Harry Potter filming locations in Oxford to visit in 2025
6 Must-See Harry Potter Filming Locations in Oxford
Harry Potter filming locations in Oxford to visit
There are approximately 42 places around the world named “Oxford,” but only one was used as a filming location in the Harry Potter series. If you’re a Potter fan, here’s a list of must-see filming spots in Oxford you can’t miss! These locations not only offer magical moments but also showcase historical and architectural significance, with strong educational relevance. Let’s find out which are the 6 key spots that bring the magic of Harry Potter to life in Oxford!
1. Christ Church College
Do you remember the iconic scene in the first 15 minutes of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” when the young, wide-eyed first-year Harry, Ron, Hermione and other students climb the stairs before being escorted to the Sorting Ceremony? Yes, those beautiful stone steps, part of the stunning Grand Staircase, actually exist at Christ Church College. Right after climbing the famous steps, the students would enter a dining hall that served as inspiration for the Great Hall set at Warner Bros. Studios. The actual dining hall, with its massive tables, high ceilings, and grandiose design, served as the visual reference for the filmmakers. You may be wondering why they didn’t film at the actual location. The answer lies in the need to protect the venue and the fact that the real dining hall couldn’t meet the technical requirements or accommodate the large-scale production of the films. Christ Church College is one of the most famous colleges at the University of Oxford. It was founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII and, while not the oldest, has played a prominent role in Oxford’s history, both academically and culturally.
2. Bodleian Library
One of Europe’s oldest and most famous libraries, located at the University of Oxford, was also featured in several Harry Potter films. In fact, part of the library, the Divinity School, was used as the Hogwarts Infirmary. You might remember Harry lying there after the broomstick accident in the saga’s first film. The intricate vaulted ceilings and stone arches worked perfectly for the hospital wing scenes. They set the stage for the medical scene and added to the magical atmosphere of Hogwarts. Additionally, the Duke Humfrey’s Library served as the Hogwarts Library, where Harry and Dumbledore searched for information about Voldemort’s Horcruxes in 2009. movie “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”. Impressive bookshelves and historic design made it an ideal setting for those scenes.
Sir Thomas Bodley founded the Bodleian Library in 1602. Its purpose was to serve as a research library for the University of Oxford. It is home to a vast collection of over 13 million items, including books, manuscripts, maps, and other materials. It is a real treasure trove of knowledge and history. Even if it wasn’t shown in the movie, it would still be a must-visit to explore its beautiful architecture and rich history.
3. New College
In total contrast to its name, New College is one of the oldest colleges at Oxford, with a history stretching back over 600 years. Its stunning gothic architecture fits perfectly with the magical world of Hogwarts. The New College Cloisters were used as the corridors of Hogwarts and were featured in several scenes throughout the films. Many of the conversations between Harry and other students, as they walked between classes, were filmed under the intricate stone arches of these covered walkways.
One of the most memorable and funny scenes from “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” (2005) took place in the New College Courtyard. This chaotic yet humorous moment was filmed in the college’s picturesque courtyard. The magnificent Luccombe oak, where Draco was sitting, is surrounded by historic stonework. In this scene, Mad-Eye Moody, disguised as Professor Moody, transforms Draco Malfoy into a ferret, who then hides in Vincent Crabbe’s pants, causing laughter from the audience.
Be sure to explore New College in Oxford – its gardens, dating back to the 14th century, are considered some of the most serene and charming spots in all of Oxford.
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Oxford Harry Potter Tour
Step into the real-life magical world of Harry Potter and visit filming locations used for the magical movie franchise in Oxford. See Oxford through the eyes of Harry Potter characters and compare student life at Hogwarts with an Oxford education.
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Book this Oxford Walking tour and visit one of the UK's most famous universities. Your Alumni guide will provide insight into Oxford's prestigious university and the city itself. You'll also visit the Harry Potter film locations on this guided Oxford tour.
4. Magdalen College
The beautiful setting of Magdalen College closely resembles parts of the Hogwarts Grounds and plays a subtle yet important role in contributing to the overall aesthetic of Hogwarts. You’ll surely remember the college’s tower, which feels reminiscent of the background in several scenes. Its cloisters reflect the atmosphere of the Hogwarts Hallways, as Harry, Ron, and Hermione walked through Hogwarts’ grounds numerous times. The college’s ambiance aligns with the magical setting of the Triwizard Tournament. Magdalen College is renowned for its chapel and iconic tower, which are surrounded by the tranquil deer park.
Fun fact: There is a term called the “Magdalen Effect”, which describes the high level of intellectual and academic achievement among its students. One of the most famous alumni of Magdalen College is Winston Churchill, who was a student there in the late 19th century.
5. Radcliffe Camera
No, the Radcliffe Camera is not named after Daniel Radcliffe, the Harry Potter actor. Instead, it refers to John Radcliffe, the physician who commissioned the striking circular building in 1737 to house medical books and scientific works. While it was not a filming location, its iconic presence fits seamlessly into the visual inspiration for Hogwarts. The Radcliffe Camera appears in numerous establishing shots and is often used to evoke the grandeur of Hogwarts in wide-angle aerial shots. The actual Hogwarts architecture in the films is a mix of real-world locations and digitally created imagery. A prime example of this digitally created imagery is the creation of flying broomsticks, magic spells, and magical creatures like Hippogriffs, all of which were made using digital technology.
6. The Eagle and Child Pub
Why should a Harry Potter fan visit a pub, you might ask? When in Oxford, we suggest stopping by the place where it all began. The Eagle and Child pub is where the Inklings, a group of writers and Oxford students, often gathered. C.S. Lewis, one of the members, was famous for “The Chronicles of Narnia”, a series Rowling enjoyed as a child. J.R.R. Tolkien, another famous member, also frequented the pub. Although Rowling hasn’t said that Tolkien influenced her, it’s notable that this type of modern children’s literature (exploring the battle between good and evil) began in Oxford. The city’s ambience and beauty clearly helped inspire the magical world of Harry Potter.
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