Should you love Harry Potter, among the finest locations to go to on the earth is Oxford, England. The films have been filmed right here, and whereas Oxford is the oldest English-speaking College on the earth, it is also residence to MANY filming areas from the Harry Potter sequence.
What I like a lot concerning the connection between Harry Potter and Oxford is that Rowling got here and bought a lot inspiration right here. From characters, names, costume, 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, should you love the film, Oxford is one of the best spot.
We might simply change Oxford’s identify to “Ox-warts” at this level! (That is Oxford + Hogwarts mixed.)
It is laborious to inform what I’ve achieved extra: explored the historic streets of Oxford, or watched the enchanting world of Harry Potter unfold on display. The magical sequence is one in all 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 deliver 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 high suggestions 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 supplied the perfect backdrop to deliver 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 gorgeous 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 below are the locations that Harry Potter was filmed. BUT, please be aware: all the school require entrance charges and have hours. Which implies you need to plan forward of time. Most of the locations do require that you simply come on a tour so if you wish to go on a tour, I counsel you guide upfront. Under I record my favourite excursions.
- Christ Church Faculty – Bodley Staircase
- Christ Church Faculty Eating Corridor
- Christ Church Faculty Cloisters
- Bodleian Library – Divinity College
- Bodleian Library – Duke Humfrey’s Library
- New Faculty – Cloisters
- New Faculty – Courtyard & Tree
- Harry Potter Tree – Blenheim Palace
I’ll share extra about every location and provide you with some hints and suggestions 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 Avenue aka Diagon Alley
- The Earl of Pembroke State aka Almost Headless Nick
- Purple Phone Sales space
- The positioning exterior of the Sheldonian Theater the place J.Okay. Rowling bought 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 suggest them. Listed below are some excursions I like to recommend.
Please be aware: Harry Potter Excursions promote out SO quick! E book upfront.
Footprints Harry Potter Tour of Oxford – I’ve achieved this one a couple of instances and is my high 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 probably the most fashionable 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 College – One other tremendous fashionable one as this provides you entry to the Divinity College the place the hospital scenes have been filmed.
Oxford Harry Potter Tour with Entrance to New Faculty – I like New Faculty. It is so stunning and an amazing setting for exploring. That is the place the Malfoy tree is in addition to properly as cloisters the place many scenes have been filmed.
Studio Tour And Oxford Day Journey – Should you’re coming from London this tour is ideal. It provides you entry to the studio plus a guided tour of Oxford.
Oxford Guided Tour – a common 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 well worth the 20 minute journey.
Oxford Ghost Tour—If you’d like one thing a bit totally different, I actually like this ghost tour! It often would not promote out, which is a big plus! It is also good it goes at evening.
Self-Guided Harry Potter Tour of Oxford
Favor to discover at your personal tempo? A self-guided tour is the proper choice. Right here’s an in depth itinerary that will help you uncover the magical areas by yourself:
Christ Church
Christ Church is often 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 be aware that Christ Church requires an entrance price. Visiting Christ Church is usually a bit dear at £16 per grownup, however should you’re a Harry Potter fan, it is completely value it! The place really seems to be and appears like Hogwarts. Simply you should definitely guide your tour upfront. You are able to do so right here straight or a part of a tour.
PRO TIP: You may truly spend the evening at Christ Church! Throughout college trip durations, Christ Church opens up a few of its historic rooms to in a single day friends. Sure — you possibly can actually sleep the place Harry Potter was filmed. Waking up inside the school that impressed Hogwarts is about as magical because it will get for a Potter fan. Rooms guide up FAST, so reserve properly upfront. INFO HERE!
Sure, you even get to eat within the Nice Corridor. I am nonetheless not over it.
Christ Church Corridor – No place else appears 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 possibly can nearly hear Dumbledore’s welcoming speech.
In fact, lots of the eating halls in Oxford Faculties are fairly grand! I like Magdalen’s!
Christ Church Faculty – 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 possibly can really feel the thrill and anticipation of the younger wizards getting into Hogwarts for the primary time. That is proper earlier than they enter the nice corridor and is one in all my favourite scenes.
The staircase itself is so magnificent and you may 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 high and ask if Harry is Alright.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and techniques– when he is late for College and inside Riddle’s Diary
Christ Church Faculty 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 lots of the scenes of the scholars strolling the halls is ready 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 reveals Harry’s dad trophy from Quidditch.
Get my guides for all Harry Potter filming areas, suggestions and a lot extra!
Harry Potter Tree – Blenheim Palace – Head simply 20 minutes exterior 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 shifting 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 College The Divinity College 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 observe 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 College, search for the statue of the Earl of Pembroke. Look acquainted? It seems to be like Almost Headless Nick. But it surely will get even higher!
Not solely does the statue resemble Almost Headless Nick, however Rowling additionally bought all her inspiration from him. The bronze statue of William Herbert, third Earl of Pembroke stands in entrance of the principle entrance to the Previous Bodleian Library, trying throughout the Quadrangle. Apparently, he and Shakespeare have been good mates as properly 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 Library This 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 guide lovers and Potter followers alike.
New Faculty
New Faculty – Cloisters Our first glimpse of New Faculty comes in the course of the build-up to the Triwizard Match. Keep in mind when Harry seeks out Cedric Diggory to warn him concerning the dragons within the first job? 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 Faculty.
There are additionally a couple of scenes with college students strolling by way of the halls of Hogwarts right here.
New Faculty – Courtyard & Tree This tree supplied 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 may see the tree going excessive of the partitions of the school.
It is also the place the place Cedric Diggory and Harry have a chat earlier than the subsequent job.
Get my guides for all Harry Potter filming areas, suggestions and a lot extra!
Locations that Really feel Like Harry Potter in Oxford
After all, simply strolling round Oxford provides you Hogwarts vibes! However listed below are a couple of extra.
Broad Avenue aka Diagon Alley
Broad Avenue in Oxford, with its bustling environment and eclectic combine of retailers, mirrors the magical vibrancy of Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter sequence. No, it isn’t fairly as crampt, but it surely has many related outlets together with guide shops, gown shops, and extra.
As you stroll down this historic avenue, you possibly can nearly think about wizards and witches popping into Ollivanders for a brand new wand or shopping the most recent brooms at High quality Quidditch Provides. The structure, with its charming facades and centuries-old buildings, gives an ideal backdrop harking back 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 Faculty 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 College. And 10 factors to Gryffindor as a result of it is free and no hours!
Purple Phone Sales space
Simply close to the Divinity College and throughout the road from the Bridge of Sighs is a PERFECT purple phone sales space that appears similar to the one Harry makes use of to get into the Ministry of Magic.
The positioning exterior of the Sheldonian Theater the place J.Okay. Rowling bought the inspiration for Harry’s lightning bolt scar
Simply exterior the Sheldonian Theatre, a notable spot in Oxford, lies the inspiration for probably the most 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 may eternally hyperlink Harry to his previous and his future. She truly was requested by her writer to provide a clearer concept of the scar. And there she noticed what is definitely a mason’s mark!
The Sheldonian Theatre, with its grandeur and historic significance, supplied the proper backdrop for this second of artistic 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 should you go into St. Mary’s Church, which is beautiful and an amazing place for one of the best view of Oxford, lookup on the ceiling. What do you see? I see Harry Potter stars that appear like the precise stars within the guide!
The black and white robes that college students put on
Okay, not a spot, however you would possibly discover this strolling round! Throughout ceremonies equivalent to formals or Matriculation day, college students don robes. The black and white robes worn by college students at Oxford College bear a hanging 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 data and enchantment intertwine seamlessly.
Blackwell’s Bookshop
Blackwell’s Bookshop in Oxford is a paradise for guide lovers and a treasure trove for Harry Potter followers. This iconic retailer, with its huge assortment of books and alluring environment, is harking back 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, supplied 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 figuring out 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 in search of 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 suggest trying out Scriptum. It is a stationery retailer that feels magical. The shop is actually overflowing with quills, quirky objects and extra. Assume Flourish and Blotts meets Borgin and Burkes. However not in a darkish approach.
Laird Hatters – This store seems to be prefer it comes straight from Diagon Alley! And it sells hats!
Go to a Faculty
Most 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
This 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! All the locations listed have hours and plenty of have entrance charges. So please plan forward.
If you wish to do a self-guided tour, lots of the schools have sure instances they’re open. Verify their official web sites to make sure they’re open. For instance, Christ Church requires you pay an entrance price and it is fairly costly.
There are 39 schools unfold all through the town that make up Oxford. You do not simply need to go to New Faculty or Christ Church to get Harry Potter vibes.
If you wish to go to a university however do not wish to pay, try Evensong. Varied schools supply this every night. It is a 30 minute service with a fantastic choir and an opportunity to enter the universities with out paying.
Excursions usually promote out. I counsel reserving not less than every week upfront.
There are numerous locations close by that really feel like Hogwarts or are literally Harry Potter filming areas. See the total record right here.
Get my guides for all Harry Potter filming areas, suggestions and a lot extra!
Methods to Get from London to Oxford
In fact, it’s extremely 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 the earth, has a wealthy and storied historical past that dates again over a thousand years. Its origins will 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 schooling, producing notable students and contributing considerably to mental and non secular 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 serious historic occasions, from the English Reformation to the Civil Conflict, 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 lots 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.
