Oxford, with its rich history, stunning architecture, and ties to the literary world, is a dream destination for Harry Potter fans. While guided tours offer a structured way to explore the city’s magical connections, a free self-guided walking tour allows you to discover the enchantment of Oxford at your own pace, diving into the locations that inspired and appeared in the Harry Potter films. So… here’s a homebrewed tour I personally love doing.
A self-guided tour offers flexibility and freedom. You can take your time exploring each location, linger in your favorite spots, and even enjoy a quiet moment reflecting on how these historic sites were transformed into scenes from the wizarding world. It’s perfect for those who prefer to explore independently or who want to avoid the constraints of a scheduled group tour.
Distance to cover with this self-guided tour: 1.5 miles / 2.4 kilometres.
Estimated time: 33 minutes (walking)
Type of terrain: Paved paths and pavements.
Oxford Harry Potter / Hogwarts
Self-Guided Walking Tour
A free self-guided Harry Potter walking tour of Oxford is a fantastic way to explore the city’s magical connections at your own pace.
Key Stops on the HP Free Tour
1. Christ Church College: Start your journey at Christ Church College, one of the most iconic Harry Potter locations in Oxford. The college’s grand staircase was used in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone when Harry first arrived at Hogwarts. Although the Great Hall in Christ Church inspired the design of Hogwarts’ Great Hall, the actual scenes were filmed on a set. However, walking through the real-life inspiration is a magical experience in itself.
2. Bodleian Library: Next, head to the Bodleian Library, where several key Hogwarts scenes were filmed. The Divinity School served as Hogwarts’ infirmary, while Duke Humfrey’s Library was used as the Hogwarts library. As you explore these historic halls, you can almost picture Harry, Hermione, and Ron searching for clues among the ancient tomes.
3. New College: Don’t miss New College, where you’ll find the cloisters that appeared in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. This location was used for the scene where Draco Malfoy is turned into a ferret by Professor Moody. The peaceful, ivy-covered cloisters are a perfect place to pause and imagine the magical duels that took place here.
4. The Covered Market: While not a filming location, Oxford’s Covered Market offers a whimsical atmosphere reminiscent of Diagon Alley. With its narrow passageways and eclectic shops, it’s easy to imagine wizards and witches shopping for their magical supplies here. Take some time to browse for unique souvenirs or enjoy a treat from one of the market’s many food stalls.
5. The Harry Potter Shops: There are (at the time of writing this) three Harry Potter shops with amazing merchandise, apparel, and more. These are all around the Cornmarket Street area and are The Shop of Wonders, The Shop of Secrets, and The Wizard’s Emporium.
5. The Bridge of Sighs: Finish your tour at the iconic Bridge of Sighs, a must-see Oxford landmark. Though not featured in the Harry Potter films, its enchanting architecture makes it a favourite among fans for photography and adds to the overall magical atmosphere of your tour.
Here’s a detailed map to make your Harry Potter walking tour easier to follow. You can click on this link to open it in your maps app.
What You Shouldn't Miss in This
Oxford Harry Potter Walking Tour
Bodleian Library
The Bodleian Library is one of Oxford’s most famous landmarks. Among the oldest in Europe, it’s easy to visit and incredible to see.
New College
Founded by William of Wykeham in 1379, New College is one of the constituent colleges that make up Oxford University in the United Kingdom.
Christ Church College
Christ Church is college of the University of Oxford. It was founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII and is one of the larger colleges.
The Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs is one of Oxford’s most photographed spots. This skyway joins two parts of Hertford College over New College Lane.
Best for Shopping Harry Potter Merch in Oxford
Oxford has many dedicated Harry Potter shops, as well as several places where fans can find magical merchandise, memorabilia, and experiences connected to the wizarding world. For example:
The Wizard’s Emporium
The Wizard’s Emporium is a magical-themed shop in Oxford that caters to fans of Harry Potter and all things wizardry.
The House of Wonders
The House of Wonders in Oxford is a charming store and a must-visit for fans of the Harry Potter series looking for and magical items.
The Shop of Secrets
The Shop of Secrets is Oxford’s chamber of Harry Potter collectibles and merch. A shopping must-to in the city, this is why you should visit.
Tips For Your HP Tour
Oxford’s colleges and landmarks can get busy, especially during peak tourist seasons. To avoid crowds, consider starting your tour early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the city’s cobblestone streets and historic pathways can be uneven. And don’t forget your camera! Many of these locations are incredibly photogenic, and you’ll want to capture your magical journey.
