In the event you love Harry Potter, probably the greatest locations to go to on this planet is Oxford, England. The films had 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 obtained 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 stay 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 areas and naturally, the Warner Brother’s Studio Tour, in the event you love the film, Oxford is the very best spot.
We may simply swap Oxford’s identify to “Ox-warts” at this level! (That is Oxford + Hogwarts mixed.)
It is exhausting to inform what I’ve carried out 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 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 attraction of Oxford. The town’s timeless magnificence and tutorial grandeur made it the right backdrop for a lot of iconic scenes within the movies.
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 convey 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 right place to expertise that very same sense of surprise. 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 offer you all of the Harry Potter areas in Oxford, it is loaded with my prime suggestions and methods for visiting.
Was Harry Potter Filmed in Oxford?
Sure, certainly! Oxford’s historic attraction and luxurious structure made it the right setting for a lot of iconic scenes within the Harry Potter movies. The town’s grand faculties and libraries offered the perfect backdrop to convey 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 films 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 right 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 below are the locations that Harry Potter was filmed. BUT, please notice: all the faculty require entrance charges and have hours. Which implies you must 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 recommend you e-book prematurely. Beneath I checklist 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 offer you some hints and suggestions alongside the way in which that you simply will not need to miss!!!
Inspiration and Locations that Really feel Like Harry Potter in Oxford
- Broad Road aka Diagon Alley
- The Earl of Pembroke State aka Practically Headless Nick
- Purple Phone Sales space
- The location outdoors of the Sheldonian Theater the place J.Ok. Rowling obtained 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 Retailers – Home of Wonders and Scriptum
- St Mary’s Church – Harry Potter Stars
Guided Excursions of Harry Potter in Oxford
Guided excursions of Oxford are, briefly, 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 below are some excursions I like to recommend.
Please notice: Harry Potter Excursions promote out SO quick! E-book prematurely.
Footprints Harry Potter Tour of Oxford – I’ve carried out this one just a few instances and is my prime advice. 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 fashionable excursions, as you get to see THE inspiration for the Nice Corridor. That is additionally one of many largest faculties, so it is fairly grand!
Oxford Harry Potter with Entry to the Divinity Faculty – One other tremendous fashionable one as this provides you entry to the Divinity Faculty the place the hospital scenes had been filmed.
Oxford Harry Potter Tour with Entrance to New School – I really like New School. It is so lovely and an ideal setting for exploring. That is the place the Malfoy tree is in addition to properly as cloisters the place many scenes had been filmed.
Studio Tour And Oxford Day Journey – In the event 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 definitely worth the 20 minute journey.
Oxford Ghost Tour—If you need one thing a bit of completely different, I actually like this ghost tour! It often does not promote out, which is a large plus! It is also good it goes at evening.
Self-Guided Harry Potter Tour of Oxford
Want to discover at your personal tempo? A self-guided tour is the right 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 had been filmed right here! It was additionally the inspiration for Alice in Wonderland as Lewis Carroll was a math tutor right here.
Please notice that Christ Church requires an entrance price. Visiting Christ Church is usually a bit dear at £16 per grownup, however in the event you’re a Harry Potter fan, it is completely price it! The place really appears and appears like Hogwarts. Simply you’ll want to e-book your tour prematurely. You are able to do so right here instantly or a part of a tour.
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 picket tables and excessive ceilings, mirrors the magical feasts and sorting ceremonies. As you stroll by means of, you’ll be able to virtually hear Dumbledore’s welcoming speech.
In fact, most of the eating halls in Oxford Schools 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 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 films 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 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 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 exhibits Harry’s dad trophy from Quidditch.
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 tug 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 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 Faculty The 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 follow for the Yuletide Ball in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fireplace and Ron Dances with McGonagall.
PRO TIP: As you go into the Divinity Faculty, search for the statue of the Earl of Pembroke. Look acquainted? It appears like Practically Headless Nick. But it surely will get even higher!
Not solely does the statue resemble Practically Headless Nick, however Rowling additionally obtained all her inspiration from him. The bronze statue of William Herbert, third Earl of Pembroke stands in entrance of the primary entrance to the Previous Bodleian Library, wanting throughout the Quadrangle. Apparently, he and Shakespeare had been good pals 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.Ok. Rowling heard this story and used it for Practically 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 e-book lovers and Potter followers alike.
New School
New School – Cloisters Our first glimpse of New School comes throughout the build-up to the Triwizard Event. Keep 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 sort of remoted, with many college students sporting ‘Potter Stinks’ badges and even Ron turning towards him. These memorable moments are all set throughout the cloisters and the central courtyard of New School.
There are additionally just a few scenes with college students strolling by means of the halls of Hogwarts right here.
New School – Courtyard & Tree This 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 possibly can see the tree going excessive of the partitions of the faculty.
Locations that Really feel Like Harry Potter in Oxford
In fact, simply strolling round Oxford provides you Hogwarts vibes! However listed here are just a few extra.
Broad Road aka Diagon Alley
Broad Road in Oxford, with its bustling environment and eclectic combine of retailers, mirrors the magical vibrancy of Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter sequence. As you stroll down this historic road, you’ll be able to virtually think about wizards and witches popping into Ollivanders for a brand new wand or searching the most recent brooms at High quality Quidditch Provides. The structure, with its charming facades and centuries-old buildings, offers an ideal backdrop harking back to the wizarding buying 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 Practically Headless Nick
The Earl of Pembroke School in Oxford holds a particular place in Harry Potter lore because the inspiration behind Practically Headless Nick, the ghostly determine who roams the halls of Hogwarts. I discussed him above, you actually cannot miss it while you go to the Divinity Faculty. And 10 factors to Gryffindor as a result of it is free and no hours!
Purple Phone Sales space
Simply close to the Divinity Faculty 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 outdoors of the Sheldonian Theater the place J.Ok. Rowling obtained 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.Ok. Rowling, whereas taking within the majestic views and the historic ambiance of Oxford, envisioned the distinctive mark that might perpetually hyperlink Harry to his previous and his future. The Sheldonian Theatre, with its grandeur and historic significance, offered the right backdrop for this second of artistic inspiration, making it a landmark of literary historical past in addition to architectural magnificence.
The black and white robes that college students put on
Okay, not a spot, however you may discover this strolling round! Throughout ceremonies reminiscent of 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 tutorial environment of town. These robes, steeped in custom and historical past, create a visible connection between the distinguished college and the fictional college 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 e-book lovers and a treasure trove for Harry Potter followers. This iconic retailer, with its huge assortment of books and welcoming environment, is harking back to the magical bookstores in Diagon Alley. It’s simple to think about Hermione Granger spending hours right here, surrounded by towering stacks of spell books and historical 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, 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 on the lookout for a quintessential Oxford expertise, Turf Tavern is the right place to loosen up and soak within the metropolis’s wealthy historical past.
Magical Retailers
There are TONS of magical retailers promoting Harry Potter trinkets, costumes, and goodies. However my favourite is Home of Wonders. It’s a lovely 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 means.
Laird Hatters – This store appears prefer it comes straight from Diagon Alley! And it sells hats!
St. Mary’s Church – I’ve by no means heard anybody discuss this! However in the event you go into St. Mary’s Church, which is attractive and an ideal place for the very 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 e-book!
Go to a School
Lots of the faculties really feel like Hogwarts and are less expensive to go to. I personally love Bailliol, Magdalen (their nice corridor rivals Christ Church’s) and so they have a deer park, Queen’s faculty, 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!
Suggestions 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, most of the faculties have sure instances they’re open. Examine 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 faculties unfold all through town that make up Oxford. You do not simply must go to New School or Christ Church to get Harry Potter vibes.
If you wish to go to a university however do not need to pay, try Evensong. Varied faculties provide this every night. It is a 30 minute service with a gorgeous choir and an opportunity to enter the universities with out paying.
Excursions usually promote out. I recommend reserving at the least every week prematurely.
There are lots of locations close by that really feel like Hogwarts or are literally Harry Potter filming areas. See the complete checklist right here.
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 faculties, 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 Battle, and continues to be an emblem of scholarly pursuit and historic significance.
Oxford is made up of 29 faculties unfold all through town. So you do not simply go to one, however most of the faculties.
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.
