Bodleian Library

The Bodleian Library is the University of Oxford’s main research library and one of the oldest book collections in England. It is situated in the historic centre of Oxford, amongst university buildings, ancient colleges and narrow streets. Inside, it houses medieval manuscripts, rare editions, historical maps, archives and millions of other items used by academics, lecturers and students.

The library is not only of interest for its collections. Its rooms with wooden bookshelves, medieval vaults and majestic façades have long been symbols of Oxford University. Some of the rooms are familiar to viewers from the Harry Potter films. However, the Bodleian Library remains an active academic library, not merely a historical monument: access to the reading rooms is regulated, and tourists must join a guided tour to view many of the rooms.

History and description of the library

The history of the Bodleian Library began in the 15th century, at a time when the University of Oxford had a library containing a collection of manuscripts donated by Humfrey, Duke of Gloucester. In the 16th century, a significant part of the collection was lost during the religious reforms in England.

The library’s revival is linked to the scholar and diplomat Thomas Bodley. Towards the end of the 16th century, he organised the rebuilding of the book collection, and in 1602 the library reopened to scholars and students. In 1610, Bodley entered into an agreement with the Stationers’ Company, thanks to which the library began to receive copies of books published in England. This right was later enshrined in law. Over time, the collections expanded considerably.

Today, the Bodleian Libraries house rare books, manuscripts, archives, antique maps and musical materials. Researchers and students make use of the University of Oxford’s library system, and exhibitions and guided tours are held there. Part of the collections is available online via the Digital Bodleian portal.

Main Buildings and Architecture

The architecture of the Bodleian Library combines Gothic halls, historic university buildings and the monumental Radcliffe Camera. All these buildings are situated in the centre of Oxford, making them easy to explore on a single walking tour.

The Bodleian Old Library is the historic heart of the library, restored by Thomas Bodley in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. It houses the famous Duke Humfrey’s Library reading room, with its wooden bookshelves and ancient books.

Duke Humfrey’s Library is named after Humfrey, Duke of Gloucester, who bequeathed a collection of manuscripts to the University of Oxford in the 15th century. The reading room has retained the atmosphere of an old university library and is open to tourists as part of guided tours.

The Divinity School is a 15th-century Gothic hall with openwork stone vaults and large windows. Originally, it was used for theology lectures and examinations; today, it forms part of guided tours and is used for events.

The ceiling consists of highly intricate lierne vaulting with 455 decorative bosses and pendants, designed by William Orchard in the 1480s.

The Radcliffe Camera is a circular, domed building constructed in the 18th century to a design by James Gibbs, using funds bequeathed by the physician and patron John Radcliffe. It currently houses a reading room belonging to the Bodleian Libraries. Tourists can visit the interior as part of a guided tour.

Weston Library is the modern part of the complex, which opened following its refurbishment in 2015. It houses exhibition spaces, a café and a bookshop. Entry to the public areas is free, and the exhibitions showcase rare items from the library’s collections.

Filming at the library

The Bodleian Library is well known to Harry Potter fans: its historic rooms were used to film scenes set at Hogwarts.

The Divinity School is particularly noteworthy. In the 2001 film ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’, the hall was used for scenes set in the Hogwarts hospital wing. Duke Humfrey’s Library is often associated with the school of witchcraft and wizardry’s library thanks to its tall bookshelves and antique books.

It is important to note that not all scenes set in the Hogwarts libraries were filmed in Oxford. Today, tourists can view these historic interiors by joining guided tours, subject to timetables and university events.

Opening Hours

The opening hours of the Bodleian Library complex depend on whether you are visiting as a tourist or using the reading rooms as a registered reader.

Access to the exhibition spaces, public areas, and guided tours follows a standard weekly schedule.

Weston Library (Public spaces, exhibitions, café, and shop):

• Monday – Friday: 09:00 – 17:00;
• Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00;
• Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00.

Admission to these areas is completely free.

Historic Spaces & Guided Tours (Old Library, Duke Humfrey’s Library, Radcliffe Camera):

These historic interiors are accessible strictly via guided tours, which generally run daily between 09:00 and 17:00. Tickets must be booked in advance online.

Academic Reading Rooms:

• Monday – Friday: 09:00 – 21:00;
• Saturday: 10:00 – 16:00,
• Sunday: 11:00 – 17:00.

Hours vary by specific reading room and term time.

Tickets and Reader Cards

Admission to the public spaces of the Weston Library is completely free. To explore the historic interiors of the Bodleian Library, visitors must purchase a ticket for an official guided tour.

Tour Options and Prices

• 30-Minute Tour (from £12.50 per person): Includes access to Duke Humfrey’s Library and the Divinity School (subject to availability).
• 60-Minute Tour (from £17.50 per person): A comprehensive historical route that covers the Divinity School, Convocation House, Chancellor’s Court, and Duke Humfrey’s Library.
• Radcliffe Camera & City of Oxford Walking Tour (£30.00 per person): A premium 90–120 minute tour that includes a walk through the university quarters and exclusive access inside the Radcliffe Camera. These tours generally run on Saturdays and Sundays.

All official guided tours are conducted strictly in English.

Visitor Information & Restrictions

• Children's Policy: Due to the historic and quiet nature of the active reading rooms, children under the age of 11 are not permitted on the standard 30-minute, 60-minute, or Radcliffe Camera tours.
• Radcliffe Camera Access: Booking the specific Radcliffe Camera & City of Oxford Walking Tour is the only way for tourists to see the interior of this iconic landmark.
• Advance Booking: It is highly recommended to book tour tickets online well in advance via the official website, as availability is strictly limited.

Bodleian Reader Cards

To access the library's extensive research collections and archives, you must register for a formal Bodleian Reader Card.

• Oxford Students & Staff: Current University of Oxford students and staff receive library access automatically via their university card.
• External Researchers: Independent scholars and students from other universities must apply online and present valid academic credentials at the Admissions Office.

Reviews

On TripAdvisor, the Bodleian Library has a rating of 4.8 out of 5, based on over 4,500 reviews. Visitors praise the historic architecture, the atmosphere of the old university and the work of the tour guides.

In terms of practical details, visitors note the limited duration of guided tours and the high demand for tickets on popular days. Some areas may be closed due to university events, so visitors are strongly advised to check the timetable on the official website before planning their visit.

Jamie:

Excellent tour of some of the highlights of the University. Our guide Dave was engaging, entertaining and tremendously knowledgeable. Thank you!

Emma:

The tour was great! Amalie was an entertaining and informative tour guide! I would highly recommend!

Contact details and location

The Bodleian Library is situated in the centre of Oxford, close to the university buildings and Radcliffe Square. These historic buildings are all within walking distance of one another, so a visit to the library can easily be combined with a stroll through the city centre.

Visitor address: Weston Library, Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BG

Telephone: +44 (0)1865 287400

Email: [email protected]

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