Harry Potter in Oxford Tour Divinity School entry Private Tour

If you’re a Harry Potter fan dreaming of stepping into the wizarding world right in the heart of Oxford, this private tour might just be the kind of magic you’re looking for. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a picture of an experience that’s both engaging and tailored to your interests.

What really stands out are the personalized attention from expert guides and the chance to visit the iconic Divinity School film site at the Bodleian Library—a must-see for Harry Potter enthusiasts. Plus, the tour’s flexibility means you can explore the city’s historic colleges and landmarks at your own pace. One thing to consider: the tour doesn’t include entry to some famous sites like Christ Church, so if that’s on your list, you’ll need to plan separately.

This experience suits those who love Harry Potter’s magical universe, but also appreciate a deeper dive into Oxford’s literary and film history. If you’re traveling with kids or simply enjoy private, customizable tours, this could be a great fit. It’s perfect for visitors who want a mix of film locations, interesting stories, and local flavor all wrapped into one session.

Key Points

• Private and Personalized: Enjoy a guided experience tailored to your interests with plenty of stories and insider secrets.
• Iconic Film Sites: Visit the Divinity School at Bodleian Library, where some of the Harry Potter scenes were filmed.
• Flexible Itinerary: The tour covers multiple landmarks, including colleges where famous authors studied or were inspired by.
• Value for Money: At $102.56 per person, the tour offers a well-rounded, engaging experience with additional site visits possible.
• Accessible for All Ages: There’s no age restriction for the Divinity School, and gowns are provided for fun photos.
• Convenient Group Sizes: Small group or private tours mean more attention from your guide and fewer crowds.

What You Can Expect From the Tour

The tour promises an engaging hour and a half to two hours exploring Oxford’s Harry Potter filming sites with a knowledgeable guide. It’s designed to be relaxed yet comprehensive, offering insights into how the movies brought your favorite books to life on screen. With private guiding, you’re likely to get stories and details tailored to your group’s interests, making it feel like a personal adventure.

The highlight is undoubtedly the Divinity School at the Bodleian Library, where the infirmary and dance scenes from the Harry Potter series were filmed. The entry is worth approximately £2.50 and is included in the tour—though it’s worth noting that the medieval library upstairs isn’t accessible to guides or visitors. If you’re interested in the Duke Humfrey’s medieval library, you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket.

Beyond the library, the tour takes in famous sights like Radcliffe Camera, Bridge of Sighs, and Sheldonian Theatre—all well-known Oxford landmarks that also feature in movies or have literary connections. The guide will share stories about how J.K. Rowling and Hollywood producers decided on these locations, plus stories about other literary giants like C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, and Lewis Carroll.

The Itinerary: Every Stop Explored

Bodleian Library

The adventure begins here, at the heart of Harry Potter filming in Oxford. The Divinity School is a stunning medieval building, and your guide will reveal stories about why it was chosen as Hogwarts’ infirmary and dance hall scenes. The tour includes gown rentals for fun photos—adding a little extra magic. If you’re curious about the Duke Humfrey’s library, note it’s not included but can be booked separately.

Radcliffe Camera, University Church, and Bridge of Sighs

Just a quick walk past these iconic sights, you’ll get a sense of the city’s historic charm. The Radcliffe Camera, with its distinctive round shape, is a favorite backdrop in many films. The Bridge of Sighs, reminiscent of Venice’s famous bridge, has appeared in movies like X-Men and The Mummy. The University Church of St. Mary the Virgin is a lovely spot for photos and stories, though access may be limited due to small group requirements.

Sheldonian Theatre and Colleges

The Sheldonian Theatre is a stunning architectural gem and a hub of university events. The tour will likely pass by or briefly stop here, sharing its history. As for colleges, New College, Exeter College, and Lincoln College are included as notable stops. The tour emphasizes their connections to Harry Potter and literary history. For example, New College is where some filming took place (like Malfoy turning into a ferret), and Exeter was attended by Tolkien.

