Harry Potter Private Tour New College & Divinity School

If you’re a Harry Potter fan planning a trip to Oxford, this private tour offers a charming glimpse into the wizarding world set amid centuries-old architecture. While it doesn’t include every film location, it zeroes in on two key sites where the magic was brought to life on screen: New College and the Divinity School at Bodleian Library. It’s a well-reviewed experience that combines film trivia with the opportunity to walk through real Oxford landmarks—perfect if you’re after a focused, intimate exploration rather than a sprawling group tour.

What we particularly love about this experience is the personalized attention you get with a private guide, along with the chance to see iconic filming locations that many visitors miss. Plus, the entry fees—included in the tour—offer solid value for fans eager to stand where Harry, Draco, and other characters once did. One potential downside? Since some venues are only open on certain days, it’s wise to double-check closures if your visit coincides with holidays or graduation periods.

This tour suits anyone who’s enchanted by Harry Potter or interested in the architecture and history of Oxford. It’s especially ideal for families, dedicated fans, or those looking for a shorter, engaging experience in the city’s famed university grounds without the fuss of larger group tours.

Key Points

• Focused Experience: Private tour with personalized attention and flexible scheduling.
• Iconic Filming Locations: Visit New College cloisters and the Divinity School, used as Hogwarts’ hospital wing.
• Expert Guides: Guides bring film trivia and Oxford history to life, making the experience both fun and educational.
• Value for Money: Entry fees are included, and the tour offers a detailed look at key Harry Potter sites.
• Accessibility & Flexibility: Suitable for wheelchair users and private groups, with the option to adjust based on venue availability.
• Authentic Atmosphere: Walk through historic Oxford halls and gardens, feeling the same sense of wonder as Harry’s classmates.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Overall Logistics

You’ll meet your guide outside the Oxford Tourist Information Centre at 15 Broad Street, easily accessible in the heart of the city. The guide will be wearing a distinct red “I love Oxford” lanyard, making spotting straightforward. The tour lasts around two hours, with two suggested starting times available, and is designed for private groups—meaning a more intimate, tailored experience.

Because the tour is private, it typically requires a minimum of four people to operate. Payment is flexible—you reserve now and pay later—allowing you to plan your trip without upfront commitments. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours beforehand, which adds extra peace of mind.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Learn

Stop 1: New College

The first highlight is the famous cloisters of New College, where scenes like the Malfoy transfiguration occur in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. We loved the way the guide brought this part of the tour alive, emphasizing how the cloisters’ medieval architecture lends an authentic backdrop for magical moments. During peak times, you’ll get a guided walk lasting about 45 minutes, including photo stops and insightful commentary.

Note: When the cloister is closed—often during special events or maintenance—the tour continues but without entry to this exact site, or it might substitute with another college.

As a bonus, the tour includes entry worth £12.50, covering access to the cloisters, so you don’t need to worry about extra costs. Reviewers have praised guides like Peter for their knowledge and engaging storytelling—one enthusiast said, “Peter was amazing… he kept a diverse audience entertained for hours.”

Stop 2: Divinity School at Bodleian Library

Next, you’ll visit the Divinity School, famously used as the Hogwarts hospital wing in multiple films. Imagine Harry lying in bed recovering after his bones were broken—it’s easy to picture in this stunning medieval hall with its intricate vaulted ceiling. The £2.50 entry fee (included in the tour) grants access, although it’s worth noting that the medieval library inside the Bodleian is not open to guided tours or children under 11.

The guide will share fun facts—like how the scene where Harry stays overnight to regrow his bones was filmed here—and connect the architecture with the magic of the movies. When the Divinity School is closed, the team plans to substitute with another college, so check for closures during Christmas or graduation periods.

Additional Insights from Reviews

Multiple participants have highlighted the expertise of the guides. Fides raves about her guide Peter, saying, “He knows how to keep engaged a diverse audience,” and kids loved the Harry Potter costumes, wands, and chocolates provided during the tour. Even under less-than-ideal weather, Patti noted, the experience remained “worth the time spent”, thanks to the engaging storytelling.

One reviewer, Man Kwong, appreciated how Peter reshuffled the schedule when delays occurred—an indication of the flexibility and customer focus of the tour.

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Practicalities and Value

The £15 per person fee, covering entry to key sites plus a detailed map of Oxford, offers reasonable value considering the personalized attention and the exclusive access to film locations. The tour operates entirely in English and is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for various travelers.

The private nature of the experience means you won’t be packed into a large group, and the flexibility to reschedule or cancel adds to the overall convenience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for Harry Potter enthusiasts who want a close-up look at the filming locations without a large group. It’s also ideal for visitors who appreciate history, architecture, and authentic Oxford sites—fascinating in their own right—and those traveling with children who enjoy interactive, story-rich outings.

If you’re after a deep dive into Harry Potter’s cinematic universe or simply want a personalized tour with a knowledgeable guide, this offers good value and memorable moments. But if you want to see multiple film locations or visit additional colleges like Christ Church—which isn’t included here—you might want to consider other tours.

The Sum Up: Who Should Book This Tour?

This private Harry Potter tour hits a sweet spot for fans seeking a focused, intimate experience. The combination of expert guides, authentic film locations, and inclusive entry fees makes it a compelling choice for those wanting a taste of the wizarding world amid Oxford’s historic fabric.

It’s especially well-suited for families, couples, or small groups looking for a personalized journey with plenty of opportunities for photos and stories. The knowledgeable guides, like Peter, bring the sites to life with engaging anecdotes and fun facts, ensuring all ages stay captivated.

While it doesn’t cover every Harry Potter filming site, it offers a quality, well-organized visit to some of the most iconic locations, making it a memorable highlight of any Oxford trip.

For travelers who love stories behind filming locations and want a flexible, friendly guide, this tour balances value, authenticity, and fun—a delightful way to combine your love of Harry Potter with a genuine appreciation for Oxford’s historic charm.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is engaging for kids, especially with the Harry Potter-themed costumes, wands, and chocolates provided during the experience.

What is included in the price?
Your tour includes a knowledgeable guide, a detailed map of Oxford, and entry to New College and the Divinity School, worth about £15 total.

What if some sites are closed on my preferred date?
If the New College cloister or Divinity School are closed during your visit, the tour will run but without access to those sites, or will substitute with other college locations.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, starting at your chosen time, covering the key film sites and providing plenty of storytelling.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve your spot now and pay later, offering flexibility.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for most mobility needs.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended, especially since the tour operates only for private groups with a minimum number of participants.

Are additional film sites or colleges included?
No, this tour focuses on New College and Divinity School. For other locations, consider their full university or Christ Church tours.

This private Harry Potter tour offers a focused, engaging, and value-packed way to see some of Oxford’s most iconic filming locations, perfect for fans and curious travelers alike.

You can check availability for your dates here: