The Best Harry Potter Tours in Oxford: Filming Locations, Colleges & More

Looking for the best Harry Potter tours in Oxford? From New College and Christ Church to the Bodleian Library’s Divinity School, here’s the best Oxford Harry Potter tours to consider for your trip—from a frequent Oxford visitor!

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I moved to London in 2016, and Oxford was somewhere I wanted to visit pretty early on, especially (admittedly) for Harry Potter.

I’d already associated the city with old colleges, libraries, cloisters and English academic life, so knowing that several Harry Potter scenes were actually filmed inside those buildings gave me just another reason to go.

But Hogwarts goes far beyond Christ Church, so without further ado, here’s the best Harry Potter tours to take in the city.

Shall we?

About the Author

Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.

On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.

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🗞️📺 As featured on the BBC, USA Today & Recipe.TV.

Quick Overview: The Best Harry Potter Tours in Oxford

Want the quick version? Here’s how I would pick the best Harry Potter tour for your trip.

Which Oxford Harry Potter Tour Would I Book?

For a first visit, I’d choose the Harry Potter Walking Tour Including New College.

The main reason is New College. You’ll get to go inside the medieval cloisters used in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire vs. just walking past another Oxford building from the street.

The tour also ordinarily includes the Divinity School, although access can be restricted during busy periods, particularly in summer, so I’d check the exact inclusions for your date.

If the Divinity School is your main priority, I’d choose the Harry Potter Insights Divinity School Group Tour.

And if you already know you want a proper visit inside Christ Church, I’d book the Christ Church Harry Potter Insight & University Tour.

Was Harry Potter Filmed in Oxford?

Yes. Several scenes from the Harry Potter films were shot inside Oxford University buildings, mainly at the Bodleian Libraries, New College and Christ Church.

They’re all genuine university spaces, i.e. not purpose-built film sets, which is a huge part of why I enjoyed visiting them so much.

Divinity School — Hogwarts Infirmary

The Divinity School was used as Hogwarts’ infirmary.

It belongs to the Bodleian Libraries and was built in the fifteenth century as a purpose-built room for university teaching and examinations. Its stone fan-vaulted ceiling is the detail you’ll recognise most quickly from the films.

P.S. – This is one of the filming locations I’d specifically check for when booking because Divinity School admission is included on some Oxford Harry Potter tours but not others.

Duke Humfrey’s Library — Hogwarts Library

Duke Humfrey’s Library inside the Bodleian Library was used as the Hogwarts library in the films.

It’s also the oldest reading room in the Bodleian and remains a working university library.

That means access is much more controlled than at an outdoor film location. A tour saying that it visits the Bodleian doesn’t automatically mean you’ll go inside Duke Humfrey’s.

On that note, if seeing the library itself is important to you, check the current official Bodleian tours and make sure Duke Humfrey’s is explicitly listed on the ticket you choose.

New College — Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

New College was used in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

The medieval cloisters and courtyard appear in the film, including the large holm oak from the scene where Mad-Eye Moody turns Draco Malfoy into a white ferret and Professor McGonagall intervenes.

The college was founded in 1379, despite its name, and the cloisters were part of the original medieval college design.

I think what makes New College particularly good on a Harry Potter tour is that it’s very interesting (and lovely) to see whether you’re a Potterhead or not!

Christ Church — Hall Staircase & Great Hall

The Hall Staircase at Christ Church appeared in Harry Potter and is one of the easiest locations to recognise when you visit.

At the top is Christ Church’s Great Hall, which was completed in the sixteenth century and is still used as the college dining hall.

The Great Hall is often described online as the Hogwarts Great Hall filming location, but unfortunately that isn’t accurate. The Hogwarts scenes were filmed on a studio set, but the set was deeply inspired by this one.

The Best Harry Potter Tours in Oxford

1. Harry Potter Walking Tour Including New College — Best Overall

The Harry Potter Walking Tour Including New College is the one I’d start with for a first Oxford Harry Potter tour.

It lasts from around 1.5 hours depending on the option you book and includes glorious entry to New College.

You’ll see the cloisters and holm oak used in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, alongside other locations around central Oxford and stories about the university and its literary history.

The Divinity School is ordinarily included too, but access can be very limited during the summer peak from June through August since the room is part of a working university.

Christ Church entry is not included, so I would book that separately if it’s also high on your list.

I like this option for a first trip because New College gives you both a proper film location and a proper Oxford college visit + all the Harry Potter connections without losing the history of where you are.

2. Harry Potter Insights Divinity School Group Tour — Best for the Bodleian

I’d choose the Harry Potter Insights Divinity School Group Tour if seeing the Hogwarts infirmary location is your main priority for your trip.

The tour runs for around 105 minutes and includes admission to the Divinity School alongside a walk through central Oxford and plenty of stories on Harry Potter, Oxford University and student life.

This is the option I’d book when the Bodleian filming connection matters more to you than seeing several different college interiors.

