The Bodleian Library complex is a huge and historic research library in Oxford. It is actually a collection of separate libraries used by all the Oxford colleges that make up the famous university here. For us, the joy of the library is in its stunning architecture and there are several locations inside you’ll recognise from the Harry Potter movies.
The library complex is accessed from a central courtyard (pictured above) and the buildings you see overground are only part of this place. Most of the books are stored underground where there are reputedly over 100 miles of corridors! Bodleian Libraries receive a copy of every book published in Britain. The complex is always busy with students and researchers and there is no routine public access. To see inside you’ll need to take a library tour. These are best booked in advance as they book up quickly.
There are two main areas you’ll want to see. We loved the underground corridors and the tour guide will explain how all the books are stored. But we also loved the two areas we recognised from the Harry Potter movies. The first is Hogwarts Infirmary which is actually the Divinity School right by the main entrance. Sometimes you can see this without going on a tour for a small fee. The other location is the Duke Humfreys Library (pictured below) which doubles as Hogwarts Library. Many scenes in the films were shot here.
There are three guided tour options at the Bodleian Libraries. A mini tour, the standard tour and the extended tour. The standard tour gives you access to the Divinity School and Duke Humfrey’s Library for £15 for adults but we’d recommend the extended tours as they go underground. They’re £20 for adults (2025 prices) and you can book tours in person at the complex entrance. Of course you can see all the exterior parts of the Bodleian Libraries for free by walking around. One of the most stunning is Radcliffe Camera, the famous circular building you’ll see on many photos of Oxford.
This building is a the History Faculty Library and is connected to the main library complex by an underground corridor. We’d definitely recommend a visit to the library complex – it’s an integral part of the working of Oxford University and a fascinating place to see.
LOCATION & CONTACT
Address: Bodleian Libraries, Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BG
Tel: +44 1865 277000
MORE ON THE BODLEIAN LIBRARIES
Bodleian Library Tours – Official website
Oxford Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour – Stops near the Bodleian Library
Hotels in Oxford – We recommend Booking.com
Oxford Guide Books – Amazon
Oxford City Guide – From our sister-site, Free-City-Guides.com