The Bodleian Library

The university's massive library is one of the largest in Europe and has been receiving one copy of every book printed in England since the 1600s.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Oxford
Hertford's Bridge of Sighs
Inspired by the Rialto Bridge in Venice (and not its' Bridge of Sighs'), the Oxford version connects two parts of the same college, Hertford.
The Radcliffe Camera
One of the iconic buildings in the city, 'camera' in this case refers to the Latin word for 'room'. Only students with a valid, active student ID are permitted to enter.
The Sheldonian Theatre
Designed by Oxford alumni and famous architect, Sir Christopher Wren, The Sheldonian Theatre is where all Oxford students matriculate and graduate.
University of Oxford
Comprised of 37 colleges, the University of Oxford consistently ranks as one of the world's elite academic and research institutions.
The Divinity School
Used throughout the Harry Potter film as the Room of Requirement and as the infirmary, Oxford's Divinity School is largely locked to the public and is where Oxonians change gowns during their graduation ceremony.
Blackwell's Bookstore
A large independent bookstore, it was the first to ever publish a work by Tolkien and remains important to the Oxford community today.

Related Tours

Half Day Highlights of Oxford Private Tour with College Visit & Drinks
Immerse yourself in the enchanting university town of Oxford, the city of dreaming spires on this half-day private tour that includes a fully guided tour of one of the 37 colleges, an in-depth city stroll and a welcome drink on us at one of the well-known taverns. On your private tour you will:

  • Enjoy the personal attention and expertise of your private Blue Badge Guide
  • Experience the enchanting myriad of Oxford’s spellbinding streets and uncover the city’s fascinating history.
  • Visit one of the world’s best-known universities in the world and explore the array of colleges and inner courtyards and quads. 
  • Enjoy a full guided tour of one of the colleges – opening times vary, and your guide can recommend one on the day of your visit. 
  • See the famous ‘Bridge of Sighs’, Radcliffe Camera, Sheldonian Theatre and Bodleian Library.
  • Hear about university life and the history of the town/gown riots at the Covered Market.
  • Learn about some of the greatest minds of the world, who were educated at the University, like Dr Johnson inventor of the dictionary, and Stephen Hawking, and including more than half of England's prime ministers, as you walk by the iconic colleges like Magdalene, Oriel, Exeter, Pembroke, Brasenose, Trinity and Jesus.
  • Soak up the quintessential English atmosphere of Oxford as you stroll through Christchurch Meadow, admire the views of Christ Church and Merton colleges, and the Botanical Garden.
  • Walk along the river and maybe see people out punting.
  • Visit the Turf Tavern and enjoy a well-deserved drink on us!    

One of the oldest and best-known universities in the world, and also one of the most beautiful, Oxford is a place like no other. A perfect place to soak up the quintessentially English atmosphere, the city and university are indistinguishable. Oxford is full of romantic cobble-stone alleyways, glorious gothic medieval spires and of course 37 colleges all made of beautiful honey-coloured stone. Enjoy wonderful views across the meadows and hear the history of Oxford and the many stories of its famous alumni from Oscar Wilde to Stephen Hawking. Over half of Britain’s Prime Ministers studied at Oxford, including Sir Robert Peel – who created the Metropolitan Police force. 

Your guide will meet you at Martyrs Memorial on St Giles, and take you on a fully guided stroll through the city streets, the covered market, past the most beautiful colleges, hidden courtyards and quadrangles, libraries, and Oxford’s ‘Bridge of Sighs’ – a distinctive landmark and perfect photo opportunity, along with the Radcliffe Camera. You’ll see how Oxford inspired the Inklings to create their magical worlds of Narnia, Wonderland and Middle Earth, and why it is such a popular filming location for favourite TV series like Brideshead Revisited and Lewis and feature films like Harry Potter. 

Finally enjoy a drink on us at one of Oxford’s many famous pubs, like the Turf Tavern where Bill Clinton did not inhale…



x

Guides

Join the fastest growing community of professional tour guides.

Partners

Use our easy to integrate toolset to include Tours & Attractions in your customer journey.