3. Christ Church Harry Potter Insight & University Tour — Best for Christ Church

If Christ Church is the Oxford location you’ve most been pining to see, I’d look at the Christ Church Harry Potter Insight & University Tour.

It lasts around three hours, with a guided Oxford tour followed by time inside Christ Church.

You’ll see the Hall Staircase used in the films and continue into the Great Hall, alongside the cloisters and wider college.

This was the Oxford stop I enjoyed most on my first trip, and although Harry Potter was part of that, Christ Church has much more going on than its film connection.

It began as Cardinal College in the sixteenth century before being re-founded by Henry VIII, and Christ Church is both an Oxford college and home to the city’s cathedral.

Because this tour takes a substantial part of the day, I wouldn’t book another general university walking tour alongside it. Instead, leave the rest of your day for an independent mosey around the Bodleian, New College or Oxford itself.

4. University History, Harry Potter & Live Magic Tour — Best for Older Kids

If you’re a family looking for something a bit more interactive, I’d go on the University History, Harry Potter & Live Magic Tour.

The walk takes around 90 minutes and combines Oxford University history, Harry Potter filming locations and live magic performed by your very own guide.

It’s recommended mainly for ages 10+, although younger children can join.

Most important to note, this tour stays outside New College, the Divinity School and Christ Church, so if going inside matters—don’t book this one! But you can always pay a separate visit later in your trip.

5. University and City Walking Tour with Alumni Guide — Best for More Oxford History

Fair warning that the University and City Walking Tour with Alumni Guide isn’t a dedicated Harry Potter tour, so if film locations are your only priority I wouldn’t book it.

On the other hand, if you want a proper introduction to Oxford University and still want some Harry Potter context along the way, it’s perfect.

The tour runs for around two hours and covers the college system at Oxford, university history, student traditions and major central sights. It also includes one Harry Potter film site along the route.

In my opinion, it’ll work particularly well if one person in your group loves Harry Potter and someone else is much more interested in Oxford itself.

And for more university, literary and Oxford ghost tour options (as interesting as it sounds), use my Oxford walking tours guide.

6. Harry Potter Studio Tour & Oxford Day Trip From London

If you’re staying in London rather than Oxford, this Harry Potter Studio Tour & Oxford Day Trip combines Oxford and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter in one day, and is definitely for ambitious travellers.

The full trip lasts around 11 hours with guided time in Oxford before continuing to the Studio Tour in Leavesden.

I’ve visited the Studio Tour myself, and it’s a very different experience from Oxford, so it is worth going to both in my opinion.

In Oxford, you’re visiting real university buildings used as film locations. At the Studio Tour, you’ll see the sets, costumes, props and filmmaking work created for the films (including the Great Hall set, Diagon Alley, Platform 9¾, the Hogwarts Express and Gringotts Wizarding Bank).

If you have enough time, it’d be best to do Oxford and the Studio Tour on separate days. Oxford easily fills a full day, and I spent enough time inside the Studios that I wouldn’t personally want to rush that visit either.

But if your itinerary only gives you one day and you want both, this one will take care of the transport and admissions in one booking, which at least makes your day a bit easier.

Read my Harry Potter Studios tips before your visit!

Do You Need a Harry Potter Tour in Oxford?

No. You can visit Oxford’s main Harry Potter filming locations independently (Christ Church, New College and the Bodleian Libraries are all in central Oxford and are easy to walk between).

The main reason I’d pay for a Harry Potter walking tour in Oxford is that the admission can be more complicated than the walking.

Since they’re working colleges and libraries, opening times and visitor access can change around term dates, ceremonies and university events. To the point where different Bodleian tickets can even include different rooms—this is where a guide becomes super useful.

If you prefer visiting independently or are not that fussed, my one-day Oxford itinerary will help you fit the locations around the rest of the city.

And if you’re staying longer, use my weekend in Oxford itinerary to give you more time to organise separate college bookings.

How I’d Plan a Harry Potter Day in Oxford

For me personally, I’d book one Harry Potter tour in the morning and use the afternoon for the filming location that tour doesn’t include.

For example, if you book the New College tour, I’d add Christ Church afterwards.

If you book the Christ Church tour, I’d spend the rest of the day around the Bodleian and New College area.

What I absolutely wouldn’t do is book two long guided tours back-to-back. Oxford is compact enough that once you’ve had someone explain the university and film history, you can simply leave time to explore at your own pace.

En route to lunch, I recommend Taylors Oxford, one of my favourite quick stops for a sandwich, while Oxford Covered Market works super well if everyone has different tastes, and if you want a proper sit-down meal, use my best restaurants in Oxford guide.

P.S. – And if you’re staying overnight, use my Oxford city-centre hotel recommendations!

Final Thoughts on Harry Potter Tours in Oxford

Harry Potter was part of what made my first Oxford trip so exciting, and Christ Church is still one of the places I remember most from that day.

But after returning to Oxford several times, I think the best Potter experiences in Oxford are the ones that let you appreciate both sides of the buildings.

