Bodleian Library

We did the 30 minute tour of the Divinity School and Duke Humphrey’s Library. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and gave an excellent tour to our group. We learned a lot in our 30 minutes. The staff were well organized, with badges and ear sets for the tour so that the guide did not need to talk loudly - which makes sense for a library. Standing among such old books is such an amazing opportunity for a book lover like me. I wish we could have explored more for the library during the visit, but 30 minutes was a good length and enough time to get a view of what the Old library looks like and some of its history.

We were able to purchase tickets on the day for the 30 minute tour of the Divinity School and Duke Humphrey's library. The tour was very informative! It did involve walking up a long set of stairs, so may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. To ensure we weren't disturbing those using the library, we listened to our tour guide speak through individual head sets.

The Bodleian Library is one of the most impressive and significant landmarks in Oxford, a true treasure for lovers of books, history, and culture. The building itself radiates magnificent architecture and rich tradition, while the interior leaves a lasting impression with its atmosphere of knowledge and silence. The library houses a vast collection of books and manuscripts, including many rare and valuable items. Visiting is an inspiring experience, whether you come as a researcher, student, or tourist eager to feel the spirit of the university.

The Duke Humphrey Library was absolutely stunning and magical! It was one of a kind, and what a beauty to see the books withstanding years of changes! I also visited the Divinity School, Convocation House and Chancellor’s Court. Such an eye-opening experience and shoutout to the experienced guide!

A quiet walk through history and books I had always heard that Oxford was beautiful — but being there in person is different. Every street, every archway, every courtyard felt like it had a story to tell. There’s something special about how the old stone buildings and narrow lanes create a calm and focused atmosphere. Walking through Radcliffe Square, the famous circular library stood out like a symbol of how Oxford blends tradition with learning. I spent time inside the Bodleian Library area, including the Divinity School, where the ceiling details were just stunning — like something out of a movie. Even with tourists around, there was a peaceful feeling. You don’t have to be a student to enjoy it — just walking around slowly, looking up, and noticing the textures, the symmetry, the age of everything… it gives you time to think. I also enjoyed sitting at a nearby café for a quiet coffee. Oxford is not just for sightseeing — it’s a place to slow down and reflect. If you like walking, books, and beautiful buildings, this city will speak to you in its own quiet way.

Visiting the Old Bodleian Library is like stepping back in time. The building itself exudes history, with centuries of scholarly pursuit etched into its walls—its age alone is awe-inspiring. Inside, the oldest books, some dating back hundreds of years, whisper stories of knowledge preserved through generations. The architecture is breathtaking—soaring ceilings, intricate woodwork, and grand halls that feel both majestic and intimate. Every corner of the library radiates a sense of gravitas; you can almost feel the maturity of the place, a quiet testament to centuries of learning. For anyone who loves books, history, or simply beautiful architecture, the Old Bodleian is an unforgettable experience.

I could not find a book about Nicholas Flamel here, just kidding. The entire library is amazing and for a true Harry Potter fan it feels like stepping into the films. The building is breathtaking and full of history. They are strict about time slots so plan ahead. Special thanks to the kind ladies at the front desk who were very helpful and made the visit even better.

Historic library which has occupied its current site since the 17th century, serving as the main research library for the University of Oxford. The library comprises a number of buildings, including the unmistakable Radcliffe Camera, the UK's first circular library building and a fine example of Palladian architecture, as well as the Clarendon Building. The Old Library building is the largest of the historic buildings, with an ornately decorated entrance tower, featuring columns of each order of classical architecture (Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian and Composite), giving it it's name - the Tower of the Five Orders. It was from this tower that the transit of Venus was observed in 1769. The Old Library can be visited as part of a guided tour for £10 (as of 2025), though much of the building's architectural grandeur can still be appreciated from the outside.

What an amazing experience! We had a tour of the Bodleian Libraries, and it was by far the highlight of our trip to Oxford. The rich history of the library was captivating, and the stunning architecture of the buildings was not to miss. Natasha, our tour guide, was an absolute gem! She guided us through the majestic halls and took us behind the scenes, explaining the lavish history along the way, always with a warm smile. Her enthusiasm for the library was palpable, and her extensive knowledge made the tour even more fascinating. One of the highlights was seeing the Duke Humfrey's library. Such a beautiful and historic building with crests of the University of Oxford covering the ceiling, and Kings, Queens, and Bishops along the aisles. The Radcliffe Camera and The Divinity Schools were not to miss as well. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Oxford.

The Bodleian Library is the main research library of the University of Oxford, and is one of the oldest libraries in Europe, it is located right in the heart of Oxford. With over 12 million items, it is the second-largest library in Britain after the British Library. The structure and architecture is gorgeous. Generations of famous scholars have studied in its reading rooms, among them five kings, 40 Nobel Prize winners and 26 prime ministers. It was founded in 1602.

My husband and I did the 1 hour tour. We went in a grand total of 3 rooms. We spent most of the time sitting in the divinity school talking about what movies were filmed in that hall. You are allowed to take pictures here if you desire. I got the sense that the guide was trying to extend the time there because some of the other groups were in the other rooms and they were having trouble staggering things. They had a wedding that evening so they had a lot of tours back to back. I feel like its a little mislead when they say "tour" of the library. There are some books lining the walls in the hall leading to the front desk but clearly the best part is past the front desk. They take you up to the front desk and you watch people check-in which is somewhat entertaining. Everyone had to put their belongings in clear plastic bags that were inspected by the guard. More people than you would expect didn't get the memo and tried to bring a backpack but were turned away. They try to make you feel better by telling you anyone is allowed to do research there as long as you fill out an application stating why in advance. Across the street they have a rotating special exhibit. At that time the theme is women/suffragettes. I saw a clip of Rick Steves visiting an exhibition there and they had one of the copies of the magna carta on display. We asked at the info desk if they had it on display and they said no. Just fyi to spare you the disappointment if you also are looking for the Magna Carta is part of their permanent collection but was only on display as part of a special exhibit.

