If you happen to love Harry Potter, probably the greatest locations to go to on this planet is Oxford, England. The flicks have been filmed right here, and whereas Oxford is the oldest English-speaking College on this planet, it is also house to MANY filming areas from the Harry Potter sequence.
What I really like a lot in regards to the connection between Harry Potter and Oxford is that Rowling got here and acquired a lot inspiration right here. From characters, names, gown, and Hogwarts itself. Simply strolling the streets makes you’re feeling such as you’re on a film set. Besides it is actual life!
I dwell in Oxford, England and I’ve taken dozens of Harry Potter excursions and explored as a lot as I can. Whereas London boasts a tremendous array of Harry Potter filming areas and naturally, the Warner Brother’s Studio Tour, in the event you love the film, Oxford is the perfect spot.
We might simply swap Oxford’s identify to “Ox-warts” at this level! (That is Oxford + Hogwarts mixed.)
It is exhausting to inform what I’ve finished extra: explored the historic streets of Oxford, or watched the enchanting world of Harry Potter unfold on display screen. The magical sequence is certainly one of my all-time favorites, capturing the essence of journey and marvel. From the majestic structure of Hogwarts to the charming nooks of Diagon Alley, Harry Potter’s universe is intricately tied to the real-world allure of Oxford. The town’s timeless magnificence and educational grandeur made it the proper backdrop for a lot of iconic scenes within the movies.
Discover my full information to Oxford right here!
See all of the locations Harry Potter movie areas are within the UK and past!
Residing right here in Oxford, I launched into a quest to find a number of the beloved Harry Potter filming areas that carry the magic to life. Be part of me as I stroll you thru these enchanting spots, full with a few of my favourite quotes from the sequence.
There are numerous quotes that encapsulate the magic and thriller of Harry Potter. Oxford, with its storied historical past and breathtaking structure, is the proper place to expertise that very same sense of marvel. Right here, I’ll share each the filming areas and quotes that make you’re feeling such as you’re stepping proper into the wizarding world.
Not solely will this information provide you with all of the Harry Potter areas in Oxford, it is loaded with my prime ideas and methods for visiting.
Was Harry Potter Filmed in Oxford?
Sure, certainly! Oxford’s historic allure and luxurious structure made it the proper setting for a lot of iconic scenes within the Harry Potter movies. The town’s grand schools and libraries offered the perfect backdrop to carry the magical world of Hogwarts to life. From the second you step into Oxford, you’ll really feel such as you’ve been transported straight into the wizarding world.
Which motion pictures have been filmed in Oxford?
- Harry Potter and the Thinker’s Stone (2001)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and techniques (2002)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fireplace (2005)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
Harry Potter Filming Areas in Oxford
The place was Harry Potter filmed in Oxford? The town of Oxford, with its historic college buildings, was the proper setting for a number of the most iconic and mesmerizing scenes from the Harry Potter movies. These beautiful areas not solely introduced the magic to life but additionally impressed the filmmakers to create larger-scale units at Warner Bros. Studios right here within the UK.
Listed here are the locations that Harry Potter was filmed. BUT, please observe: the entire school require entrance charges and have hours. Which suggests it’s important to plan forward of time. Lots of the locations do require that you simply come on a tour so if you wish to go on a tour, I counsel you e-book prematurely. Under I listing my favourite excursions.
- Christ Church School – Bodley Staircase
- Christ Church School Eating Corridor
- Christ Church School Cloisters
- Bodleian Library – Divinity Faculty
- Bodleian Library – Duke Humfrey’s Library
- New School – Cloisters
- New School – Courtyard & Tree
- Harry Potter Tree – Blenheim Palace
I’ll share extra about every location and provide you with some hints and ideas alongside the way in which that you simply will not wish to miss!!!
Inspiration and Locations that Really feel Like Harry Potter in Oxford
- Broad Road aka Diagon Alley
- The Earl of Pembroke State aka Almost Headless Nick
- Crimson Phone Sales space
- The positioning outdoors of the Sheldonian Theater the place J.Okay. Rowling acquired the inspiration for Harry’s lightning bolt scar
- The black and white robes that college students put on
- Blackwell’s Bookshop
- Turf Tavern – the place the Potter crew frolicked after filming
- Magical Outlets – Home of Wonders and Scriptum
- St Mary’s Church – Harry Potter Stars
Guided Excursions of Harry Potter in Oxford
Guided excursions of Oxford are, in brief, wonderful. I’ve fairly actually been on dozens of excursions. Whether or not for Harry Potter or studying the historical past of Oxford, I extremely advocate them. Listed here are some excursions I like to recommend.
Please observe: Harry Potter Excursions promote out SO quick! E-book prematurely.
Footprints Harry Potter Tour of Oxford – I’ve finished this one a number of instances and is my prime suggestion. They’ve numerous excursions and are hosted by college students on the college.
Oxford Harry Potter Tour with Entrance to Christ Church—That is most likely one of the vital widespread excursions, as you get to see THE inspiration for the Nice Corridor. That is additionally one of many largest schools, so it is fairly grand!
Oxford Harry Potter with Entry to the Divinity Faculty – One other tremendous widespread one as this offers you entry to the Divinity Faculty the place the hospital scenes have been filmed.
Oxford Harry Potter Tour with Entrance to New School – I really like New School. It is so stunning and a terrific setting for exploring. That is the place the Malfoy tree is in addition to nicely as cloisters the place many scenes have been filmed.
Studio Tour And Oxford Day Journey – If you happen to’re coming from London this tour is ideal. It offers you entry to the studio plus a guided tour of Oxford.
Oxford Guided Tour – a basic historical past tour of Oxford that’s so so so fascinating!
Blenheim Palace Admission ticket – That is the place the scene was filmed with Snape and James was filmed. The palace itself is magnificent and definitely worth the 20 minute journey.
Oxford Ghost Tour—In order for you one thing a little bit completely different, I actually like this ghost tour! It normally does not promote out, which is a big plus! It is also good it goes at night time.
Self-Guided Harry Potter Tour of Oxford
Desire to discover at your individual tempo? A self-guided tour is the proper possibility. Right here’s an in depth itinerary that will help you uncover the magical areas by yourself:
Christ Church
Christ Church is normally most related to Harry Potter as so many vital and iconic scenes have been filmed right here! It was additionally the inspiration for Alice in Wonderland as Lewis Carroll was a math tutor right here.
Please observe that Christ Church requires an entrance payment. Visiting Christ Church generally is a bit expensive at £16 per grownup, however in the event you’re a Harry Potter fan, it is completely price it! The place actually seems and looks like Hogwarts. Simply make sure to e-book your tour prematurely. You are able to do so right here instantly or a part of a tour.
PRO TIP: You’ll be able to truly spend the night time at Christ Church! Throughout college trip intervals, Christ Church opens up a few of its historic rooms to in a single day friends. Sure — you’ll be able to actually sleep the place Harry Potter was filmed. Waking up inside the faculty that impressed Hogwarts is about as magical because it will get for a Potter fan. Rooms e-book up FAST, so reserve nicely prematurely. INFO HERE!
Sure, you even get to eat within the Nice Corridor. I am nonetheless not over it.
Christ Church Corridor – No place else looks like Hogwarts y’all! This magnificent corridor served because the inspiration for Hogwarts’ Nice Corridor. Its grandeur, with lengthy wood tables and excessive ceilings, mirrors the magical feasts and sorting ceremonies. As you stroll by way of, you’ll be able to nearly hear Dumbledore’s welcoming speech.
In reality, most of the eating halls in Oxford Faculties are fairly grand! I really like Magdalen’s!
