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Harry Potter Walking Tour: Explore Oxford's Magical Sites and Famous Books
4.7
485 Ratings
Oxfordshire
Embark on a magical Harry Potter walking tour in Oxford, exploring the enchanting sites and famous books. Join a fun guide, take a quiz, and discover the history of Oxford University.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Blackwell’s Bookshop - Not quite Flourish and Blotts but as close as a muggle bookshop can be. Blackwells is the dream of every Ravenclaw, holding approximately holding 250,000 volumes, which translates to 3 miles of books! This is even more impressive knowing that their first store measured only 12 feet square, and held just 700 used books. Don’t forget to have a look at the roof of the building from a distance. Don’t worry the stone figure you’ll see on top isn’t someone petrified. It is a statue by Antony Gormley; one of a series of sculptures called “Another Time II”. - Bodleian Library - One of the largest libraries in England and home to archaic medieval books on spells and wizards! - Clarendon Building - Learn about how magic or occult sciences were studied at Oxford! These were not seen as completely separate from science until the end of the seventeenth century, so alchemy and astrology were researched here until then. - New College - Despite the name, it is one of the oldest Colleges at Oxford, built-in 1379. With its medieval cloisters and beautiful spaces it is easy to see why they decided to film multiple scenes for Harry Potter here! - Radcliffe Camera - A truly iconic Oxford landmark! Learn about the underground passages students take and the rules librarians enforce. Not quite as intensely as Madam Pince though. Externally covered. The Radcliffe Camera is not accessible to visitors without a Library pass or a student pass - University Church of St. Mary the Virgin - An iconic door hidden to the side would be inspirational for another famous children’s writer, CS Lewis for his famous Chronicles Of Narnia. Hear how he and Tolkien would meet weekly and take inspiration from the Oxford landscape Externally covered. The group will not enter the church but the church can be visited for free before or after the tour. - The Divinity School - This dramatic site is not only one of the oldest parts of the University, but it was also used in various scenes when filming of Harry Potter was taking place in Oxford. Instantly recognisable as a Harry Potter site, with one of the best examples of medieval architecture in England.
What's Included
- Professional guide
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Non-magical folks are invited! Embark on a whimsical journey into the historic structures of Oxford University, including New College and the Bodleian Library. Experience an enjoyable trip with a witty Oxford student guide, equipped with a quiz, an assortment of props, and a plethora of corny jokes and puns. This tour is perfect for dedicated Harry Potter enthusiasts, those who discreetly cherish the series, and even those without prior interest seeking an enjoyable exploration method! Also, the tour highlights other renowned books like Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, the Hobbit, and Lord of the Rings, as well as delving into the history of Oxford University.
Location
Oxford Tourist Information
Broad Street
Please ensure you are there 15 minute before the tour is set to start, and you can be check-in at the Oxford Tourist Information building. If this is not open for any reason, please wait outside.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(485 Ratings)
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8christym
Aug 5, 2024
Great Tour for Both Oxford University History and Harry Potter - The tour guide, Will, did a great job of sharing both Harry Potter history and a history of Oxford colleges. Even if you aren't a Harry Potter fan it's a great tour to get to see inside several different buildings in the various colleges and learn a history of Oxford University.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Katieg75
Aug 4, 2024
Not only for Harry Potter fans - We had a wonderful time with our tour guide Will. Very well organized and interesting tour. Will has done a super job with showing us the beauty of Oxford’s architecture/places and link to the characters and places in Harry Potter books. Highly recommend this light and enjoyable tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ella_stadler91
Aug 2, 2024
Something for Harry Potter and history fans alike! - We really enjoyed getting to know Oxford both through the lense of the magical world of Harry Potter and the eyes of an Oxford graduate. Tym was an intelligent, funny guide and the locations were beautiful. We learned a lot about what inspired various scenes and characters in HP as well as Oxford campus life. Would recommend to HP fans and people wanting to get a better feel for the rich history behind the oldest English-speaking university in the world.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Afreen_m
Jul 31, 2024
Great tour, even better guide. - This was a fun tour that mixed Harry Potter with history and architecture. Olivia was a fun and witty guide. We were late to the tour and joined after the group had already visited a main site. She took us back in and it would've been a shame if we hadn't seen that specific site. Would recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Karen_g
Jul 31, 2024
I had a great time - Tym was a fantastic guide. He made the time fun, very informative and really made an effort with every person on the tour
Review provided by Viator
1000coucou
Jul 30, 2024
SUPER TOUR , beautiful and informative - Great trick! We had fun and many beautiful sites to see
Very well organized
Nice visit also to the ORIGINAL bookstore BLACKWELLS!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Afreenhm
Jul 28, 2024
More than just Harry Potter - Olivia was wonderful. We missed some of the tour, bc we missed our train into Oxford. When everyone was on a quick picture break, she took us into one of the main attractions we missed. Additionally, she was witty and helpful.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Y652aumarce
Jul 24, 2024
I would repeat - The guide was very friendly and explained many details of the recordings and locations. Not only did he teach us things about the Harry Potter movies, but he also answered any questions we had about Oxford. The route was very beautiful.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Neilmq6766fr
Aug 1, 2024
Muggles tour of Oxford - it was really fun and i learnt alot not just about Harry Potter but the culture of Oxford too.the views were amazing and I loved seeing how much history was in this city, especially the history of the people and the universities. I would recommed to anyone who wants to know more about Harry Potter or the history in oxford.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ecofriendlynancy
Jul 29, 2024
Harry Potter tour disappointing - The tour guide did not have the voice for the group of 20. He was difficult to understand and made several comments that were offensive to people of other countries. By far the worst tour I have ever taken.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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