Optional College Visits

Entry to these colleges isn’t included in the base price, but you can ask your guide about paying on the day or visit later. The tour might end outside New College, giving you a chance to explore further independently.

The Turf and Market

A quick stop at the Turf Tavern, a pub that looks like the Three Broomsticks, adds a fun, authentic touch. Then, a stroll through Oxford Covered Market offers a chance to hunt down Harry Potter-themed cakes or souvenirs.

The Harry Potter Connection

Throughout the tour, your guide will share stories about how the series influenced Oxford’s identity and hint at other sites linked to Rowling’s life, like the college she applied to studying at. Behind-the-scenes tales about casting, filming choices, and set secrets help bring the magic to life.

Who Will Love This Tour?

Fans of the Harry Potter movies and books will find this tour delightful, especially those who enjoy a mix of film locations and university lore. The private aspect means you get more attention and flexibility, making it suitable for couples, small groups, or even families traveling with older children. However, it’s not geared toward young children or those expecting a full college tour, unless specifically arranged.

The Value Proposition

At just over $100 per person, the tour offers a lot—short of the entry fees for some colleges, it includes the film site at Bodleian and personalized storytelling. Reviews highlight guides like Peter and Jake as particularly engaging and knowledgeable, making the experience memorable regardless of the weather or crowds.

Practical Tips

• Arrive a few minutes early to avoid missing the start, as guides stick to schedules.
• If you’re driving, park at a park-and-ride to avoid busy, limited parking in Oxford city center.
• Wear comfortable shoes—Oxford’s cobbled streets can be tricky.
• Consider booking in advance, as this tour is popular and booked on average 26 days ahead.
• Check the schedule for closure dates, especially around graduation or holidays, when sites like Divinity School may be unavailable.

This private Harry Potter tour in Oxford offers a charming and personalized way to see the city’s movie sites and learn about its literary history. It’s well-suited for fans who want insider stories, flexible site visits, and a guide who makes the experience engaging. The inclusion of film locations, coupled with Oxford’s historic colleges and landmarks, makes for an enriching day out.

If you’re after a tour that balances Harry Potter magic with a genuine feel for Oxford’s academic and cultural backdrop, this could be just the ticket. It’s not a full college wander or a visit to every landmark—so if your main goal is to see Christ Church (not included here), look for a dedicated Christ Church tour. But for a more intimate, story-rich experience that connects the wizarding world with Oxford’s storied past, this tour hits the right notes.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, there’s no age limit for entering the Divinity School, and gowns are provided for photos, making it fun for kids and families. However, note that the tour is primarily designed for those interested in Harry Potter and Oxford’s sites, so very young children might find parts less engaging.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the group and pace. This allows enough time to see the key sites and hear stories without feeling rushed.

Are entry fees included?
Entry to the Divinity School film site at Bodleian is included and worth about £2.50. Entry to colleges like New College is not included but can be purchased separately.

Can I visit Christ Church during this tour?
No, Christ Church isn’t part of this tour. It’s a separate experience, but the tour may finish near the college, and you can visit later.

What’s the best way to get to Oxford for this tour?
Starting points are centrally located on Broad Street. If you’re driving, consider parking at a park-and-ride and taking a bus into the city center to avoid congestion.

Is this a group or private tour?
It’s a private experience, meaning only your group will participate, which makes it more personalized.

What if the Divinity School is closed on my visit date?
The tour will be replaced with a visit to New College or another site, depending on availability and schedule.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 26 days ahead, but it’s best to reserve early, especially during peak seasons.

Can I request a tour in a language other than English?
Yes, private tours in French or other languages can be arranged with advance notice of at least two days.

If you’re a Harry Potter lover craving a taste of magic in Oxford, this tour offers a friendly, informative, and flexible way to see the city’s film sites and literary landmarks. Whether you’re here for the wizarding world or just to soak up Oxford’s charm, it’s a tour worth considering.