Christ Church School – Bodley Staircase The long-lasting staircase is the place within the first film, Harry Potter and The Sorceror’s Stone, Professor McGonagall first greeted Harry, Hermione, and Ron, in addition to the remainder of the scholars. Standing on these steps, you’ll be able to really feel the joy and anticipation of the younger wizards coming into Hogwarts for the primary time. That is proper earlier than they enter the nice corridor and is certainly one of my favourite scenes.
The staircase itself is so magnificent and you’ll see why the flicks have been so influenced by Oxford and Christ Church!
The staircase is utilized in:
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Thinker) meet McGonagal, and on the finish of the film as well- Ron and Hermione are on the prime and ask if Harry is Alright.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and techniques– when he is late for Faculty and inside Riddle’s Diary
Christ Church School Cloisters – We’re fortunate the studio ended up utilizing so many precise locations as scenes for Harry Potter. The reason being they did not have time to construct all of the units. So most of the scenes of the scholars strolling the halls is about in Christ Church Cloisters in addition to another locations round Britain.
We additionally see the cloisters of Christ Church utilized in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone when Hermione exhibits Harry’s dad trophy from Quidditch.
Get my guides for all Harry Potter filming areas, ideas and a lot extra!
Harry Potter Tree – Blenheim Palace– Head simply 20 minutes outdoors of Oxford to the GLORIOUS Blenheim Palace. Tour the palace and birthplace of Winston Churchill and take a look at the Harry Potter tree! To not be confused with the Whomping Willow,that is the tree when Harry sees Snape’s reminiscence from Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix.
We see,as Harry does too,Severus Snape at Hogwarts,sitting by this tree. He is studying when James Potter arrives to bully him,casting a spell to make Snape float and threatening to drag his trousers down. Referred to as “Snape’s Worst Reminiscence”,this second occurs in entrance of Lily,the love of Snape’s life. This scene is transferring and revelatory,exhibiting Snape’s vulnerability and giving us a deeper understanding of his character,making us sympathize with him for the primary time.
Bodelian Library
Bodleian Library – Divinity FacultyThe Divinity Faculty served because the Hogwarts Infirmary aka the hospital. The intricate stonework and vaulted ceilings create an area that’s each majestic and soothing,good for recovering from magical mishaps.
That is additionally the place the scholars apply for the Yuletide Ball in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fireplace and Ron Dances with McGonagall.
Ron additionally winds up within the hospital in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince after being poisoned by accident in Slughorn’s workplace.
PRO TIP:As you go into the Divinity Faculty,search for the statue of the Earl of Pembroke. Look acquainted? It seems like Almost Headless Nick. But it surely will get even higher!
Not solely does the statue resemble Almost Headless Nick,however Rowling additionally acquired all her inspiration from him. The bronze statue of William Herbert,third Earl of Pembroke stands in entrance of the primary entrance to the Outdated Bodleian Library,wanting throughout the Quadrangle. Apparently,he and Shakespeare have been good pals as nicely and he was Shakespeare’s patron! When the statue was put up,apparently,college students did not like him and tried to take away his head. J.Okay. Rowling heard this story and used it for Almost Headless Nick!
Bodleian Library – Duke Humfrey’s LibraryThis historic library was used as Hogwarts Library,the place Hermione spent numerous hours researching spells. The scholarly environment is palpable,making it a must-visit for e-book lovers and Potter followers alike.
New School
New School – CloistersOur first glimpse of New School comes through the build-up to the Triwizard Match. Bear in mind when Harry seeks out Cedric Diggory to warn him in regards to the dragons within the first activity? Throughout these scenes,Harry is kind of remoted,with many college students sporting ‘Potter Stinks’ badges and even Ron turning in opposition to him. These memorable moments are all set throughout the cloisters and the central courtyard of New School.
There are additionally a number of scenes with college students strolling by way of the halls of Hogwarts right here.
New School – Courtyard &TreeThis tree offered the setting for Draco Malfoy’s memorable encounter with Mad-Eye Moody in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fireplace when he is changed into a ferret! You’ll be able to see the tree going excessive of the partitions of the faculty.
It is also the place the place Cedric Diggory and Harry have a chat earlier than the following activity.
Get my guides for all Harry Potter filming areas,ideas and a lot extra!
Locations that Really feel Like Harry Potter in Oxford
After all,simply strolling round Oxford offers you Hogwarts vibes! However listed here are a number of extra.
Broad Road aka Diagon Alley
Broad Road in Oxford,with its bustling environment and eclectic combine of outlets,mirrors the magical vibrancy of Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter sequence. No,it isn’t fairly as crampt,nevertheless it has many comparable outlets together with e-book shops,gown shops,and extra.
As you stroll down this historic road,you’ll be able to nearly think about wizards and witches popping into Ollivanders for a brand new wand or shopping the newest brooms at High quality Quidditch Provides. The structure,with its charming facades and centuries-old buildings,supplies an ideal backdrop paying homage to the wizarding purchasing district,making it a must-visit for any Potter fanatic seeking to expertise a slice of Diagon Alley within the coronary heart of Oxford.
The Earl of Pembroke State aka Almost Headless Nick
The Earl of Pembroke School in Oxford holds a particular place in Harry Potter lore because the inspiration behind Almost Headless Nick,the ghostly determine who roams the halls of Hogwarts. I discussed him above,you actually cannot miss it once you go to the Divinity Faculty. And 10 factors to Gryffindor as a result of it is free and no hours!
Crimson Phone Sales space
Simply close to the Divinity Faculty and throughout the road from the Bridge of Sighs is a PERFECT crimson phone sales space that appears similar to the one Harry makes use of to get into the Ministry of Magic.
The positioning outdoors of the Sheldonian Theater the place J.Okay. Rowling acquired the inspiration for Harry’s lightning bolt scar
Simply outdoors the Sheldonian Theatre,a notable spot in Oxford,lies the inspiration for one of the vital iconic symbols within the Harry Potter sequence:Harry’s lightning bolt scar. It was right here that J.Okay. Rowling,whereas taking within the majestic views and the historic ambiance of Oxford,envisioned the distinctive mark that will without end hyperlink Harry to his previous and his future. She truly was requested by her writer to provide a clearer thought of the scar. And there she noticed what is definitely a mason’s mark!
The Sheldonian Theatre,with its grandeur and historic significance,offered the proper backdrop for this second of inventive inspiration,making it a landmark of literary historical past in addition to architectural magnificence.
St. Mary’s Church
I’ve by no means heard anybody speak about this! However in the event you go into St. Mary’s Church,which is attractive and a terrific place for the perfect view of Oxford,lookup on the ceiling. What do you see? I see Harry Potter stars that appear to be the precise stars within the e-book!
The black and white robes that college students put on
Okay,not a spot,however you may discover this strolling round! Throughout ceremonies similar to formals or Matriculation day,college students don robes. The black and white robes worn by college students at Oxford College bear a putting resemblance to the normal Hogwarts uniforms,including a contact of magic to the educational environment of the town. These robes,steeped in custom and historical past,create a visible connection between the celebrated college and the fictional faculty of witchcraft and wizardry. Strolling by way of the college’s historic halls and seeing college students clad of their scholarly apparel,one can not help however really feel part of the magical world,the place information and enchantment intertwine seamlessly.
Blackwell’s Bookshop
Blackwell’s Bookshop in Oxford is a paradise for e-book lovers and a treasure trove for Harry Potter followers. This iconic retailer,with its huge assortment of books and alluring environment,is paying homage to the magical bookstores like Flourish and Blotts in Diagon Alley. It’s straightforward to think about Hermione Granger spending hours right here,surrounded by towering stacks of spell books and historic tomes. Blackwell’s has been a cornerstone of Oxford’s literary scene for over a century,and its labyrinthine cabinets and wealthy historical past make it an ideal cease for anybody seeking to delve into the magic of studying.
Turf Tavern – the place the Potter crew frolicked after filming
Turf Tavern,a historic pub tucked away in a slim alley in Oxford,was a favourite hang-out of the Harry Potter crew after lengthy days of filming. This charming tavern,with its cozy interiors and conventional British pub fare,offered a much-needed retreat for forged and crew to unwind and share tales. The partitions of Turf Tavern have witnessed centuries of conversations and camaraderie,and realizing that it performed host to the creators of such a beloved sequence provides an additional layer of magic to this already enchanting spot. Whether or not you are a Potterhead or simply searching for a quintessential Oxford expertise,Turf Tavern is the proper place to chill out and soak within the metropolis’s wealthy historical past.
Magical Outlets
There are TONS of magical outlets promoting Harry Potter trinkets,costumes,and goodies. However my favourite is Home of Wonders. It’s a stunning store and has tons of unqiue issues within the retailer.
I additionally HIGHLY advocate trying out Scriptum. It is a stationery retailer that feels magical. The shop is actually overflowing with quills,quirky objects and extra. Suppose Flourish and Blotts meets Borgin and Burkes. However not in a darkish method.
Laird Hatters – This store seems prefer it comes straight from Diagon Alley! And it sells hats!
Go to a School
Lots of the schools really feel like Hogwarts and are less expensive to go to. I personally love Bailliol,Magdalen (their nice corridor rivals Christ Church’s) they usually have a deer park,Queen’s school,Keble (adore the church!),Exeter,and plenty of extra.
Map of all of the Harry Potter Areas
Here is a map so you will not miss a factor!
Ideas for Visiting Harry Potter Areas in Oxford
PLEASE learn this earlier than you go! The entire locations listed have hours and plenty of have entrance charges. So please plan forward.
If you wish to do a self-guided tour,most of the schools have sure instances they’re open. Test their official web sites to make sure they’re open. For instance,Christ Church requires you pay an entrance payment and it is fairly costly.
There are 39 schools unfold all through the town that make up Oxford. You do not simply should go to New School or Christ Church to get Harry Potter vibes.
If you wish to go to a university however do not wish to pay,take a look at Evensong. Numerous schools provide this every night. It is a 30 minute service with an attractive choir and an opportunity to enter the universities with out paying.
Excursions typically promote out. I counsel reserving not less than per week prematurely.
There are numerous locations close by that really feel like Hogwarts or are literally Harry Potter filming areas. See the complete listing right here.
Get my guides for all Harry Potter filming areas,ideas and a lot extra!
The best way to Get from London to Oxford
In reality,it is very straightforward to get from London to Oxford by taking the prepare for a brief,one hour journey.
Direct companies run from London Paddington (serving Oxford station) and London Marylebone (serving Oxford and Oxford Parkway stations).
I like to recommend this prepare from London Paddington.
The Historical past of Oxford
Oxford,one of many oldest and most prestigious college cities on this planet,has a wealthy and storied historical past that dates again over a thousand years. Its origins could be traced to the late Saxon interval,with the institution of a settlement at a strategic river crossing. The College of Oxford itself started to take form within the twelfth century,evolving from casual gatherings of students to a proper establishment of upper studying.
All through the Center Ages,Oxford grew in prominence as a middle of training,producing notable students and contributing considerably to mental and spiritual life in England. The town’s medieval structure,together with its iconic schools,libraries,and church buildings,displays its long-standing custom of educational excellence and cultural heritage. Over the centuries,Oxford has been on the coronary heart of great historic occasions,from the English Reformation to the Civil Battle,and continues to be a logo of scholarly pursuit and historic significance.
Oxford is made up of 29 schools unfold all through the town. So you do not simply go to one,however most of the schools.
Oxford’s enchanting surroundings additionally served as a backdrop for a lot of scenes within the Harry Potter movies,additional cementing its place in trendy popular culture.
See all of the locations Harry Potter was filmed.
