Attention, Potterheads! Dive into the magical world of Harry Potter with the Oxford Harry Potter Private Tour and Self-Guided Christ Church visit. This enchanting 1.5-hour experience whisks you through the iconic film locations, including the famous Christ Church College and the Bodleian Library. Skip the lines, explore the campus in a wheelchair-friendly manner, and uncover the secrets behind Lewis Carroll’s time at the university. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply curious, this tour promises to transport you into the whimsical realm of the Wizarding World. Intrigued? Let’s delve deeper into the details.
Key Points
- Private Harry Potter-themed tour of Christ Church College and Bodleian Library, with skip-the-line access, wheelchair accessibility, and recognition of filming locations.
- Tour starts at 12:45 and includes entry fees, with closures and schedule checks required for specific dates in 2024.
- Opportunity to explore Lewis Carroll’s influence and time at Oxford, complementing the Harry Potter experience.
- Tour meeting point at Oxford Tourist Information Centre, with recommendation to use public transportation due to parking challenges.
- Reliable booking and cancellation policy, with provisions for foreign language tours upon advance notice.
Tour Overview
This 1.5-hour tour allows visitors to explore Christ Church College and the Bodleian Library, popular filming locations for the Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland movies.
Designed for fans of these franchises, the tour enables participants to recognize iconic scenes from the films. Guests will also learn about Lewis Carroll’s time at England’s oldest university.
The tour includes entry fees to Christ Church College and the Divinity School, along with skip-the-line access to the college. Wheelchair accessibility is provided.
Tour times may vary, and certain areas may be closed on specific dates in 2024, so it’s essential to check schedules before booking.
Tour Inclusions
The tour includes entry fees to Christ Church College (up to £23 per person) and the Divinity School.
Visitors also receive skip-the-line access to Christ Church College.
Plus, the tour provides wheelchair accessibility. This gives guests the opportunity to explore these iconic Oxford landmarks without waiting in long queues.
The tour covers filming locations used in Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland movies, as well as learning about Lewis Carroll’s time at England’s oldest university.
With a focus on these beloved stories and characters, the tour offers a unique and immersive experience for fans and visitors alike.
Tour Times and Closures
Typically, the tour starts at 12:45, rather than the 12:30 time mentioned in the description.
However, visitors should be aware that the Christ Church Hall and Divinity School are closed on specific dates in 2024. To ensure a smooth experience, it’s essential to check the closure schedule beforehand.
The tour includes:
- Skip-the-line entry to Christ Church College
- Access to the Divinity School
- Wheelchair accessibility throughout the tour
Staying informed about the tour times and closures will help visitors plan their day and make the most of their Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland-themed experience in Oxford.
Transportation and Meeting Point
The meeting point for this tour is outside the Oxford Tourist Information Centre, located at 15 Broad Street, OX1 3AS.
Visitors should allow extra time for getting to the starting point, as the tour ends outside Christ Church College, necessitating transportation arrangements.
The tour company recommends using public transportation, as driving and parking in Oxford can be challenging.
Attendees should plan their travel accordingly and arrive at the meeting point a few minutes early to ensure a prompt departure.
The tour concludes at Christ Church College, so guests will need to make their own way back to their starting point or other destinations after the tour ends.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Upon booking, guests receive confirmation, unless the reservation is made within 16 hours of the experience.
No refunds are provided for cancellations less than 24 hours before the tour. However, foreign language tours can be arranged with advance notice.
This tour offers a convenient booking and cancellation policy:
- Confirmation is provided upon booking, ensuring a smooth reservation process.
- Guests can arrange foreign language tours with prior notice, catering to diverse language preferences.
- With a strict 24-hour cancellation policy, the tour operator ensures reliable scheduling and minimizes last-minute disruptions.
Recognition of Filming Locations
One of the highlights of this tour is the opportunity for Harry Potter fans to recognize filming locations used in the movies.
Visitors can spot familiar settings from the beloved wizarding world as they explore Christ Church College and gain insights into the university’s connection to the Harry Potter franchise.
Several key scenes from the films were shot on-site, including the staircase leading to the Great Hall and the Cloisters, which stood in for Hogwarts’ interiors.
The tour guide will point out these iconic spots, providing context and anecdotes to bring the magical experiences to life.
Seeing these recognizable locations in person is a magical experience for any fan of the Harry Potter series.
Lewis Carroll’s Time at Oxford
Visiting Oxford’s venerable university, Lewis Carroll, the acclaimed author of Alice in Wonderland, spent many productive years as a lecturer and mathematician, leaving an indelible mark on the institution’s storied history.
During his time at England’s oldest university, Carroll:
- Taught mathematics at Christ Church College, where he found inspiration for his whimsical tales.
- Frequented the Bodleian Library, which served as the setting for many scenes in the Harry Potter films.
- Developed a close friendship with the Dean of Christ Church, helping to shape the college’s intellectual and creative climate.
This tour provides an opportunity to explore the very spaces that influenced one of literature’s most beloved storytellers.
Wheelchair Accessibility
The tour offers wheelchair accessibility, allowing visitors with mobility needs to fully experience the historic Christ Church College and Bodleian Library.
The tour route is designed with wheelchair users in mind, ensuring seamless navigation through the iconic sites. Ramps and lifts are available, making it easy for everyone to explore the filming locations used in the Harry Potter movies.
The Divinity School, which features in the films, is also accessible to wheelchair users. This inclusive approach allows all participants to appreciate the rich history and architectural splendor of these renowned Oxford landmarks, regardless of their physical abilities.
The tour’s commitment to accessibility enhances the overall experience for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Guests are generally not permitted to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour focuses on the historical sites and does not include any catering or refreshment stops. Visitors should plan accordingly before the tour begins.
Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?
There is no minimum group size requirement for this tour. The tour is open to individual travelers as well as small groups. However, the tour may be canceled if not enough participants book for a given date.
Do I Need to Print the Ticket or Can I Use a Mobile Voucher?
Travelers can use a mobile voucher or print a physical ticket for this tour. The tour provider allows both electronic and printed tickets, providing flexibility for accessing the experience.
Can I Take Photos and Videos During the Tour?
Yes, visitors can take photos and videos during the tour of Christ Church College and Bodleian Library. However, flash photography may not be allowed in certain areas. Visitors should check with the tour guide for any restrictions.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
Yes, the tour offers discounts for students and seniors. Students and seniors can receive a discounted entry fee to Christ Church College when booking the tour. Contact the tour provider for more details on available discounts.
Recap
The Harry Potter Private Tour + Self-Guided Christ Church Daily 12.45 offers a magical 1.5-hour exploration of Oxford’s iconic film locations.
Participants can enjoy the whimsical world created on the historic campus, recognizing familiar scenes from the Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland movies.
The tour provides skip-the-line access, wheelchair accessibility, and insights into Lewis Carroll’s time at the university.
