely, Alasdair

Excellent tour and tour guide

Debra_B, Jul 2023

Mikel (not sure if spelling correct) was our tour guide and although it was pouring with rain he kept our interest throughout the informative tour which included not only Harry Potter facts but other Oxford noteworthy folks. Excellent.

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Hi Debra, Thanks for the recommendation.

A great way to see Oxford and for HP enthusiasts

Belinda_N, Jul 2023

We had an excellent guide Jim, who was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about Oxford the campus’s, Harry Potter and other famous authors. We picked a graduation day so we lost one point as we couldn’t do the Divinity school, no fault of your company. However New college we attended was amazing and we had such a great time there. My son dressed as Harry and had fun taking photos and having his photo taken. It’s a great tour to see a mixture of Oxford learn the history of some of the campuses and buildings. We loved the second largest book store, we went back and bought a book on the gargoyles and grotesques that Jim had pointed out to us on our way back. A really nice tour guide. Appreciated the advice on getting the park and ride for ease into Oxford for the day from Peter. It’s a nice blend of Harry and Oxford. Not having read the books myself I found it really interesting and my son loved it.

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Thanks!

Learned so much and had a lot of fun!

Anonymous, Jun 2023

Peter was an energetic and extremely knowledgeable guide, very personable and humorous. It is clear he loves doing this. His personal experience with Oxford and commitment to the community gives him a base to not only guide but also answer the most detailed questions. The tour took us to wonderful places in town and inside the university. Wry happy with it and cherish the experience!

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Thanks for recommending the talented Mr Peter's tour! Sincerely, Alasdair

Ask for Peter

Ann_W, Jun 2023

Our tour guide Peter made this a memorable and fun experience. He obviously enjoys his job and is very knowledgeable about all things Oxford, his enthusiasm is catching 😆. Oxford itself is a beautiful, history filled city that is well worth a visit. We loved our visit, and this tour was the highlight.

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Hi Ann, Thanks for such a super review for your tour with the talented Mr Peter! Sincerely, Alasdair

If you’re a HP fan would definitely recommend.

Brooke_H, May 2023

Our guide was so great! Super knowledgeable about Harry Potter and really brought the movie and books to life. One of the best tours I’ve been on! Wished we had booked the longer route to Christ Church with him as well. He was funny and moved at a perfect pace.

Response from Host, May 2023

Hi Brooke, Thanks for the recommendation.

Magic tour of Oxford schools

manuela_d, May 2023

We had a great time visiting the college and the room where students have their meals.All the stories about the places that ispired the stories of Harry Potter and Tolkien's stories are fascinating and very interesting.You feel a magic atmosphere.I really recommand this experience for adults and children over 6 years old.

Response from Host, May 2023

Thanks for the recommendation.

great way to learn some of the fabulous history and and see some of the sites of Oxford

donal_c, Apr 2023

My partner is a Harry Potter fan, I am not but the guide expertly woven real history and story telling together to make one memorable experience. The sites are amazing and the history of Oxford interwoven with Harry Potter tales gave something for everyone, and in a small group of six plenty of opportunity to ask questions and tailor the occasion to fill in some gaps in Oxford history

Response from Host, Apr 2023

Hi. Thanks for recommending your tour with us.

Worth doing in Oxford

Aaron_R, Apr 2023

Would recommend this tour, if visiting Oxford. Is good for fans of Harry Potter and those who aren't. Tour guide was very informative and fun. Had good facts about other stories tellers who came from Oxford :- C.S Lewis etc. Good for adults with older children.

Response from Host, Apr 2023

Hi Aaron, Thanks for recommending your tour led by Michiel. Sincerely, Alasdar

Definitely well worth it

Ian_S, Apr 2023

Naima, was an excellent guide, who was very enthusiastic about the Harry Potter books and films. She provided interesting facts about the various location used in the films and managed to bring them to life in front of us.

Highly recommended!

Jaspreet_B, Jan 2023

Absolutely loved this tour, our guide Peter was so knowledgeable and kept us all entertained throughout. So much trivia and interesting facts along the way! Our 10yr daughter didn't say even once that she is bored! We will be back for more!

Response from Host, Jan 2023

Thanks for the recommendation

Informative and fun

Matthew_C, Jan 2023

Learning about the ways many writers have used similar creatures in their stories was really interesting

Response from Host, Jan 2023

Thanks

A great experience

gaye_p, Nov 2022

Michiel was a great guide with his deep knowledge of literature, history, divinity. He explained the connection between these concepts and Harry Potter (and also other well known fantastic series) so clearly that we felt very confortable in understanding. I recommend the tour to all curious in the secrets and details about Harry Potter.

Response from Host, Nov 2022

Thanks!

Fab for all

Natalie_C, Nov 2022

We had a great tour around Oxford with Peter taking in the sights and history but also some fascinating facts around authors like Jk Rowling, CS Lewis and Tolkien. Peter managed to appease the adults and children alike which is no mean feat. Highly recommended.

Response from Host, Nov 2022

Hi Natalie, Thanks for the recommendation.

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