Oxford: Harry Potter Tour Public New College Tour

If you’re a Harry Potter fan planning a trip to Oxford, chances are you’ve already heard about the city’s famous filming spots. This Harry Potter-themed tour of New College offers fans a chance to step into the magic, walking through the very halls and cloisters seen in the movies. While we haven’t done this tour ourselves, the consistent praise from hundreds of fans and the detailed info available suggest it’s a solid pick for those eager to connect with the Potter universe while also enjoying Oxford’s gorgeous architecture.

What really stands out about this experience? First, the personalized approach with a dedicated guide gives you a more intimate view than larger, impersonal tours. Second, the value for money is notable—entry fees are included in the price, making it easier to budget for the day. On the flip side, you should be aware that access to certain filming sites like the Divinity School is optional and not included in the base price, which could be a consideration if you’re eager to see every filming location.

This tour is best suited for avid Harry Potter fans, history buffs, or anyone interested in Oxford’s medieval charm. If you’re traveling with a group who appreciates storytelling and interesting trivia, you’ll likely find this tour engaging. It’s also wheelchair accessible, making it more inclusive than some other options. If you’re after a quick, broad overview of Oxford’s university sites, this might not be the best fit—think of it more as a focused experience on one iconic aspect of the city.

Key Points

• Focused on New College: Visit the film site where specific Harry Potter scenes were shot, like Malfoy’s transformation.
• Expert Guide: Learn fun facts and trivia from a well-informed local, making the experience lively and engaging.
• Included Entry Fees: The tour fee covers access to New College, a spot worth up to £12.50 per person.
• Flexible Add-Ons: Optionally, explore the Divinity School after the main tour for just £2.50.
• Authentic Experience: Several reviewers mention the guide’s knowledge and how the tour remains a favorite for Potter fans.
• Practical Details: About 105 minutes long, wheelchair accessible, and offers a detailed map of Oxford.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

When you sign up for this Harry Potter-focused experience, you’ll meet your guide outside the Oxford Tourist Info Centre, near 15 Broad Street. The guides wear a Hogwarts gown or a red “I love Oxford” lanyard, which helps you spot them easily. The tour lasts roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes, during which you’ll walk through New College’s cloisters, gardens, and medieval halls—some of which have become iconic film locations.

What makes this tour special is the mix of film location visits and historical insights. You get a peek into the cloisters where Malfoy was turned into a ferret by Mad-Eye Moody in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The guide will share stories about the filming and reveal interesting facts about Oxford’s architecture and history. If the cloisters are closed on the day of your visit (which can happen during certain periods like Christmas or graduation), the tour will continue but without access to that specific site.

The experience also includes a detailed map of Oxford for you to keep, adding to the educational side of the tour. For fans who want to go beyond, there’s an optional visit to the Divinity School at the Bodleian Library after the main tour for just £2.50. However, note that entry to the Duke Humfreys medieval library or Christ Church College is not included, and those require separate tickets or tours.

The Highlights of the Tour

New College Cloisters provide the most authentic Harry Potter filming experience — you’ll see where Malfoy gets transfigured, which is a moment many fans cherish. The guide will explain how these medieval cloisters helped create the magical atmosphere of the films.

Walking past Oxford’s historic halls and gardens, you’ll also get a taste of the city’s medieval grandeur. The guide’s commentary is lively, packed with trivia that most fans will appreciate—like how certain scenes were shot here or the real history behind the college’s architecture.

The tour’s small-group setting makes it easier to ask questions and get personalized stories from your guide, which many reviews praise as a big plus over larger bus tours. The inclusion of entry fees in the price makes it straightforward to budget, and the option to explore the Divinity School afterward means you’re not rushed if you want to see more.

Practical Details: Pricing, Duration, and Accessibility

At $53 per person, this tour offers good value, especially given the included entry to New College. Considering the entrance fees alone are worth over £12, you’re essentially paying for a guided experience tailored to Harry Potter fans, which is a fair deal.

The duration of 105 minutes strikes a good balance—long enough to enjoy the sights without feeling rushed. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for visitors with mobility needs.

Meeting points are straightforward: outside the Oxford tourist info center, near Oxfam. Guides wear distinctive Hogwarts gowns or lanyards, so locating them is simple. You can reserve your spot online with the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, and there’s no upfront payment required—perfect if your plans might change.

What Could Be Better?

While many reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and good value, some visitors mention that not all filming locations are accessible during certain times of the year, especially during college closures in Christmas or graduation periods. If visiting the cloisters is a must for you, double-check the schedule or plan for that.

Another point to consider is that entry to further film sites like the Bodleian’s Divinity School costs extra, and the medieval Duke Humfreys library isn’t included in this tour. If you’re a serious Harry Potter enthusiast, you might want to plan ahead for these additional visits.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is a hit for Harry Potter fans wanting an insider’s look at the filming locations within Oxford, combined with a bit of college history. It’s ideal if you enjoy guided storytelling, trivia, and getting a personal touch on your sightseeing. It’s also suitable for those with mobility needs, thanks to its wheelchair accessibility.

If you’re traveling in a small group or with fellow fans who appreciate detailed explanations, this tour will feel especially rewarding. However, if you want to see every Oxford college or spend a whole day exploring every site, this will be a focused, shorter experience rather than a comprehensive tour.

Final Thoughts

For anyone who loves Harry Potter and is visiting Oxford, this New College tour offers a charming, well-organized way to connect with the wizarding world while soaking in Oxford’s historic beauty. The blend of film locations, stories, and local sights provides an experience that feels personal and fun, especially for fans eager to relive their favorite scenes.

The included entry to New College, combined with the guide’s knowledge and optional extras, makes this a worthwhile spend—particularly if you’re after a manageable, engaging tour that fits into a day of sightseeing. It’s not a comprehensive college tour of Oxford, but for Harry Potter lovers, it hits the right notes.

If you’re after an experience that combines fandom with history and architecture, and you want to avoid overwhelming crowds, this tour could be just right. Keep in mind the seasonal closures and optional extras, and you’ll have a memorable, enjoyable day.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is generally suitable for anyone interested in Harry Potter and Oxford’s history. However, note that certain sites like the medieval Duke Humfreys library are not open to children under 11, and some sites may be closed during holidays or graduation times.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 105 minutes, giving you plenty of time to see the main filming spots and hear stories without feeling rushed.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers the guided tour, a detailed map of Oxford, and entry to New College worth up to £12.50 per person.

Can I add more site visits?
Yes, you can opt to visit the Divinity School at the Bodleian Library afterward for an additional £2.50. Entry to other sites like Christ Church or Duke Humfreys library requires separate tickets.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for visitors with mobility needs.

What happens if New College or the cloisters are closed?
If the cloisters are closed (common during Christmas or graduation), the tour will continue without access to that specific site, but the guide will still share plenty of stories and trivia.

How do I meet the guide?
Look for the guide outside the Oxford tourist info centre, near 15 Broad Street. They’ll be wearing a red “I love Oxford” lanyard or a Hogwarts gown.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel your booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The booking process also allows for flexible reservations with “reserve now & pay later.”

Will I get a detailed itinerary?
Yes, you’ll receive a detailed map of Oxford, and the guide will walk you through the filming locations and their significance.

Is this the only Harry Potter tour in Oxford?
No, there are other options such as the Christ Church Harry Potter tour, but this one is specifically focused on New College and its film sites, providing a more intimate experience.

If you’re craving a blend of fandom fun and historic sightseeing, this tour is worth considering. Just double-check the schedule around holidays, and you’ll be set for a memorable day in Oxford.

You can check availability for your dates here: