Oxford: Harry Potter Walking Tour Including New College

If you’re a Harry Potter fan planning a trip to Oxford, you’ve probably wondered if a tour dedicated to the magical world is worth it. This Harry Potter walking tour offered by Footprints Tours promises a chance to step behind the scenes, see the real-world locations that inspired Hogwarts, and learn some fascinating stories about the films and the city itself. It’s an experience that combines a love of the books and movies with a taste of Oxford’s historic charm.

What we really like about this tour is how knowledgeable guides bring the stories to life, and how accessible the sites are—especially the New College, which feels straight out of Hogwarts. Plus, the price point at just over $40 per person offers good value for the 1.5-hour deep dive into the wizarding world. On the flip side, a quick consideration is that not every famous filming location is included—most notably Christ Church, which requires a separate ticket. That said, if you’re after a fun, informative, and well-organized peek into Harry Potter’s Oxford, this tour fits the bill perfectly.

This tour is especially suited for Harry Potter fans of all ages who want a manageable, engaging introduction to Oxford’s university and film locations. It’s also a good option for those who appreciate guided storytelling rather than just wandering around on their own. If you’re short on time but want a taste of both Oxford’s history and the magic behind the movies, this tour deserves a spot on your list.

Key Points

• Well-Reviewed Guides: Guides like Amy and Paula receive glowing praise for their enthusiasm and knowledge.
• Main Highlights: Bodleian Library, New College, and Hogwarts’ Infirmary are the key stops, with plenty of insider stories.
• Flexible Booking: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance or reserve now and pay later, adding convenience.
• Value for Money: At around $40, the tour provides a solid mix of history, film trivia, and fun activities like quizzes.
• Group Size and Accessibility: Generally praised for smaller groups and wheelchair accessibility, making it more comfortable.
• Notable Exclusions: Christ Church isn’t included; you’ll need a separate ticket for that iconic Hogwarts location.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Tour Experience: What to Expect and Why It Matters

Starting in the very heart of Oxford, the tour kicks off at the Oxford Tourism Information center, a convenient spot easily reachable from most accommodations. From there, your guide—usually a passionate Oxford University student—leads you through the cobbled streets, sharing insights about the city’s literary and film influence.

Visiting the Bodleian Library and Hogwarts’ Infirmary

One of the standout moments is the visit to the Bodleian Library’s hall, which served as the Hogwarts Infirmary in the movies. It’s a place that’s both architecturally impressive and steeped in history. Standing in the same space where Harry, Ron, and Hermione might have been treated makes the magic feel just a little more real. The carvings and sculptures, which appeared in multiple films, add an extra layer of fascination, especially if you’re a fan who loves spotting details.

Exploring Oxford’s Oldest Colleges

Next, the tour ventures into some of Oxford’s oldest colleges, like New College. This is where you’ll see the cloisters and courtyards that inspired various Hogwarts scenes. Roaming through these historic grounds, it’s easy to imagine students in robes rushing between classes, or Harry and his friends wandering the corridors. Guides often share fun behind-the-scenes facts about the filming and how J.K. Rowling drew inspiration from Oxford’s medieval architecture.

Filming Locations and Trivia

Throughout the walk, your guide points out other filming sites, like spots where key scenes were shot, and offers trivia about the characters and film production. These stories add a layer of context, enriching your understanding of how Oxford sculpted the magical world we love. Many reviews mention how guides like Olivia and Tym keep things lively with humor and engaging facts, making the experience as entertaining as it is educational.

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The Harry Potter Quiz and Interactive Elements

To keep everyone involved, the tour includes a custom Harry Potter quiz, with a prize for the winner. It’s a lighthearted way to test your knowledge and get everyone thinking about the details of the movies and books. Reviewers have appreciated this element, noting how it adds fun and competitiveness to the experience.

Ending at the Courtyard of Hogwarts

The tour concludes back at the New College courtyard, giving you a final chance to soak in the atmosphere or snap some photos. It’s particularly satisfying to finish where the Hogwarts scenes were inspired, but keep in mind that if you want to see Christ Church (perhaps the most iconic Hogwarts location), you’ll need a separate entry ticket.

