Harry Potter in Oxford Tour Divinity School entry Private Tour

Experience the magic of Oxford’s Harry Potter filming locations with this private guided tour. For around $103 per person, you’ll spend between 1.5 and 2 hours exploring key sites like the Bodleian Library’s Divinity School, where Harry’s infirmary scenes were filmed, and other famous landmarks. Led by knowledgeable guides like Peter or Jake, this tour offers an intimate look at Oxford’s cinematic and literary history, tailored to your interests.

Two standout features make this tour particularly appealing. First, the private guide attention means you get personalized stories and a flexible pace—no rushing to keep up with large groups. Second, the hands-on experience with Harry Potter costumes and the chance to wear wizard robes for photos adds a fun, immersive element that keeps both kids and adults engaged.

A potential consideration is that certain sites like Christ Church or Duke Humfrey’s library aren’t included or may be closed depending on the day. If you’re eager to visit those, you’ll need to plan separately or ask your guide about options on the day of your tour.

This experience is best suited for Harry Potter fans of all ages, especially those who enjoy a narrative-driven walking adventure that mixes film lore with Oxford’s historic colleges. It’s perfect if you want a blend of fun, learning, and sightseeing—plus the ability to customize your experience.

Key Points

• Personalized private tour ensures tailored stories and a flexible pace.
• Visit iconic film locations like the Bodleian Divinity School, Bridge of Sighs, and New College.
• Learn behind-the-scenes stories about how the movies were made and casting choices.
• Includes entry to the Divinity School film site (worth about £3), with gown props for photos.
• Optional visits to other colleges, such as New College, for an extra fee or after the tour.
• Great for all ages, with reviews praising guides like Peter and Jake for their engaging storytelling.

A Deep Dive into the Harry Potter in Oxford Tour

What’s the Experience Like?

This private tour combines walking exploration with storytelling that brings Oxford’s Harry Potter connections to life. For a fixed price of $102.56 per person, you get an intimate encounter with the filming locations and Oxford’s historic scenery, led by guides who are eager to share their knowledge.

The tour lasts about 90 minutes to 2 hours, making it manageable even after a busy day of sightseeing. It’s designed to be relaxed but informative—perfect if you want to soak in the sights without feeling rushed, and with enough time to ask questions or take photos.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Do

Bodleian Library and Divinity School

Your first stop is the Bodleian Library, where films used the Divinity School as Hogwarts’ infirmary and dance hall. This entry, valued at around £3, is included, allowing you to step inside and see the medieval architecture that made it an ideal film set. Gowns are provided for fun photo opportunities, adding a sense of authenticity to your wizarding dress-up.

Reviewers love the way guides make this site special—one commented that their guide, Peter, made the experience “so individual and special,” complete with costumes and quizzes.

Famous Oxford Sights

The tour then takes you past several landmarks like the Radcliffe Camera, Bridge of Sighs, and the Sheldonian Theatre, offering quick but insightful stops. These are iconic sights that, while not directly related to Harry Potter, enhance your understanding of Oxford’s architecture and film backdrop.

College Visits and Film Locations

You’ll also visit New College, where Malfoy’s ferret scene was filmed. While entry costs extra (£8), your guide can advise on paying on the day or visiting afterward. When Divinity School is closed, the tour may substitute visits to New College instead.

Other notable stops include the Turf Tavern, which resembles the Three Broomsticks pub, and the Oxford Covered Market, famous for Harry Potter-themed cakes. These locations add flavor and humor, making the experience richer and more memorable.

Additional College Stops

The tour features stops at colleges connected to famous authors and historical figures, such as Tolkien at Exeter College and Jane Austen’s family at nearby colleges. Most external stops are free to photograph and explore on your own.

How the Tour is Conducted

Your guide will adapt the narrative based on your group’s interests, making it lively whether you’re a die-hard Harry Potter fan or a casual viewer. The small group size, combined with the private nature, ensures that your questions are answered thoroughly and that you get time for photos and sideline stories.

Reviews highlight guides like Jake and Peter as engaging and full of trivia, capable of entertaining both children and adults. One reviewer said, “He kept our three kids engaged and was full of trivia for all ages,” which is a good sign for families.

The Value of the Experience

At roughly $103 per person, this tour offers excellent value—especially considering the personalized attention and the insider stories you’ll hear. Entrance to the Divinity School alone is valued at about £3 (~$4), but the real treasure is the storytelling and behind-the-scenes insights that bring Oxford’s cinematic links to life.

The optional visits to colleges like New College add a bit more expense but are well worth it if you’re curious about the filming locations or the colleges’ history. For the price, you get more than just sightseeing—you gain a deeper appreciation for how Oxford’s architecture and history blend with the Harry Potter story.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

The tour starts at 15-16 Broad Street and finishes nearby, making it easy to continue exploring Oxford afterward. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the route covers several landmarks on foot. If you’re driving, be aware that parking is limited—Oxford’s streets are congested, and parking on the outskirts with a park-and-ride might be your best bet.

Arrive 5 minutes early to meet your guide, as punctuality is appreciated and late arrivals might miss the start. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including children, with reviews praising its engaging storytelling and fun costumes.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Harry Potter filming sites tour is ideal for families, book and film enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a personalized, relaxed look at some of Oxford’s most charming corners. If you love a good story behind the scenes and enjoy walking through historic colleges, you’ll find this tour both entertaining and enlightening.

Those with limited mobility might want to check accessibility, but the compact nature of Oxford’s city center makes it manageable for most.

If you’re looking for a more comprehensive college experience or entry to iconic sites like Christ Church, you might need to combine this with other tours or visit separately.

FAQs

Is this a private tour?
Yes, this is a private experience, meaning only your group participates, which allows for a more customized and relaxed visit.

How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on your pace and interests.

What’s included in the price?
The main inclusion is entry to the Divinity School film site at the Bodleian Library, valued at about £3. It also includes gowns for photos and personalized storytelling.

Are any additional sites included?
Visits to other colleges like New College or Christ Church are optional. Entry fees apply if you choose to enter, or if the tour is replaced due to closures.

Can I visit Christ Church during this tour?
No, Christ Church is not included in this tour and is run separately from July 5th. For that, you’ll want a dedicated Christ Church tour.

What if Divinity School is closed?
On certain dates, the tour might substitute visits to New College or other nearby sites. You can ask your guide about options for the day.

Is it suitable for children?
Absolutely. Reviews mention that guides like Jake are great at keeping kids engaged with trivia, costumes, and fun stories.

Can I book in advance?
Yes, the tour is popular and on average booked 26 days ahead. Booking early is recommended, especially for private groups or specific dates.

To sum it up, this private Harry Potter in Oxford tour offers a wonderful blend of film lore, historic sights, and fun storytelling. It is particularly valuable for those who appreciate personal attention and insider stories, making Oxford’s magical connections come alive. Perfect for families, dedicated fans, or travelers wanting an authentic, relaxed experience—this tour gets you close to the magic without the crowds.