Harry Potter Walking Tour of Oxford Including New College

Exploring Oxford’s Harry Potter Heritage: A Practical Review of the Walking Tour Including New College

When you think of Oxford, you probably picture centuries-old architecture and a university that’s spun countless stories. Add in the magical world of Harry Potter, and suddenly this city feels like it’s straight out of a fantasy. For Potter fans and curious travelers alike, the Harry Potter Walking Tour of Oxford offers a captivating way to see the city’s historic sites while reliving scenes from the movies. Costing around $41.17 per person, it’s a well-paced 1.5-hour stroll led by passionate guides, often students or locals with insider knowledge.

What we love most about this tour is how it combines film locations with genuine Oxford history, giving visitors a layered experience. Visiting the Bodleian Library’s famous hall, which doubled as the Hogwarts Infirmary, is especially memorable—imagine walking into a medieval space that served as a backdrop for some of the most beloved scenes. Plus, exploring New College’s cloisters and historic rooms gives a real sense of how the movies used real university settings to craft their magical world.

A possible consideration for travelers is that some sites, like the Radcliffe Camera, aren’t open to visitors, which might limit your photo opportunities or interior visits. Also, the entrance fees to certain colleges are included, but access to some buildings depends on availability, and the Bodleian Library might be closed if students are studying. Still, even with these small hiccups, the tour delivers a lot of value.

This experience works best for fans of Harry Potter, those interested in Oxford’s architecture, and anyone wanting a fun, informative overview of the city’s literary and cinematic connections. If you’re looking for an engaging way to mix Harry Potter magic with Oxford’s academic charm, this tour is a good match.

Key Points

Insightful guides make the stories come alive, adding insider tips and fun facts.
Iconic filming locations like the Bodleian Library and New College bring the movies to life.
Includes admission to the Bodleian and select colleges, offering real value.
Interactive elements like a Harry Potter quiz make the walk engaging and memorable.
Historical context about Oxford’s role in children’s literature enriches your visit.
Small group sizes ensure a more personal experience, often with a university student leading.

A Detailed Look at the Harry Potter Walking Tour of Oxford

What’s Included and How It’s Structured

This tour, run by Footprints Tours Limited, lasts about 90 minutes and is perfect for those who want a taste of Oxford’s storied past with a dash of wizardry. The meeting point is at Oxford Tourist Information, centrally located, making it easy to find and well connected to public transit.

Guides are professional, often Oxford students or locals, who bring both enthusiasm and insider knowledge. The tour is capped at 19 travelers, which means you’re not lost in a crowd—ideal for asking questions or catching all the details.

The Itinerary and Highlights

Start at Blackwell’s Bookshop—a paradise for book lovers, especially Ravenclaws. With around 250,000 volumes, it’s a bibliophile’s dream. The mention of Antony Gormley’s sculpture on the roof adds an artistic touch, and it’s a great spot to start with some local flavor.

Next, the group heads to the Bodleian Library, a true treasure trove of medieval books that once held spells and wizardry lore. Here, you’ll see the hall used as Hogwarts Infirmary, with its richly sculpted beasts and biblical carvings—fascinating details that make the scene come alive. The admission fee to the Bodleian is included, adding significant value, especially considering the library’s importance to Oxford’s academic and literary history.

From there, the tour explores the Clarendon Building, which once housed studies into alchemy and astrology—a reminder that Oxford’s fascination with the mystical wasn’t just fiction. Though admission isn’t included here, it’s worth noting the historically “magical” connection between science and the occult sciences.

New College is a major highlight, built-in 1379, with its medieval cloisters and peaceful courtyards. It’s easy to see why this location was chosen for multiple Harry Potter scenes, including the Hogwarts corridors. The admission fee to New College is included, although access depends on college schedules.

The Radcliffe Camera, an unmistakable Oxford icon, offers a stunning exterior shot and a view of the underground passages students used—though the camera itself isn’t open to visitors without a pass. The librarian rules and underground tunnels add a fun layer of university lore.

