4.9(51 reviews)
London to Oxford Day Tour with Christ Church and Bodleian
From£149.99
9 hours
Lancaster, United Kingdom
About this activity
Experience Oxford's rich history with guided tours of Christ Church and the Bodleian Library, including Harry Potter filming sites.
Highlights
- Explore Oxford's historic colleges
- Visit Christ Church Cathedral
- Tour the Bodleian Library
- Discover Harry Potter filming locations
- Enjoy scenic walking tours
Full description
Step into the world of academia and cinematic magic on this immersive day trip from London to Oxford. Wander through the hallowed halls of Christ Church College, where history and Harry Potter come alive. Marvel at the architectural splendor of Christ Church Cathedral and delve into the vast collections of the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest in Europe. This tour offers a perfect blend of educational enrichment and cinematic nostalgia, all set against the backdrop of Oxford's picturesque streets and serene gardens. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the city that inspired countless scholars and filmmakers alike.
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Oxford's historic sites
- Entry to Christ Church College and Cathedral
- Visit to the Bodleian Library
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
One of Oxford’s oldest colleges, its grand medieval façade offers a striking glimpse into centuries of academic tradition. Covered Externally.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
Known for its elegant Georgian architecture and spacious green quadrangles, the college presents a serene and timeless scene along Broad Street. Its storied history dates back to the 16th century, adding weight to its graceful exterior. Depending on availability on the day of travel, this site is usually entered if possible - otherwise an alternative College will be used.
Duration: 45 minAdmission: YES
3
With its ornate chapel spire and richly detailed stonework, this college creates a picturesque corner of Turl Street. Founded in 1314, its exterior reflects the enduring legacy of Oxford’s medieval scholarship. Covered externally.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
A charming blend of old and new stone buildings, it is most famous for the nearby Bridge of Sighs. Its setting along Catte Street captures the cozy intimacy of Oxford’s historic lanes. Covered externally.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
Its soaring tower dominates the skyline, a landmark that has welcomed visitors since the 15th century. Surrounded by lush grounds and riverside walks, the exterior radiates both grandeur and natural beauty.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
Seen from Turl Street, its honey-colored walls and traditional college gatehouse offer a perfect snapshot of Oxford’s architectural heritage. Founded in 1427, it is steeped in history. Covered externally.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7
Housed in the world’s oldest surviving purpose-built museum building, its distinctive façade marks a place where centuries of scientific innovation are celebrated. Covered externally.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8
A bold, modernist contrast to Oxford’s medieval stone, the Weston offers a clean, symmetrical exterior. It houses rare manuscripts and treasures of knowledge, reflecting the city’s enduring academic spirit.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
9
This ornate Gothic monument commemorates the Oxford Martyrs of the Reformation. Its spire-like design and intricate carving make it a moving visual landmark.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
10
Designed by Christopher Wren, its elegant curves and classical detailing stand out on Broad Street. Historically used for university ceremonies, it remains a symbol of Oxford’s grandeur.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
11
The college’s medieval walls, often used in filming, are visible from the street, offering glimpses of a 14th-century institution that played a key role in shaping Oxford’s identity. With your Oxford University student guide, you will hear about day to day College life.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
12
An icon of Oxford’s intellectual heritage, the Bodleian’s exterior is a masterwork of English Gothic architecture, representing centuries of scholarship. Made up of over 20 different buildings, we will cover some of the main locations in central Oxford externally, whilst also entering the Western Library (part of the Bodleian) and Divinity School, the oldest part of the Bodleian Library/
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
13
This distinctive covered bridge, arching gracefully over New College Lane, is one of Oxford’s most photographed architectural features and a romantic symbol of the city.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
14
Arguably one of the most iconic sites at Oxford, and part of the Bodleian Library. With its grand dome and circular form, the Radcliffe Camera is one of Oxford’s most recognizable landmarks, embodying the elegance of 18th-century neoclassical design.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
15
Its impressive twin towers and refined façade present an image of exclusivity and prestige, reflecting its unique history as a graduate-only college. Covered externally.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
16
A stunning example of English Gothic, its spire is one of Oxford’s tallest. From the street, the intricate stonework speaks to centuries of religious and academic history.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
17
Founded in the 13th century, Merton’s crenellated walls and medieval architecture make it a living monument to Oxford’s earliest collegiate traditions.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
18
This sweeping green expanse offers tranquil views of the River Thames and the college towers, a pastoral counterpoint to Oxford’s stone streets.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
19
With its Harry Potter filming connection, and wealth of history; this is one of the best Colleges for a visitor to Oxford to enter. See it's imposing Tom Tower designed by Christopher Wren and centuries-old architecture, Christ Church is one of Oxford’s most iconic and historically significant colleges. This tour includes entrance, when you will be given a Christ Church audio headset and able to explore at your own pace.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
20
This is the section of the Bodleian which the tour will enter. One of the most popular sites for filming in Oxford (used in the filming of Harry Potter, in multiple scenes) and even more important as the oldest part of the Bodleian Library.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately
- Photography may be restricted in certain areas
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the tour
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning architecture
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- The itinerary notes 3hrs and 25minutes of attractions for the physical tour in Oxford. The remaining time will be free time, and transport time.
Traveler reviews
4.951 reviews
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History comes alive in Oxford
I took one day trip called “extended Oxford. The coach was comfy, and the driver, Duggle, was very knowledgeable, polite, just lovely. I loved the history lecture on the way up and he answered all our questions. There was a bit of chaos at the information center getting walking trips organized, but our guide, a lovely Medieval Literature student (Thurston?) was just lovely, funny, bright and very knowledgeable. It was wonderful.
K7701MGhollybMay 15, 2026TRIPADVISOR
I really liked this day...
I really liked this day trip, we did this with the Christchurch add on! It was fun. The only reason I only give it 4 stars is that I wish we knew that there wasn’t really anytime for lunch. Our tour met up at 10:45 and we had some snacks in Oxford beforehand and enjoyed the free time, but when we got to Christchurch we were handed our audio guides and if we handed those back in to leave for food we wouldn’t be able to get back in. So we ended up having to eat quick late in the day before our ride. I just wish there was a warning or a packed lunch option for Christchurch, but that’s the only downside of the day. Other than that, I say pack a lunch and enjoy the tour!
Katie_JMay 14, 2026VIATOR
Great day in Oxford.
Excellent trip! Arrived on time as promised and got to Oxford early. Enjoyable day. Well worth the trip.
B3046XIjimmMay 14, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Wonderful Oxford
Great experience from beginning to end. The bus guide was efficient in getting us on the bus and do the beginning of the tour in Oxford. He was informative and helpful. The Oxford tour guide couldn’t be better. Knowledgeable, capable, funny and held our attention. Answers every question well without hesitation. Congratulations on a wonderful team!!!
669oliverMay 11, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Great time with friends
Good trip. Comfortable van that dropped us to Oxford. Our oxford walking guide was fantastic. We were lucky to have Will. He had so many anecdotes and was witty.
SatchitprabhuMay 7, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
The itinerary notes 3hrs and 25minutes of attractions for the physical tour in Oxford. The remaining time will be free time, and transport time.