Quick Details
Private Tours
PRIVATE HARRY POTTER FILM LOCATIONS TOUR
This exciting tour, guided by current or former Oxford students, will take you to one of the main film locations used in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire!
You will see some of the most important buildings and colleges and learn about other major blockbusters shot in the city. There will be photo opportunities. You will also learn about Oxford University, the oldest English-speaking university, and currently (2021) voted the best university in the world for a record six years in a row.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Learn about:
- J.K Rowling’s relationship with Oxford
- The Oxford-educated crime writer she admires
- The two key cast members who were brought up in the city
- The famous (and not so famous) actors who were considered and rejected for major parts in the film series
- The Oxford location of the shrunken heads on the night bus in The Prisoner of Azkaban
- The Oxford locations of three major Marvel Studios films
- Tom Cruise and Oxford
- Sir Anthony Hopkins and Oxford
- The four world-famous children’s authors who taught or studied at Oxford
- Visit inside New College where Harry Potter scenes were filmed
PRIVATE OXFORD HARRY POTTER FILM LOCATIONS TOUR WITH ALUMNI GUIDE & NEW COLLEGE ENTRY – BESPOKE & FLEXIBLE
Key Highlights
- Led by Oxford University alumni and expert guides
- Visit the Bodleian Library courtyard, an inspirational place for the characters
- Explore New College cloisters
- See iconic Oxford landmarks that reflect the atmosphere of the wizarding world
- Discover J.K. Rowling’s connections to Oxford
- Ideal for families, schools, universities, and corporate groups
- Perfect for private celebrations, birthdays, and group occasions
- Learn how Oxford’s architecture influenced key scenes and settings
- Hear behind-the-scenes stories from the films
- Explore historic streets, quads, and hidden passageways
Option 1: Private Harry Potter Walking Tour
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Includes:
- Private alumni-led walking tour
- Entry into Divinity School (subject to availability)
- Entry into New College
- Languages: English, Mandarin, Spanish + additional languages upon request
- Fully private experience tailored to your group
- Group Size: Up to 25 guests
- Excludes: Food and drinks, gratuities
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Includes:
- Private alumni-led walking tour
- Entry into Divinity School (subject to availability)
- Entry into New College
- Languages: English, Mandarin, Spanish + additional languages upon request
- Fully private experience tailored to your group
Option 2: Private Bespoke Harry Potter & Oxford Experience
- We specialise in fully tailored private Oxford experiences, far beyond standard tour formats.These may include:
- Multi-language tours (Mandarin, Spanish, and more)
- Prospective student, school, and university group visits
- Corporate experiences and executive away days
- Celebration experiences (birthdays, proposals, anniversaries)
- VIP half-day, full-day, or multi-day itineraries
For premium experiences, we can arrange:
- Dedicated alumni guide for extended durations
- Private dining and restaurant reservations
- College entry and curated academic access (where possible)
- Accommodation and transport coordination
- Multi-city itineraries (Cambridge, Oxford, London)
Each experience is tailored to your:
- Interests and academic focus
- Group type and occasion
- Language requirements
- Schedule and preferred pace
Full Description
Discover the magical side of Oxford on this guided private walking tour exploring the real locations that helped bring the Harry Potter films to life. Led by Oxford University students and graduates, this experience takes you and your group on an exclusive journey through the historic university city while revealing the filming locations, inspirations, and stories behind the world’s most famous wizard.
Along the way, you’ll explore the colleges, streets, and courtyards that appeared in the Harry Potter films and inspired the magical world of Hogwarts. Oxford’s extraordinary architecture and centuries-old colleges provided the perfect setting for several Harry Potter scenes.
During this walking tour, you will discover some of the locations used in the films, including the cloisters and courtyards that became part of Hogwarts on screen. At the same time, your guide will introduce you to the real history of Oxford University — the oldest English-speaking university in the world and one of the most influential academic institutions ever created.
This experience combines the magic of the Harry Potter films with the authentic history of Oxford University.
Your guide will be a current student or graduate of the university, providing a unique perspective on both the city and its connection to the wizarding world. Rather than simply visiting film locations, the tour explains how Oxford’s architecture and traditions helped inspire the atmosphere of Hogwarts.
Itinerary
- Balliol College (Exterior) – Learn how centuries-old façades, student traditions, and academic rituals echo Hogwarts-like culture.
- Blackwell’s Bookshop – Hear about Oxford’s literary history and J.K. Rowling’s early book signings, plus how the series changed the cultural landscape.