New College is a filming location, but it’s also a college founded in 1379. The Bodleian Library became Hogwarts on screen, but it’s still one of Oxford University’s most spectacular working libraries. And Christ Church has the staircase you’ll recognise from the films alongside a stunning cathedral, college and dining hall with centuries of history behind them.

For most first-time visitors, I’d start with the New College Harry Potter tour. But if there’s one specific location you care about most, book around that instead.

And leave enough time to see Oxford outside the Harry Potter locations too. That’s what made me want to keep coming back in the end.

Have the best trip!

Happy travels,
Candace x

FAQ: Harry Potter Tours in Oxford

Was Harry Potter Filmed in Oxford?

Yes. Harry Potter filming locations in Oxford include the Divinity School, which was used as Hogwarts’ infirmary; Duke Humfrey’s Library in the Bodleian Library, which became the Hogwarts library; New College; and the Hall Staircase at Christ Church.

Which Oxford College Was Harry Potter Filmed In?

There wasn’t just one. New College was used for scenes in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, while the Hall Staircase at Christ Church also appeared in the films (The Bodleian’s Divinity School and Duke Humfrey’s Library are university library buildings rather than colleges).

Was the Hogwarts Great Hall Filmed at Christ Church College?

No. Christ Church’s Great Hall is strongly associated with the look of Hogwarts, but the Hogwarts Great Hall scenes were filmed on a studio set. Christ Church’s Hall Staircase was genuinely used during Harry Potter filming.

What Is the Best Harry Potter Tour in Oxford?

For a first visit, I’d choose the Harry Potter Walking Tour Including New College because it includes New College and ordinarily the Divinity School as well. If Christ Church is your priority, I’d choose the Christ Church Harry Potter Insight & University Tour instead.

Can You See the Harry Potter Locations in Oxford Without a Tour?

Yes. You can independently book Christ Church, New College and relevant Bodleian Library tours. A guided Harry Potter tour mainly makes the film history easier to follow and can bundle some admission into one booking.

Does a Harry Potter Tour Include Duke Humfrey’s Library?

Not automatically. Duke Humfrey’s Library has controlled access because it remains a working reading room. If seeing the Hogwarts library location is important to you, check the specific Bodleian tour you plan to book and confirm that Duke Humfrey’s is included.

How Long Is a Harry Potter Walking Tour in Oxford?

Most dedicated Oxford Harry Potter walking tours in this guide take around 90 minutes to two hours. The Christ Church option is longer at around three hours as it includes more substantial visiting time inside the college.

Are Oxford Harry Potter Tours Good for Kids?

Yes, particularly if your children already like Harry Potter. The University History, Harry Potter & Live Magic Tour is the most interactive option in this guide and is currently recommended by its operator primarily for ages 10+. Check the individual tour’s current age and access rules before booking.

Is Oxford Better Than the Harry Potter Studio Tour?

They’re completely different experiences. Oxford gives you real university buildings that were used as filming locations. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London gives you the sets, props, costumes and production work from the films. For a dedicated Harry Potter experience, I think the Studio Tour has more to see in one place; for a wider day of history, architecture and Harry Potter locations, I’d choose Oxford.

Can You Visit Oxford and Harry Potter Studios in One Day?

Yes. The Harry Potter Studio Tour & Oxford Day Trip from London is designed to combine both in an approximately 11-hour day. I prefer visiting them separately if you have the time, but the combined tour works if your UK itinerary is tight.

How Do You Get to Oxford for a Harry Potter Tour?

From London, the train is the easiest option. Oxford station is around a 10–15 minute walk from the central university area, and most Harry Potter tours begin around Broad Street or nearby. Once you’re in central Oxford, the main filming locations are close enough to explore on foot. You can get your London to Oxford train tickets here.

Plan the Rest of Your Oxford Trip

Still planning? Here’s the rest of my Oxford guides for what to do, where to eat and stay, tours and what else to see nearby.

Oxford Itineraries & Things to Do

• The Best Things to Do in Oxford, England: My Favourite Sights, Food Stops & Local Gems
• What to Do in Oxford in a Day: The Perfect One-Day Itinerary
• How to Spend a Weekend in Oxford: The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary

Where to Eat & Stay

• The Best Restaurants in Oxford, UK: My Favourite Places to Recommend
• The Best Cafés in Oxford, UK: My Favourite Places for Coffee & Brunch
• The Best Hotels in Oxford City Centre: My Favourite Places to Stay

Oxford Tours

• The Best Oxford Walking Tours: University, History & More
• The Best Harry Potter Tours in Oxford: Filming Locations, Colleges & More

More Oxford Trip Planning

• The Best Day Trips from Oxford: My Favourite Easy Escapes by Train & Car
• Oxford or Cambridge: Which Is Better to Visit? An Honest Comparison for Tourists
• Is Oxford Worth Visiting? My Honest Take for Your UK Trip