Finally, the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin and the Divinity School round out the tour, with the latter being a real highlight thanks to its medieval architecture and its use in Harry Potter filming. The church exterior can be visited freely, and the school’s interior is a must-see for Harry Potter fans.

The Experience and Atmosphere

Throughout the tour, guides like Amy, Olivia, or Will—each praised for their knowledge and engaging storytelling—make the experience lively. Multiple reviews mention guides weaving personal stories, film trivia, and Oxford history seamlessly. You’ll learn about the filming locations but also get a deeper understanding of Oxford’s literary legacy, including connections to Alice in Wonderland and The Hobbit.

The Harry Potter quiz is a fun touch, testing your knowledge as you walk, and many reviews highlight how guides keep the atmosphere upbeat and entertaining, even in rain or cool weather. The small group size means easier conversation and more tailored storytelling, which many find enhances the experience.

Practical Considerations

Given the price point, this tour offers substantial value: admission fees, expert guides, and a well-organized route. It’s suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, as it involves walking and some steps around historic sites. The duration is modest—about 90 minutes—making it a manageable outing for families, couples, or solo travelers.

However, note that some sites might be closed, such as the Bodleian, if students are studying. The tour provider is transparent about this and offers full refunds if a key site is inaccessible, which we appreciate. Also, the group size of 19 keeps things intimate but means booking in advance, typically about 22 days, guarantees a spot.

Authenticity and Value

This tour balances film magic with genuine Oxford history. Visitors love how guides share behind-the-scenes tidbits, making the Harry Potter themes more meaningful. The inclusion of admission fees in the price means you’re not left with extra costs, and the stops at key sites like New College and the Bodleian add an authentic flavor that goes beyond mere movie trivia.

What’s Not to Miss

While some iconic buildings like the Radcliffe Camera are only viewed externally, the exterior architecture and stories about the university’s secret passages are fascinating enough. The Divinity School, with its medieval arches, is a true highlight, especially for fans of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts dining hall scenes.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This walking experience is ideal for Harry Potter enthusiasts eager to stand in the actual locations, or history buffs interested in Oxford’s medieval colleges and literary connections. Families with children, especially those familiar with the films, will find it engaging and interactive. It’s also perfect for travelers with limited time who want an overview of Oxford’s university life and film sites in a relaxed, friendly setting.

If your main goal is deep academic exploration or interior visits to the colleges, you might find some limitations, but for an upbeat, informative, and visually rich walk, this tour hits the mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a comfortable short activity that fits well into a day in Oxford.

What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket includes guided commentary, admission to the Bodleian Library, and access to at least two Oxford colleges, depending on availability.

Are the college visits guaranteed?
Access to certain colleges is included but depends on college schedules. If a site is closed when you visit, the tour still offers plenty of visual and historical interest.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at Oxford Tourist Information, located at 15, 16 Broad St, and concludes at Meadow Building, Oxford OX1 2JD.

Is this suitable for children?
Yes, the tour’s engaging style and manageable length make it suitable for families, especially those familiar with Harry Potter or interested in Oxford’s history.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 19 travelers, promoting a more personal experience with the guide.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially since some sites involve steps or uneven surfaces. Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Changes made less than 24 hours before the tour are not accepted, but the tour provider is responsive and helpful.

Is the tour accessible for people with limited mobility?
The tour involves walking around historic buildings and courtyards, so moderate physical fitness is recommended. Some sites may have stairs or uneven terrain.

In essence, this Harry Potter walking tour combines Oxford’s timeless charm with movie magic, delivered by guides who make the stories come alive. It’s a great way to experience the city’s architecture, learn its literary history, and indulge your love of Harry Potter—all without breaking the bank or spending hours on your feet. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the city’s literary roots, it offers a memorable, well-rounded glimpse into Oxford’s enchanting past and present.