During my trip to the UK, Oxford was at the top of my because of its Harry Potter connections. Parts of Hogwarts were filmed here, and I knew that I had to visit these filming locations no matter what.
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| I solemnly swear that I am up to no good |
If you’re a huge Harry Potter fan or just looking for a nice little day trip away from the city, I’d recommend going to Oxford. Here’s a quick guide based on my visit.
How to Get to Oxford from London
I took the train from Marylebone Station, booking an Off-Peak Day Return ticket. That gave me flexibility in timing, which turned out to be important when I had to adjust part of my schedule because of ticketing issues (more on that later). Because of that flexibility, I wasn’t pinned down to one train time, which came in handy.
The journey took just over an hour depending on stops. The Off-Peak ticket wasn’t much more than peak fare for that route, and given how expensive some parts of England travel can be, it felt like a fair trade for less stress. The train route itself is quite pleasant with views of the countryside and quaint towns.
What to See in Oxford
Christ Church College
Christ Church is perhaps the most famous attraction in Oxford for Harry Potter fans. The Great Hall here was used as a model for Hogwarts’ dining hall, and the cathedral and quads echo the feel of Hogwarts’ courtyards. Walking into the main gate and seeing Tom Tower above you gives that immediate 'movie magic' thrill.
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| dining hall used as inspiration for the Great Hall |
Inside, you’ll see student rooms, cloisters, and passageways, many of which have appeared or served as inspiration in the films. The architecture, the high ceilings, the centuries-old wood, the sense that students still walk those halls every day. It’s surreal when you realize it’s still a working college.
My ticket here included an audio guide and you can just take the tour at your own pace. I would recommend spending at least two hours here to give you enough time to take everything in. I also entered the souvenir shop here, which you can visit without a ticket, and picked up a few souvenir items.
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| an iconic staircase used in the Harry Potter films |
New College
New College is another highlight for Harry Potter fans. The cloisters were used for some of the Hogwarts corridor scenes, and the courtyard is instantly recognizable as the spot where Professor Moody turned Malfoy into a ferret.
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| used as a corridor in the films |
Beyond the Harry Potter connection, the college itself is stunning. The cloisters, chapel, and gardens are beautiful in their own right. It was much quieter here than at the other colleges, which made it easier to slow down, take photos, and actually enjoy the surroundings.
Bodleian Library
The Bodleian Library is one of the oldest in Europe, and it really does feel special to step inside. Depending on the guided tour you book, you can see different parts — the Old Library, Radcliffe Camera, Divinity School, Convocation House, and Chancellor’s Court. There are longer and shorter tours, each covering slightly different areas.
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| Duke Humfrey's Library |
In my case, I only got to visit the Duke Humfrey’s Library and the Divinity School. The library was amazing with rows of old books and that dark academia feel. This was used for filming the Hogwarts Library scenes. I also got to see where they filmed the Restricted Section in the first movie.
The Divinity School was just as impressive, especially its ceiling, which is so detailed and intricate. This was used as the Hospital Wing in the movies. It was also used as the practice space for the Yule Ball in Goblet of Fire.
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| Divinity School |
The Covered Market
A short stroll away from the colleges is the Covered Market. It’s not a filming site for Harry Potter, but it’s a lovely detour. This market has small food stalls, artisan shops, cafés, and local goods. I wandered through, grabbing snacks and looking at crafts along the way.
Cornmarket Street and High Street
Cornmarket Street and High Street are Oxford’s main arteries for foot traffic, shops, and university life. As you walk these streets, you’re surrounded by a mix of bookshops, cafes, clothing stores, and constant movement. I passed through here multiple times in the day.
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| High Street |
How to Get Tickets for the Oxford Colleges
You do need tickets to enter most colleges, and yes, they can feel pricey, but if you're a Harry Potter fan, the cost is often worth it.
For Christ Church College, I booked about a week in advance. Their system opens slots one week before the first possible visit date. If you try earlier, they won’t let you. Also, once slots open, they sell out fast. You need to pick a time. Adult entry for College & Cathedral is £24, which includes the audio guide.
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| the Restricted Section at the Hogwarts Library |
For the Bodleian Library, there are guided tours of varying lengths starting at £10. The 30-minute tour usually covers Duke Humfrey’s Library and the Divinity School together. Longer tours give access to more rooms, like Convocation House and Chancellor’s Court, and sometimes even the Radcliffe Camera. The Divinity School can also be visited on its own with a separate ticket or in certain bundles.
In my case, by the time it was finally my turn at the ticket counter, all the longer tours were sold out. I ended up queueing for about an hour and managed to get a 15-minute tour of the library and a separate ticket for the Divinity School, with different time slots. It wasn’t the ideal scenario, but it still gave me the chance to step inside both places. For me, it was still worth it.
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| Radcliffe Camera - which I didn't get to visit but still stunning from the outside |
For New College, you can often buy your ticket at the entrance. It’s simpler than the others and didn’t require as much advance planning.
My Oxford day trip from London was full and thrilling, especially as a Harry Potter fan. Between Christ Church, New College, the Bodleian Library, and the Divinity School, I felt like I was stepping into the films. And yes, I had to bring my Hogwarts robes with me.
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| the 'Malfoy ferret' courtyard at New College |
That said, even the best planning can only take you so far. I managed to secure a ticket for Christ Church College in advance, but for the Bodleian Library and Divinity School, I had no control over the day-of availability. It really came down to luck, and I was fortunate enough to get one of the last slots for the shorter tour. Queuing for an hour wasn’t ideal, but in the end it was worth it. This is where having an Off-Peak Day Return ticket really paid off. The flexibility meant I didn’t have to rush back to London at a specific time, which took the stress out of an already packed day. Overall, I still get to tick all the places on my list.
If you’re planning to visit Oxford, my advice would be to plan ahead as much as possible, but also leave room for things to change. The mix of careful planning and a bit of luck is what made my day trip work out in the end.
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| POV: you got your Hogwarts letter |
I’d definitely recommend a visit to Oxford, especially if you’re a Harry Potter fan. The filming sites alone make the trip worth it, but the city has so much more to offer beyond that. Even in just a day, you get a taste of its history, atmosphere, and beauty, which left me wanting to come back again with more time.
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