Oxford Harry Potter Insights Entry to Divinity School PUBLIC Tour

The Oxford Harry Potter Insights Entry to Divinity School public tour offers muggles a memorable glimpse into the wizarding world. Visitors can explore iconic Hogwarts filming locations, like the stunning 15th-century Divinity School, while uncovering insider stories about literary legends who walked these hallowed halls. With high traveler satisfaction, this family-friendly experience promises an engaging adventure for Harry Potter fans and Oxford enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a hardcore Potterhead or simply curious, this tour may just expand your magical horizons.

Key Points

• This guided walking tour of Oxford’s iconic Harry Potter filming locations includes an inside visit to the 15th-century Divinity School, the filming location for Hogwarts’ infirmary.
• The tour highlights other notable filming sites, such as the Bridge of Sighs, Radcliffe Camera, and Sheldonian Theatre, and provides insights into Oxford’s literary legacy.
• The 2.25-hour public tour departs from Broad Street in Oxford and can accommodate up to 20 travelers, with a 93% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence.
• If the Divinity School is closed, an alternative entry to New College is available for an additional fee, ensuring visitors can still access a key filming location.
• The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour and various tour options, including private tours.

Tour Overview

The Oxford Harry Potter Insights tour is a guided walking experience that takes visitors through the iconic filming locations used in the Harry Potter movies around Oxford.

Lasting approximately 2.25 hours, the tour accommodates a maximum of 20 travelers and departs from 15 Broad St, Oxford OX1 3AS, UK at 12:45 PM.

Highlights include an inside visit to the Divinity School at the Bodleian Library, as well as seeing sites like the Bridge of Sighs, Radcliffe Camera, and Sheldonian Theatre.

With 93% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this family-friendly tour is a must for any Harry Potter fan visiting Oxford.

Visiting the Divinity School

One of the highlights of the Oxford Harry Potter Insights tour is the chance to step inside the Divinity School at the Bodleian Library.

This magnificent 15th-century gothic structure served as the filming location for Hogwarts’ infirmary and the hospital wing.

Visitors can:

1. Marvel at the intricate vaulted ceilings and ornate stonework.
2. Imagine Madam Pomfrey tending to injured students.
3. Spot the alcoves where Harry, Ron, and Hermione hid.
4. Soak in the atmosphere of this historic academic setting.

If the Divinity School is closed, the tour provides entry to the equally impressive New College instead, for an additional fee.

Other Notable Filming Locations

Beyond the Divinity School, the Oxford Harry Potter Insights tour showcases several other noteworthy filming locations across the city’s historic university campus.

The tour includes a visit to the Bridge of Sighs, which served as a backdrop for Hogwarts’ iconic architecture. Travelers also explore the Radcliffe Camera, a 18th-century library building, and the Sheldonian Theatre, where graduation ceremonies were filmed.

Plus, the tour provides a glimpse into New College, one of the oldest colleges at Oxford. Throughout the tour, guides share entertaining insider stories and insights into the books’ literary inspirations, from C.S. Lewis to J.R.R. Tolkien.

Literary Legends of Oxford

Why is Oxford renowned as a hub for literary legends? Oxford’s rich history and prestigious universities have nurtured some of the most influential writers of all time.

Notable literary figures who’ve graced Oxford’s halls include:

1. C.S. Lewis, author of the beloved Chronicles of Narnia series, who was a professor at Magdalen College.

2. J.R.R. Tolkien, the acclaimed creator of The Lord of the Rings, who taught at Pembroke College and Merton College.

3. Lewis Carroll, the imaginative mind behind Alice in Wonderland, who studied and worked at Christ Church College.

4. Oscar Wilde, the renowned playwright, who attended Magdalen College.

Insider Gossip and Inspirations

As the Harry Potter walking tour takes visitors through Oxford’s historic streets, the guides often share insider stories and insights that bring the wizarding world to life.

Guests learn about J.K. Rowling’s inspirations for Hogwarts, discovering how the author drew from Oxford’s architecture and traditions.

Guides divulge behind-the-scenes details about the films, such as which stars caused mischief on set or which scenes required clever camera tricks.

Visitors are captivated by the guides’ wealth of knowledge, gaining a deeper appreciation for how Oxford’s hallowed halls fueled Rowling’s imaginative universe.

Accessibility and Logistics

The Oxford Harry Potter walking tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed.

It’s conveniently located near public transportation.

Travelers have the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour and can request refunds or reschedule with 24 hours notice.

The tour confirmation is received at booking, unless within 16 hours of travel.

Tourists can choose from the following tour variations:

1. Public/private tour including Divinity School (90-120 minutes).
2. Public/private tour with audio guide to Christ Church (over 2 hours).
3. Private group tours only to New College and Divinity School (average 2 hours).
4. Guided walking tour of Harry Potter filming locations in Oxford (approximately 2.25 hours).

Tour Variations

Tourists can choose from several tour variations to suit their preferences and schedules.

The standard public/private tour includes a visit to the Divinity School at the Bodleian Library, lasting 90-120 minutes.

For a more in-depth experience, the public/private tour with audio guide to Christ Church takes over 2 hours.

For those seeking a more focused visit, private group tours are available to just the New College and Divinity School, averaging 2 hours.

Regardless of the option, visitors can expect an engaging exploration of Harry Potter filming locations and Oxford’s literary heritage.

Traveler Feedback

Travelers have left overwhelmingly positive feedback for the Oxford Harry Potter tour, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 353 reviews.

Reviewers have praised the tour guides’ knowledge and enthusiasm, with specific mentions of Peter, Mikel, and Jim.

However, some feedback suggests a desire for longer tours or a more balanced focus between Harry Potter content and Oxford’s broader history.

The tour offers the following key highlights for visitors:

1. Inside visit to the Divinity School at the Bodleian Library (or New College for an extra fee).
2. Exploration of notable sites like the Bridge of Sighs, Radcliffe Camera, and Sheldonian Theatre.
3. Learning about literary legends like C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Lewis Carroll.
4. Insider gossip about Harry Potter stars and J.K. Rowling’s inspirations.

Since You Asked

Can I Take Photos Inside the Divinity School?

Photography is generally allowed inside the Divinity School, but visitors should check with the tour guide or staff on the day of the tour as there may be occasional restrictions or closures.

Is the Tour Guide Fluent in Other Languages Besides English?

The tour guides are fluent in English, but information on their fluency in other languages is not provided. Travelers who require guides in other languages should inquire about availability when booking the tour.

Are There Any Discounts or Reduced Rates Available?

The tour offers no discounts or reduced rates. However, there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts, and refunds or rescheduling are available with 24 hours’ notice.

Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Point During the Experience?

Yes, you can leave the tour group at any point during the experience. The tour is self-guided, so you’re free to explore at your own pace and leave the group as needed. However, you won’t receive a refund for any part of the tour you miss.

Does the Tour Include Any Stops for Food or Refreshments?

The tour does not include any scheduled stops for food or refreshments. Travelers are free to explore the area and take breaks on their own during the approximately 2.25-hour walking tour experience.

The Sum Up

The Oxford Harry Potter Insights Entry to Divinity School Public Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the iconic filming locations and literary heritage of this historic city. With insider stories, a focus on the stunning Divinity School, and a 93% recommendation rate, this family-friendly tour provides an immersive experience for Harry Potter fans and literature enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a longtime Potterhead or simply curious about Oxford’s rich cultural legacy, this tour is a must-do activity.