- Sheldonian Theatre (Exterior) – See this Christopher Wren landmark and the details that feel unmistakably “magical” in Oxford’s setting.
- Bridge of Sighs Viewpoint – One of Oxford’s most photographed landmarks.
- Bodleian Library Grand Courtyard – Step into the heart of academic Oxford and a setting many visitors find instantly recognisable on screen.
- Radcliffe Camera & Radcliffe Square (Views) – Not a Harry Potter filming site, but a quintessential Oxford landmark often seen in other productions.
- University Church of St Mary the Virgin (Exterior) – Oxford’s early academic beginnings and the atmosphere of medieval learning.
- New College Cloister (Other areas subject to availability) – Explore one of Oxford’s most recognisable filming locations: the cloisters and the famous tree featured in the films.
Who This Tour Is For
- Visitors looking for an exclusive, private experience
- Couples, families, and curious travellers.
- Potter-heads eager to see the real-life inspirations for the series.
- Schools, universities, and prospective students
- Corporate groups and executive clients
- Alumni groups and academic visitors
- Couples and special occasions (proposals, anniversaries)
- Birthday celebrations and hen parties
- Travellers seeking a premium, all-in-one Oxford experience
Practical Information
Meeting Point:
Outside 11 Broad Street, Oxford, next to the red mailbox.
Duration:
90 minutes
Group Size:
Up to 25 guests per guide
Languages Available:
Tours are conducted in English. Mandarin and Spanish are available when selected at booking; other languages are available upon request.
Accessibility:
Mostly accessible for wheelchair users; may not be suitable for those with limited mobility
Why Choose Alumni Tours
- ✔ Led by Oxford University alumni and students
- ✔ Fully private experience
- ✔ Authentic, research-based storytelling
- ✔ Exclusive and and affordable access to New College
- ✔ Focus on cinema and literature (no theatrical gimmicks)
- ✔ Trusted operator with thousands of positive reviews
🎟️ Book your private Harry Potter tour today and experience Oxford and its wizardly inspirations.
What’s Included
- Professional private alumni guide
- 90-minute guided walking tour
- Cinematographic insights and storytelling
- Access to New College
What’s Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Entry into colleges or buildings other than New College
Upgrades & Add-Ons
- Private bespoke Oxford day experiences
- Cambridge + Oxford private tours
- VIP academic-led experiences
- Concierge travel planning
Check-In & Arrival Information
Please arrive 5–10 minutes before your scheduled start time.
Your guide will be wearing royal blue Alumni Tours uniform items (jacket, cap, scarf, or beanie) featuring the Alumni Tours crest.
If you are running late, please contact us as soon as possible.
Additional Information
What to Bring:
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes
Special Requirements:
Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult
Health & Safety:
The tour takes place on historic streets which may include uneven surfaces or cobblestones
Important Information
College Entry:
Entry to Divinity School is subject to availability and university opening times.
Weather Policy:
Tours operate rain or shine
Late Arrival:
Late arrivals may miss part or all of the tour
Route Variations:
Routes may vary depending on access, weather, or events
Behaviour:
We reserve the right to remove guests who disrupt the experience
Liability:
Guests participate at their own risk
FAQ
What makes this tour different?
Our guides are Cambridge alumni or students, offering an informed and authentic perspective grounded in real history and folklore.
Do we go inside filming locations?
Yes, this tour includes entry into Divinity School (when open) and New College (subject to availability).
How long is the tour?
Approximately 90 minutes.
Is this a private tour?
Yes, it is a private tour.
Can the private tour be customised?
Yes, private tours can be tailored. Please contact [email protected].
What languages are available?
Private tours are conducted in English; Mandarin and Spanish are available when selected.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, it is suitable for all ages.
Does the tour operate in bad weather?
Yes, the tour runs in all weather conditions.
Contact & Confirmation Notes
Communications:
Please provide an email address and phone number that you can access regularly, as we may need to communicate updates. While we are responsible for sending updates, it is the guest’s responsibility to check for and receive these communications.
Cancellations & Refunds:
For small groups, cancellations made 24 hours or more in advance are eligible for a full refund. Larger groups may require a longer cancellation notice period. Please contact management to confirm the applicable cut-off time.
Guests must check in on time and at the correct meeting point or risk missing the tour and needing to purchase new tickets. Traffic or train delays will not qualify for reimbursement or rebooking.
Please arrive at least 5 minutes early.
✆ +44 1223 787270
📧 [email protected]
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