The Oxford by Rail Day Tour is a captivating option for Harry Potter enthusiasts seeking an immersive experience in the iconic filming locations of Oxford. Offering flexible roundtrip train travel from London, this tour promises a guided walking exploration of the Bodleian Library’s Divinity School and other must-see spots. With knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to indulge in some retail therapy at Bicester Village, the day trip provides a well-rounded adventure for those keen to uncover the magical connections between Oxford and the wizarding world. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply curious about the city’s cinematic heritage, this tour offers a chance to delve deeper into the captivating intersection of literature, film, and historic architecture.
Good To Know

- The Oxford by Rail Day Tour offers a guided walking tour focused on Harry Potter filming locations in Oxford, rated 4.5/5 stars.
- The tour includes flexible roundtrip train travel from London Marylebone, approximately 85 minutes each way, with free onboard Wi-Fi.
- The itinerary features a 2-hour guided walking tour, entrance to the Bodleian Library’s Divinity School, and an optional shopping stop at Bicester Village.
- Travelers are required to arrive 20 minutes early at Marylebone Railway Station to meet the group, and the tour guide is included except for the Harry Potter walking tour.
- Some customers expressed concerns about the value due to the lack of additional services like hop-on hop-off bus transportation, but the majority were satisfied with the guided walking tour and train travel convenience.
Tour Overview
The Oxford by Rail Day Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the historic university city, featuring a guided walking tour highlighting the Harry Potter filming locations.
This day trip from London is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 4 reviews. Priced at £99.99, the tour accommodates up to 20 travelers and requires a moderate level of physical fitness.
Flexible roundtrip train travel from London Marylebone is included, with the outbound journey taking approximately 85 minutes.
The itinerary also features entrance to the Bodleian Library’s Divinity School and an optional shopping stop at Bicester Village on the return trip.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in London.
Travel Details

Flexible roundtrip train travel from London Marylebone is included in the Oxford by Rail Day Tour. The train is operated by Chiltern Railways and departs after 9:00 am, with the journey to Oxford taking approximately 85 minutes.
For the return trip, travelers can take any direct train back to London, with trains running every 30 minutes.
Onboard the train, free Wi-Fi is available for passengers to stay connected. This convenient travel arrangement allows for a seamless experience, ensuring travelers can make the most of their time in Oxford without the hassle of transportation.
Itinerary Highlights

The tour’s Itinerary Highlights include a 2-hour guided walking tour highlighting Harry Potter locations in Oxford.
Travelers will also have the opportunity to explore the famous Bodleian Library’s Divinity School, which served as a filming location for the Harry Potter movies.
Plus, the tour offers an optional free stopover at Bicester Village on the return trip, providing a chance for some shopping.
Full joining instructions and travel documents are sent prior to departure, ensuring a smooth and organized experience.
However, it’s important to note that the Divinity School will be closed for several periods in 2024 and 2025, so travelers should check the schedule before booking.
Important Information

Travelers must arrive at the Marylebone Railway Station 20 minutes early to meet the group. A tour guide is included, except for the Harry Potter walking tour.
Hop-on hop-off bus transportation isn’t provided, contrary to some reviews. The Divinity School at the Bodleian Library will be closed on certain dates in 2024 and 2025, so visitors should plan accordingly.
Full joining instructions and travel documents are sent prior to the departure. While the reviews highlight knowledgeable guides and enjoyable experiences, some customers felt the tour lacked additional services like the hop-on hop-off bus.
Customer Feedback

Positive reviews highlight the knowledgeability of the tour guides and the overall enjoyable experiences had by travelers. Reviewers mention the small group size and good weather as factors that enhanced the tour.
However, some customers felt the tour lacked additional services like a hop-on hop-off bus, questioning the overall value. Despite these concerns, the majority of customers expressed satisfaction with the guided walking tour and the convenience of the train travel experience.
Tour Duration and Meeting Point

The tour commences from Marylebone Railway Station in London, where travelers should arrive 20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.
The journey to Oxford by Chiltern Railways train takes approximately 85 minutes, with the outbound trip departing after 9:00 am.
On the return, travelers can board any direct train back to London, which run every 30 minutes.
The tour includes:
- Flexible roundtrip train travel
- Free Wi-Fi onboard the train
- 2-hour Harry Potter Highlights guided walking tour in Oxford
- Entrance to the Bodleian Library’s Divinity School
- Optional free stopover at Bicester Village on the return trip
Optional Stopover

On the return journey, travelers have the option to make a free stopover at Bicester Village, a renowned outlet shopping destination.
Situated just 20 minutes from Oxford, Bicester Village offers an array of designer brands at discounted prices. Visitors can browse the stores, indulge in some retail therapy, and enjoy the quaint atmosphere of the village before continuing their journey back to London.
This optional stopover provides a convenient opportunity to squeeze in some shopping while taking advantage of the flexibility of the return train travel.
Depending on one’s interests and time constraints, the Bicester Village stopover can be a valuable addition to the Oxford by Rail Day Tour.
The Sum Up

The Oxford by Rail Day Tour offers a magical experience for Harry Potter fans. With flexible roundtrip train travel from London, participants can explore iconic filming locations, visit the Bodleian Library, and enjoy an optional shopping stop. With knowledgeable guides and onboard Wi-Fi, it’s a convenient and enchanting way to discover the wizarding world in Oxford.
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