Should you love Harry Potter, among the best locations to go to on the earth is Oxford, England. The films had been filmed right here, and whereas Oxford is the oldest English-speaking College on the earth, it is also residence to MANY filming places 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, 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 reside in Oxford, England and I’ve taken dozens of Harry Potter excursions and explored as a lot as I can. Whereas London boasts an incredible array of Harry Potter filming places and naturally, the Warner Brother’s Studio Tour, if you happen to love the film, Oxford is the most effective spot.
We might simply change Oxford’s title to “Ox-warts” at this level! (That is Oxford + Hogwarts mixed.)
It is onerous to inform what I’ve accomplished extra: explored the historic streets of Oxford, or watched the enchanting world of Harry Potter unfold on display screen. The magical sequence is one in all my all-time favorites, capturing the essence of journey and surprise. From the majestic structure of Hogwarts to the charming nooks of Diagon Alley, Harry Potter’s universe is intricately tied to the real-world appeal of Oxford. The town’s timeless magnificence and tutorial grandeur made it the proper backdrop for a lot of iconic scenes within the movies.
See all of the locations Harry Potter movie places 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 places 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 surprise. Right here, I’ll share each the filming places 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 places in Oxford, it is loaded with my high suggestions and tips for visiting.
Was Harry Potter Filmed in Oxford?
Sure, certainly! Oxford’s historic appeal 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 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 had 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 places not solely introduced the magic to life but in addition 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 it’s a must to plan forward of time. Lots of the locations do require that you just come on a tour so if you wish to go on a tour, I counsel you guide prematurely. Under I listing my favourite excursions.
- Christ Church School – Bodley Staircase
- Christ Church School Eating Corridor
- Christ Church School Cloisters
- Bodleian Library – Divinity College
- 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 suggestions alongside the best way that you just 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 location exterior of the Sheldonian Theater the place J.Ok. 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, superb. 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! Guide prematurely.
Footprints Harry Potter Tour of Oxford – I’ve accomplished this one a number of occasions and is my high advice. They’ve plenty of excursions and are hosted by college students on the college.
Oxford Harry Potter Tour with Entrance to Christ Church—That is in all probability 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 offers you entry to the Divinity College the place the hospital scenes had been filmed.
Oxford Harry Potter Tour with Entrance to New School – I like New School. It is so stunning and an incredible setting for exploring. That is the place the Malfoy tree is in addition to nicely as cloisters the place many scenes had 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 need one thing a bit totally different, I actually like this ghost tour! It normally does not promote out, which is a large plus! It is also good it goes at evening.
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 can assist you uncover the magical places by yourself:
Christ Church
Christ Church is normally most related to Harry Potter as so many important and iconic scenes had 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 payment. Visiting Christ Church generally is a bit dear at £16 per grownup, however if you happen to’re a Harry Potter fan, it is completely value it! The place actually seems and seems like Hogwarts. Simply make sure to guide your tour prematurely. You are able to do so right here immediately or a part of a tour.
Christ Church Corridor – No place else seems 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 means of, you possibly can virtually hear Dumbledore’s welcoming speech.
In reality, most of the eating halls in Oxford Faculties are fairly grand! I 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 possibly can really feel the joy and anticipation of the younger wizards getting into Hogwarts for the primary time. That is proper earlier than they enter the good corridor and is one in all my favourite scenes.
The staircase itself is so magnificent and you’ll see why the flicks had 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 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 reveals Harry’s dad trophy from Quidditch.
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. Generally known 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 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, excellent for recovering from magical mishaps.
That is additionally the place the scholars follow for the Xmas 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 like Almost Headless Nick. However it 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 Outdated Bodleian Library, trying throughout the Quadrangle. Apparently, he and Shakespeare had been good buddies 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.Ok. 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 ambiance is palpable, making it a must-visit for guide lovers and Potter followers alike.
New School
New School – Cloisters Our first glimpse of New School comes in the course of the build-up to the Triwizard Event. Bear in mind when Harry seeks out Cedric Diggory to warn him concerning the dragons within the first activity? Throughout these scenes, Harry is sort of remoted, with many college students sporting ‘Potter Stinks’ badges and even Ron turning towards him. These memorable moments are all set inside the cloisters and the central courtyard of New School.
There are additionally a number of scenes with college students strolling by means of the halls of Hogwarts right here.
New School – 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 become 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.
Locations that Really feel Like Harry Potter in Oxford
In fact, simply strolling round Oxford provides you Hogwarts vibes! However listed below are a number of extra.
Broad Avenue aka Diagon Alley
Broad Avenue in Oxford, with its bustling ambiance and eclectic combine of retailers, mirrors the magical vibrancy of Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter sequence. No, it is not fairly as crampt, but it surely has many comparable outlets together with guide shops, gown shops, and extra.
As you stroll down this historic road, you possibly can virtually think about wizards and witches popping into Ollivanders for a brand new wand or looking the most recent 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 procuring district, making it a must-visit for any Potter fanatic trying 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 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 location exterior of the Sheldonian Theater the place J.Ok. 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.Ok. Rowling, whereas taking within the majestic views and the historic ambiance of Oxford, envisioned the distinctive mark that might without end 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 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 if you happen to go into St. Mary’s Church, which is attractive and an incredible place for the most effective view of Oxford, lookup on the ceiling. What do you see? I see Harry Potter stars that seem 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 similar 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 standard Hogwarts uniforms, including a contact of magic to the educational ambiance 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 means 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 ambiance, 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 trying 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 slender 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 understanding 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 testing 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 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 lots of extra.
Map of all of the Harry Potter Areas
Here is a map so you will not miss a factor!
Suggestions for Visiting Harry Potter Areas in Oxford
PLEASE learn this earlier than you go! The entire locations listed have hours and lots of have entrance charges. So please plan forward.
If you wish to do a self-guided tour, most of the schools have sure occasions they’re open. Examine 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 supply this every night. It is a 30 minute service with an exquisite choir and an opportunity to enter the universities with out paying.
Excursions usually promote out. I counsel reserving not less than per week prematurely.
There are lots of locations close by that really feel like Hogwarts or are literally Harry Potter filming places. See the total listing right here.
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 might 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 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 serious historic occasions, from the English Reformation to the Civil Struggle, and continues to be an emblem 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 fashionable popular culture.
See all of the locations Harry Potter was filmed.
