Harry Potter Tour New College Entry Only Included

If you’re a Harry Potter fan visiting Oxford, this tour offers a chance to walk in the footsteps of your favorite wizard. Priced at $47 per person, it lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours and takes you to iconic filming locations, including the famed New College cloisters, where the Harry Potter movies shot key scenes. Led by friendly, expert guides, this tour combines a love for film with a bit of Oxford’s historical charm.

What we love about this experience is how the guide’s storytelling brings the Harry Potter universe to life, making the locations feel extra special. Plus, the inclusion of entry to New College—a significant film site—adds real value, saving you the trouble of buying tickets separately. On the downside, if you’re hoping for access to other colleges or venues like the Bodleian Library’s medieval section, this tour won’t include it, but there are other options for that.

This tour suits families, Harry Potter enthusiasts, or anyone interested in Oxford’s cinematic history. It’s especially appealing if you want a personalized experience, as the private group setting ensures you get ample attention from your guide. If you’re looking for an engaging, well-reviewed, reasonably priced way to explore Oxford’s Harry Potter sites, this might be just what you need.

Key Points

• Focused on New College: The highlight is the cloisters where Harry Potter scenes were filmed, with entry included.
• Expert Guides: Guides are praised for their knowledge, storytelling, and engaging approach.
• Authentic Filming Locations: See the real sites used in the movies, like the cloisters where Malfoy is transfigured.
• Price and Value: At $47, it includes entry fees worth up to £12.50, making it a good deal.
• Flexible & Private: Now offered mainly for private groups, providing a more personalized experience.
• Limited Access to Other Venues: Not including Bodleian’s medieval library or Christ Church College, but options exist for those visits.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Comprehensive Look at the Harry Potter Tour at New College

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This particular Harry Potter tour is designed to focus solely on the filming locations within New College. While many tours in Oxford cover multiple colleges and venues—and often come with hefty price tags—this experience keeps it simple and specific, offering excellent value. The focus is on the iconic cloisters, which fans recognize from the films, particularly the scene where Draco Malfoy is transfigured into a ferret by Mad-Eye Moody.

The guides, as noted by several reviewers, are lively and knowledgeable. One reviewer, Sebastian, called the guide’s narration “super interactive” with “film quotes brilliantly recited,” which elevates the experience beyond just walking past pretty buildings. Another review mentioned a guide named Peter who “reshuffled the itinerary” to accommodate late arrivals, highlighting the flexibility and customer care that makes this tour enjoyable for families and groups alike.

Tour Itinerary and Experience

The tour begins at a flexible meeting point, which might vary depending on your booking. From there, you’ll walk through Oxford’s medieval streets and gardens, but the real highlight is the visit to New College.

Within the college, you’ll step into the cloisters—one of the film’s key filming sites. It’s here that Malfoy undergoes his transformation in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” making it a must-see for fans. The entry fee, included in your ticket, typically costs between £8 and £12.50, so this adds substantial value.

When New College’s cloisters are closed—due to graduations, official events, or holidays—the tour continues without entry to the cloisters, but the guide will still point out other Harry Potter filming spots nearby. Keep in mind that during certain times of the year, especially around Christmas or graduation seasons, access might be restricted, so it’s worth checking in advance.

Why the Guides Make a Difference

Guide quality is frequently praised. Reviewers mention guides like Jean and Peter, who are described as “fascinating,” “very available,” and “dynamic.” They not only share Harry Potter trivia but also connect it with Oxford’s literary history, mentioning authors like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Kids especially enjoy the interactive elements—costumes, wands, and even chocolates—making it perfect for family groups.

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The Value of Included Entry Fees

Entrance to New College is worth up to £12.50, so the £47 ticket offers solid value. The fact that it is included means you won’t have to queue or buy tickets separately, and you get a chance to step into a historic Oxford college that doubles as a movie set.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour is well-loved, it’s worth noting what’s not included. For instance, the Bodleian Library’s medieval library is not part of this tour, and access is restricted to children under 11 or via separate guided tours. The Divinity School, another Harry Potter filming site, costs a small additional fee (£2.50), and it’s outside the main tour route.

Because this tour is limited to New College, fans hoping to see multiple film locations across Oxford might prefer different excursions. Also, as it now mostly caters to private groups, it might be less suitable if you’re looking for a larger, shared experience.

Practical Details

• Duration: Roughly 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Price: $47 per person, including entry fees.
• Languages: Tours are available in English, Dutch, French, Spanish, Italian, and Chinese.
• Booking & Flexibility: You can reserve now and pay later, with cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Group Size: Usually a minimum of 4 adults for the extended tour, focusing on personalized service.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for Harry Potter fans of all ages who want a focused, intimate look at the filming location within New College. Families will appreciate the engaging guides and interactive elements, making Oxford’s Harry Potter sites come alive for children. It’s also perfect for those who want a good balance of history and film trivia without the hassle of multiple ticket purchases or large crowds.

Who Might Not Find This Tour Suitable?

If you’re eager to see multiple colleges or explore Oxford’s famous libraries and museums, you might prefer a more comprehensive tour. Also, if access to certain venues like Bodleian’s medieval library is a priority, consider booking separate guided tours for those sites.

Final Thoughts

This Harry Potter tour at New College offers a tailored experience that combines film magic with Oxford’s historic charm. With knowledgeable guides, a focus on film-specific locations, and included entry fees, it delivers great value. It’s perfect for fans wanting a personal, engaging, and family-friendly way to explore Oxford’s cinematic side.

While it doesn’t cover every Harry Potter filming spot in Oxford, the intimate atmosphere and expert narration make it a memorable part of any Harry Potter itinerary. The inclusion of the iconic cloisters and the flexible, private group setting make it a standout choice for those seeking quality over quantity.

If you’re a Harry Potter enthusiast or traveling with family members who love stories and history, this tour promises a fun, authentic, and well-guided journey into Oxford’s magic.

FAQ

Is the New College entry included in the tour fee?
Yes, the entry to New College is included, with tickets valued between £8 and £12.50.

Does the tour visit other Harry Potter filming locations outside New College?
The focus is primarily on New College and its cloisters. When the cloisters are closed, the guide will point out other nearby filming sites, but the main emphasis remains on New College.

Can I join this tour if I am traveling alone?
Yes, the tour now mainly offers private group bookings, but individual reservations may be available depending on the operator’s schedule.

Are there any age restrictions?
Children over 11 are generally welcomed. The medieval library inside Bodleian isn’t open to children under 11, but this isn’t part of the main tour.

What languages are available?
The tour can be conducted in English, Dutch, French, Spanish, Italian, or Chinese.

How long does the tour last?
Expect about 1.5 to 2 hours, providing enough time to enjoy the sites without feeling rushed.

What should I do if I want to see the Bodleian’s medieval library or Christ Church?
Those sites require separate tickets or guided tours, which you can book through their respective websites.

Whether you’re a die-hard Harry Potter fan or just love exploring Oxford’s historic streets, this tour offers a charming, engaging way to see film locations with the benefit of expert guides and included entry fees. It’s a well-balanced experience that combines the magic of movies with the academic soul of Oxford.

You can check availability for your dates here: