This guide to Harry Potter in Oxford covers the University locations used for filming, along with practical advice on visiting independently, and a small number of guided tour options led by accredited guides.
Harry Potter filming locations in Oxford
Oxford has three University sites that were used as filming locations for the Harry Potter films.
All three can be visited independently by booking entry directly.
Christ Church
Scenes
The top of the grand staircase, where Professor McGonagall famously welcomed Harry, Ron and Hermione and the other students to Hogwarts.
In The Chamber of Secrets, after their wild flight in the Ford Anglia, Harry and Ron sneak back into Hogwarts.
The Dining Hall which provided the inspiration for the Great Hall at Hogwarts. Spoiler: they never filmed in the Dining Hall, but it was the inspiration for Hogwarts Great Hall as you will see when you step into its awesome magnificence.
The Cloisters – Harry, Hermione and Ron gaze at a display case in the hallway containing a quidditch trophy with Harry’s father James’ name on it.
New College
Scenes
The Goblet of Fire
Harry’s walk through the cloisters while being taunted with “Potter Stinks.”
The meeting with Ced (Cedric Diggory – the only other Triwizard Champion).
Draco Malfoy turned into a ferret by Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody (but is it really him…?)
If you are visiting the College as a tourist, please use the entrance on New College Lane.
Find out more about Visiting New College Here
The Divinity School
Scenes
The Goblet of Fire
In the bottom right corner the Infirmary scene where Harry is recovering from his first encounter with L…He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.
The big scene, the dance class before the Yule (Christmas) Ball. Professor McGonagall conducts a dance rehearsal for Gryffindors, using a reluctant Ron Weasley as her partner to demonstrate the waltz.
Above the Divinity School in Duke Humfrey’s Library they filmed the scene when Harry first puts on the Cloak of Invisibility and is hunted in vain by Filch.
Access to this library is only possible on an official Bodleian Library Tour.
For Divinity School ONLY tickets
Open in Google MapsHarry Potter in Oxford Guided Tours
Two to recommend, simply because the guides are fully accredited and authorised to guide both in the Divinity School and Christ Church.
Please be wary of other Harry Potter tours in Oxford, many only show the outside of buildings.
Avoid at all costs any of the “free” tours. How can they be free if the sites charge an entry fee…?
Full disclosure, this one is mine.
The Oxford Harry Potter Tour
Details here:
The other one is run is run by my friend Jess
