Oxford: Harry Potter Tour Public New College Tour

Experience the Magic of Oxford with the Harry Potter Tour at New College

When we think about the worlds of wizardry and academia, Oxford often comes to mind as the perfect blend of the two. This particular Harry Potter Tour at New College offers a fascinating peek into the filming locations used in the beloved movies, all within the historic walls of one of Oxford’s most iconic colleges. For around $53 per person, you’ll spend roughly 90 minutes wandering through medieval cloisters, learning behind-the-scenes facts, and testing your Harry Potter knowledge with an expert guide, like the lively James or Emma.

What we especially appreciate about this tour is its focus on inside access to New College, a key filming site, and the personalized experience offered through private group bookings—something rare in group tours. And, if you’re keen on the full Hogwarts experience, there’s the option to add entry to the Divinity School at the Bodleian Library for just £2.50.

One minor consideration is that access to certain sites depends on their opening status—some areas, like the cloisters, might be closed during graduation periods or Christmas, which could influence what you see. Still, for Harry Potter fans and history lovers alike, this tour hits a sweet spot of authenticity, detail, and fun. It’s best suited for those who enjoy a mix of storytelling and sightseeing, especially if you’re a fan of Harry Potter or historic Oxford architecture.

Key Points

• Exclusive Access: Visit New College film site, including cloisters where Malfoy was transfigured into a ferret.
• Expert Guide: Walk with a knowledgeable guide who shares engaging facts and trivia.
• Included Entry: Price includes entry to New College, valued at up to £12.50, offering great value.
• Flexible Add-Ons: Option to visit the Divinity School for just £2.50 afterward.
• Personalized Experience: Private group bookings ensure a more tailored tour.
• Limited Access During Events: Some areas may be closed during special occasions; check in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Harry Potter Tour Experience

Starting Point and Meeting Details

The tour begins in the heart of Oxford, outside the tourist info centre at 15 Broad Street, near the Oxfam shop. Your guide, easily recognizable with a Hogwarts gown or a bright red lanyard, is ready to share their passion for Oxford’s Harry Potter filming locations. The meeting point is convenient—just a short walk from many central accommodations—and the tour ends back at the same spot, making it easy to continue exploring the city afterward.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For £53, you get a guided walk that covers everything from the film sites to some of Oxford’s medieval architecture. Your ticket includes entry to New College, a significant savings given that this alone can cost around £12.50, plus a detailed map of Oxford to help you continue exploring on your own. Speaking of extras, if you’re interested in the Divinity School—the iconic hall with the stunning vaulted ceiling used in the Hogwarts hospital scenes—you can visit for just £2.50 after your tour, making it a budget-friendly way to extend your Harry Potter experience.

However, note that entry to the Bodleian’s medieval library and Christ Church College are not part of this tour; they require separate tickets or specialized tours. This focus keeps the experience intimate and specific, avoiding the overwhelm of a larger, multi-site package.

Tour Itinerary and Highlights

The core of the tour is the visit to New College, where you’ll step inside the cloisters used in the films. Our guide shared that “we loved the way the guide explained the filming tricks”, bringing to life the magic behind the scenes. You’ll see the cloisters where Harry, Ron, and Hermione studied, and more notably, the site where Malfoy gets transfigured into a ferret by Mad-Eye Moody in Goblet of Fire.

Throughout the walk, the guide sprinkles in interesting facts and trivia, such as how Oxford’s medieval halls have been used in countless movies, not just Harry Potter. The storytelling aspect makes the experience engaging, especially for fans who want more than just a photo op.

Access Limitations and Closures

It’s worth noting that some sites might be closed during graduation or Christmas, which can influence what you see. For example, if New College’s cloisters are closed, the tour will proceed without access to that specific filming location. The tour provider is transparent about these potential closures, giving you the opportunity to plan accordingly.

The Personal Touch of Private Groups

Since the tour is only offered as a private group, you’ll enjoy a more personalized experience, with fewer distractions and the chance to ask more questions. With a minimum of just 4 adults required, it’s accessible for small groups and families.

Overall Value and Experience

The combination of expert guidance, inside access, and included entry makes this tour a strong value, especially for Harry Potter fans who appreciate authentic filming locations and are interested in the history of Oxford’s college buildings. The price compares favorably to other guided experiences, especially considering the detailed insights and the opportunity to explore Oxford beyond just the Harry Potter sites.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a Harry Potter enthusiast eager to see the real-life locations that inspired scenes from the movies, this tour is a perfect fit. It’s also excellent for those interested in Oxford’s architecture and history, given the focus on medieval halls and cloisters. Families with children over 11 will find it engaging, thanks to the interactive storytelling.

Travelers who prefer a more intimate experience, rather than large group excursions, will appreciate the private booking format. However, if your schedule is tight or you’re looking for a full-blown college visit, remember that some sites like Christ Church or the Bodleian’s medieval library require separate arrangements.

In short, this tour suits fans wanting an authentic, insider look at Oxford’s Harry Potter filming locations with a knowledgeable guide, all at a reasonable price.

Practical Tips for Your Harry Potter Tour

• Arrive at the meeting point a few minutes early, dressed comfortably.
• Confirm in advance if any closures are scheduled during your visit.
• Consider adding the Divinity School entry for a small extra fee if you wish to see the Hogwarts hall.
• Bring a notebook or camera to capture your favorite moments—your guide’s stories are worth remembering.
• If you’re planning to explore more, use the provided map to continue discovering Oxford’s other hidden gems.
• Book at least 24 hours ahead to secure your spot and avoid last-minute cancellations.

Final Thoughts

This Harry Potter Tour at New College offers a well-balanced mix of detailed storytelling, genuine access, and historical context, all wrapped in a manageable, private group setting. For fans who want to see where magic was filmed and learn about Oxford’s medieval past, it’s an experience that combines fun with education. The inclusion of entry to New College makes it a great deal, especially if you’re keen to avoid paying admission separately.

While some sites may be closed during certain times, the guide’s flexibility and transparency help set expectations. The option to extend your experience with a visit to the Divinity School for just a few pounds adds extra value for those eager to see more of Oxford’s Harry Potter scenery.

For anyone seeking an engaging, authentic, and reasonably priced Harry Potter-themed outing in Oxford, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s especially suitable for small groups, families, and dedicated fans who want to hear the stories behind the scenes from someone who truly loves the city and its history.

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FAQ

Is this a guided tour?
Yes, it’s led by an expert guide who shares stories, facts, and trivia throughout the walk.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket includes the guided tour, detailed Oxford map, and entry to New College (worth up to £12.50).

Can I visit the Bodleian’s Divinity School after the tour?
Yes, entry to the Divinity School is not included but can be added afterward for just £2.50.

Are there any sites that are off-limits?
Some areas, like the cloisters, may close during graduation or Christmas, but the tour will proceed with alternative stops.

How many people are in a group?
The tour is available as a private experience, with a minimum of 4 adults.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This tour offers a solid, well-rounded experience, blending the magic of Harry Potter with the historic charm of Oxford—perfect for fans and history buffs alike.

You can check availability for your dates here: