Harry Potter PRIVATE Tour + Self Guided Christ church Daily 12.45

If you’re a Harry Potter fan—or even just a reader of classics set in Oxford—this private guided tour promises to combine film locations with the city’s literary heritage. Based on the glowing reviews and detailed itineraries, it’s designed to give you a personalized, in-depth look at the spots that inspired some of your favorite stories. We especially love that it includes guaranteed entry to Christ Church and the Divinity School, two iconic film sites, making it a practical choice for eager fans.

One of the best bits? The mix of guided storytelling plus a self-guided audio tour means you get both expert insights and the flexibility to explore at your own pace. However, be aware that entry to some locations can involve queues—especially during peak times—so pre-booking and arriving early can save you some frustration.

This tour is ideal for Harry Potter aficionados, families with older children, and anyone who loves Oxford’s literary and cinematic history. If you want a comprehensive, well-organized experience with a knowledgeable guide, this could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private guided tour tailored for Harry Potter fans and literary lovers.
• Included Entry: Tickets to Christ Church and Divinity School, worth a combined £20+.
• Flexible Exploration: Guided part, followed by self-guided audio tour, giving you both structure and freedom.
• Expert Guides: Friendly, knowledgeable guides like Peter and Alisdair make the experience engaging.
• Timing & Duration: About 3 hours, with a start time of 12:45 pm, perfect for an afternoon in Oxford.
• Cost & Value: At $137.16, the tour offers a good balance between price and included access to iconic sites.

What’s Included & What’s Not

Included:
Your ticket covers entry to Christ Church College (worth £17–£18), and when available, access to the Divinity School at the Bodleian Library (worth £3). These are major highlights, especially for Harry Potter fans, since they feature in many scenes from the films, and you’ll see the staircase and cloisters up close.

Not Included:
Skip-the-queue tickets for Christ Church can be a gamble if you book last minute, so planning ahead is wise. The tour covers only the exterior of New College, unless you pay to enter afterward, and inside the Bodleian’s medieval library is off-limits to guides. Also, certain dates like Christmas or graduation periods may limit access, so always check those dates if you’re visiting during special times.

Detailed Tour Breakdown

Starting Point: Christ Church

The tour kicks off here, right at 15-16 Broad Street. Your ticket includes guaranteed entry to Christ Church College, where you’ll see the grand façade and hear about its film role. You won’t get a guide inside—admission is self-guided with an audio guide—but your guide will give you insights before you enter. The entry fee normally costs around £18, but it’s covered here, making it a good deal.

Authentic Experience: Many reviewers praise the guide’s ability to bring the sights to life. One mentions how Alisdair’s knowledge made the autumn day even more special, blending facts with humor. You’re able to see the iconic staircase, cloisters, and the impressive dining hall (visible from the hall door on some dates).

Inside the Bodleian Library

Next, your guide will take you inside the Divinity School, one of the key film sites used in Harry Potter. This is where the Hogwarts infirmary scenes were shot, and it’s a highlight for most fans. The admission fee (£3) is included, but note that the Bodleian’s medieval library is not accessible, and the Divinity School is only open when scheduled.

Some dates, like Christmas or certain holidays, may mean it’s closed—so check ahead if you’re keen on visiting. If it’s closed, the tour switches to visiting New College from the outside, which is still interesting, especially for fans of the Goblet of Fire scenes.

Exploring Other Colleges and Sites

Throughout the walk, your guide will point out other notable colleges. For instance, Lincoln College, where you might find the Slytherin Prime Minister studied, and All Souls, with its tower supposedly inspiring C.S. Lewis. You’ll also pass by New College, used in the Goblet of Fire, and get a quick look at the Turf Tavern, famous as Hagrid’s pub.

While these spots aren’t part of the guided interior tour, they add context and visual richness for those interested in Oxford’s academic history and film connections. Some stops, like Lincoln College, allow for optional self-guided visits afterward, for which tickets are available on the door.

Market and Neighborhoods

The Oxford Covered Market is a lively area worth a quick glance during the tour. It’s the oldest covered market in England and features Harry Potter-themed cakes and Alice in Wonderland connections, making it a fun detour.