Is It Worth the Price?

At just over $40, this tour strikes a solid balance between value and entertainment. You’re paying for more than just sightseeing; you get a guided experience filled with stories, trivia, and exclusive insights. Many guests have remarked on the enthusiastic guides and how they make the history of Oxford and Harry Potter come alive.

The inclusion of access to the Divinity School and New College, along with the Harry Potter quiz and a small prize, adds to the overall package. While the tour doesn’t include Christ Church, the other sites covered are enough to give you a taste of Oxford’s cinematic and literary influence without feeling rushed or superficial.

Practical Considerations

• Duration: 1.5 hours is a good length—long enough to explore but not so long that it becomes tiring.
• Starting Point: Located centrally at Oxford Tourism Information, easy to reach.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, a plus for those with mobility needs.
• Weather: Since it’s outdoors and takes place rain or shine, be sure to dress appropriately and carry an umbrella if needed.

Real Traveler Feedback: What People Are Saying

The reviews consistently praise the guides for their enthusiasm and knowledge. Comments like “Paula’s energy and humor made everything come alive” and “Olivia kept everyone engaged with fun trivia” highlight that guides truly make or break this experience.

Guests also love how the tour balances Oxford’s historic charm with Harry Potter’s magic, with many noting how the tour’s storytelling makes the city’s architecture more meaningful. The quiz is often mentioned as a highlight—adding a playful element to the walk.

Some reviewers mention the larger than expected groups—a reminder that booking in advance is wise. A few note that they missed out on parts of the tour when they had to switch groups, so arriving early or confirming details helps.

Final Thoughts: Who’s This Tour For?

If you’re a Harry Potter enthusiast eager to see the actual locations that inspired Hogwarts and learn behind-the-scenes stories, this tour offers a compact, engaging way to do so. It’s particularly suitable if you enjoy guided walks that combine history with pop culture, and if you appreciate a friendly, knowledgeable guide leading the way.

Those with a limited schedule will find the 1.5-hour duration perfect for fitting into a broader day of sightseeing. It’s also a good pick if you’re traveling with family or friends who might not be super into Harry Potter but still enjoy compelling storytelling and beautiful Oxford architecture.

On the other hand, if you want to visit Christ Church or other specific film locations, you might need to look for additional tours or tickets. Also, be aware that this isn’t a comprehensive Harry Potter theme park experience but rather a walk that celebrates the filming locations and the city’s literary ties.

FAQ

Does this tour include Christ Church? No, Christ Church isn’t part of this tour; you’ll need to buy a separate ticket if you want to visit that famous Hogwarts location.

How long does the tour last? It lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it manageable for most schedules.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users? Yes, it’s wheelchair accessible, which helps make the experience comfortable for everyone.

What’s included in the price? The guide, entrance to the Divinity School, entrance to New College, and the Harry Potter quiz with a prize.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Do I need to book in advance? Definitely recommended, especially during busy seasons, to secure your spot and avoid missing out.

Are guides knowledgeable about Oxford history beyond Harry Potter? Yes, many guides blend Harry Potter stories with insights into Oxford’s broader history and cultural significance.

What should I wear? Dress for the weather; since it’s outdoors and rain or shine, bring an umbrella or raincoat if needed.

Is this tour good for kids? It’s suitable for all ages, especially since the quiz and stories are engaging, and the guides keep things lively.

How do I find the meeting point? It’s at Oxford Tourism Information, 16 Broad Street, a central and easy-to-find location.

If you’re a Harry Potter fan looking for a fun, friendly way to absorb a bit of Oxford’s magic and history, this tour is worth considering. It balances entertainment with genuine insights, and the reviews confirm guides make the experience memorable. Just remember to plan ahead for Christ Church if that’s on your must-see list, and you’ll be all set for a magical day.

You can check availability for your dates here: