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Travel Guide Updated April 2026

Christ Church College Oxford Guide

Oxford's grandest college — Harry Potter's dining hall, the cathedral inside, and 500 years of history.

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Quick Facts

Christ Church (founded 1546 by Henry VIII) is Oxford's largest and grandest college, with the largest quad (Tom Quad) and the only college that is also a cathedral. 13 British Prime Ministers studied here. Featured prominently in Harry Potter.

  • Address: St Aldate's, Oxford OX1 1DP
  • Open: 10am-5pm Mon-Sat, 2pm-5pm Sun
  • Cost: £18 adult online
  • Audio guide: included with admission

What to See

  • Tom Quad — England's largest college quad
  • Tom Tower — Christopher Wren tower, 7th-century bell
  • The Great Hall — 16th-century dining hall (Harry Potter inspiration)
  • Christ Church Cathedral — only college that is a cathedral
  • Picture Gallery (£5 extra) — Old Master drawings and paintings
  • Meadow — beautiful walking grounds with cattle

Tickets & Times

TicketOnline
Adult£18
Concession£16
Child (5-17)£15
Family£50

Harry Potter Sites

  • The Great Hall — inspired Hogwarts dining hall (filming was a replica)
  • Bodleian Library (separate ticket) — Hogwarts library scenes
  • New College Cloisters (£8) — used for "Mad Eye" Moody scenes
  • Christ Church Staircase — Professor McGonagall greets new students

Tips

  • Book online — saves £2 vs gate, skip queue
  • Closed during exam season (May-June) for some visitors
  • Allow 90 min for college + cathedral + meadow
  • Don't walk on grass in quads — strict rule
  • Combine with Bodleian Library tour and punting
  • Free entry to cathedral if attending Evensong
🎬 Filming alert: Christ Church appears in Brideshead Revisited, Inspector Morse, The Golden Compass and Harry Potter. Most-filmed Oxford college.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is Christ Church College?

£18 adult, £16 student/concession, £15 child (5-17) online.

Is Christ Church the Harry Potter dining hall?

The hall inspired the films — actual filming used a replica at Warner Bros studios. Christ Church's Great Hall is the original used for promotional photography.

Can you visit Christ Church when students are there?

Yes — most parts open during term time. Some areas restricted, including some staircases.