Your guide might also briefly mention historic pubs, churches, and colleges, providing snippets that enrich the experience without overwhelming.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Expert Guides & Personal Touch: Reviewers consistently praise the guides—like Peter and Alisdair—for their deep knowledge and sense of humor. One reviewer notes that Peter made the tour “fun and very informative” with bonus facts and quizzes. You’re likely to leave with plenty of stories to share.

Guaranteed Entry & Well-Organized: The inclusion of pre-booked tickets to Christ Church and Divinity School means less waiting in line. Even if tickets seem sold out online, the tour has VIP access to continue purchasing up to three hours before start time—something many travelers find reassuring.

Combination of Guided and Self-Guided: After the initial guided part, you’re free to explore Christ Church and surroundings with an audio guide, which is both flexible and educational. This setup appeals to travelers who want some independence but also expert insights.

Location & Accessibility: Starting at a central point on Broad Street, the tour is easy to find. For drivers, keep in mind Oxford’s notoriously tricky parking—best to use park and ride options or arrive early to find a space. Public transport is also well-connected, with trains and buses making access straightforward.

The Price & What You’re Getting

At around $137, this tour isn’t the cheapest option—but when you factor in the cost of entry fees to Christ Church and the Divinity School, plus the personalized experience, it’s a fair deal. Several reviews highlight the value, especially considering the small group size and high-quality guides.

The tour duration, about 3 hours, is just right for a relaxed yet comprehensive look at Oxford’s film and literary sites. It’s suitable for those who enjoy storytelling, walking tours, and a bit of behind-the-scenes insight.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, this tour hits the sweet spot by combining the magic of film locations with the university’s storied history. It’s also a fantastic choice for literature buffs interested in authors like Lewis, Tolkien, and Rowling. Families with older children will enjoy the interactive, engaging approach—especially if they’re fans of the movies or books.

Those looking for a personalized experience with a knowledgeable guide will find this tour much more rewarding than larger, generic group walks. And if you’re okay with some walking and quick outdoor stops, you’ll get plenty out of this experience.

Final Thoughts

This private Harry Potter and Oxford literary tour offers a well-rounded, fun, and informative way to see the city’s most famous film sites and historic colleges. The inclusion of guaranteed entry and expert guides helps smooth out the logistics, especially on busy days.

While the cost might seem a little on the higher side, many reviewers feel it’s justified by the quality of the guide, the exclusive access, and the tailored experience. It’s perfect for those who want to combine sightseeing with storytelling and enjoy some of Oxford’s most iconic spots without the hassle of large groups or long lines.

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, Lewis Carroll, Tolkien, or Oxford’s university charm, this tour will likely leave you with plenty of memorable moments—and a new appreciation for the city’s connection to your favorite stories.

FAQ

Do I need to pre-book tickets for Christ Church?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to pre-book to avoid long queues, especially during peak times. The tour includes guaranteed entry, but last-minute bookings might require waiting in line if tickets sell out.

What if Christ Church is sold out online?
The tour still provides VIP access to continue purchasing tickets up to three hours before the start, so you won’t miss out if you book in advance.

Can I visit New College after the tour?
Yes, you can choose to pay on the door to enter New College afterward. It’s not included in the tour, and during winter, it might be closed on certain days.

Is the Bodleian Library accessible?
The Divinity School is included when open, but the medieval library is not accessible to guided tours or children under 11. It may be closed on certain holidays or graduation days.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, starting at 12:45 pm, with a guided part and time afterward for self-exploration.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, especially for older children who enjoy Harry Potter or literature. The tour is engaging and includes fun facts and quizzes.

What should I wear or bring?
Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for outdoor weather. An audio guide is included for self-guided parts, so a smartphone or audio device is handy.

Is parking difficult in Oxford?
Oxford’s streets are busy, and parking is limited. The park and ride system is recommended if driving; arrive early to secure a space.

This tour offers a wonderful way to experience Oxford’s famed sites without feeling overwhelmed. With knowledgeable guides, guaranteed access, and a good mix of guided and free exploration, it’s a solid choice for fans eager to see the city’s film and literary landmarks in one go.