Beautiful, well worth the visit and not too bad at £6 for a 30 minute tour-guide. You'll learn about and see the library as well as the divinity room with a bit of UK history. No pictures allowed in the library, but you can buy a postcard in the gift shop which by the way has a a playful, unique selection!

The amount of books here is amazing! Get a tour guide to tell you the ins and outs of this place

I'm a little floored by the wild inaccuracies people glean from the various guided tours (some of which are in the reviews below). This review is as a tourist (not as a scholar, which I give 6 stars on the 5-star scale). Usually, the library has a little case with something interesting (like children's books from the 1700's) in the entrance, and you can take a tour, which will vary in quality depending on the guide. If you are uninterested in history or hearing about books, it probably is really boring. Personally, I squeed like a demented thing the first time I entered the courtyard. But then, I do like books, and I care deeply about silly things like the development of typefaces and whether Shakespeare really spelled his name one consistent way and where Chaucer preferred to buy his quills. The library architecture is very varied--from 20th century sleek design all the way back to Duke Humphrey's Library, which will be recognizable from the Harry Potter films. And there are many variations in between. So, really worth seeing if you like that sort of thing. If you don't... maybe try the jail and castle and stuff by the mall.

We breezed through here on a quick guided tour so I didn't get to spend as much time as I would've liked but what I saw was beautiful and I did see a few of the filming locations from Harry Potter here... so that was neat. I honestly which I could say more buuuuuttttt - the tour guide was pants on fire to get us to the next place and get us back to our bus. On my next time - I plan to come unaccompanied so I can really try to take in as much as I can.

As if the exterior isn't imposing enough,the interior courtyard is truly awe inspiring. With beautiful latin inscribed doorways to each section of library.

On most to-do lists in Oxford, the Bodleian Library is consistently on there. Having never been however it is an overdue venture. I finally found time to visit the Library as a part of the 60 minute guided tour (£7 inc. guide). The tour starts in the Divinity room. As soon as we entered the almost perfectly symmetrical room I had the feeling I have seen this before. I was then quickly informed that this was the set used for the hospital wing in the Harry Potter films. This is not the Bodleian library however, but we were given the history of the libraries and where Oxford University kepts their collections of books since its inception. After a tour in a few more rooms we were led to the Bodleian Library. It is exactly how you imagine an incredibly old library. The books lined up in wooden cases look just like movie props, it is hard to believe they are real books. The room itself was almost silent, dimly lit and had a very subdued and historic atmosphere. No photography was allowed which was disappointing but also added a level of prestige to the space. The room was beautifully painted with the original woodwork and floorboards. I suggest visiting the Bodleian library if you have an interest in books, literature, history or libraries in general, but if you are not too fussed about learning every intricate details of the library, try and get on the 30 minute guided tour. The 30 minute tour was sold out (I can see why) so we went for the 60 minute tour. Personally, I felt it did drag on quite a lot but that isn't t say it wasn't interesting. The guides have a vast knowledge of the library and surrounding buildings. If you are really keen, try the 90 minute tour and good luck to you. I know I could not handle that long.

I agree with the previous reviewer. The Bodleian is a beautiful architectural masterpiece. It's history is rich and is important to the city of Oxford & Oxford University. I received a temporary library card while I was studying at Wadham College. The library is confusing- the policies are very strict and the place is very intimidating. Unfortunately many of the college's libraries aren't open during the summer and they definitely don't offer the selection that Bodleian does... This massive library has at least 3 separate buildings which makes the art of finding books ridiculously confusing. Some selections are not available and easily accessible at all times. In order to find the books you need- since they might be located in different buildings or at an off-site location you have to request the books you'd like from the stacks and have them delivered to the specific reading room that you might happen to be doing your work in. This could take more than 2 days- which doesn't really make getting a lot of work done in one day possible. First you have to research the books you need and then possibly wait several days before you actually see those books in person. This puts a serious damper on getting work done efficiently. Once you get your long awaited texts you can have them held in a reading room but no one, I repeat, no one is allowed to take books from the library. This is because hundreds of years ago the majority of the library's books were stolen and burned. This is also the reason why your bags get checked before you enter the library.. No drinks, food, matches, lighters etc. allowed. The one good thing about this place is the selection of books- The Bodleian is what is known as a "copyright" library. This means that a copy of every book published in the UK lies in the Bodleian. Definitely worth checking out- and there are obviously tons of great resources there dating back to who knows when.. Have fun in Oxford if you happen to be visiting!

The Bodleian library contains every book ever published in the UK. That's an awful lot of books! What's really amazing is that they're stored under the town of Oxford in tunnels stretching 117 miles and connecting some of the different libraries in an underground world of hidden treasures. The Bodleian (or 'the Bod', as it is fondly known) consists of 3 areas: - The New Bod, which is opposite the Kings Arms and allows no visitors. - The Bod main building, which is a square doughnut shape with the quad in the middle. - The Radcliffe Camera ('the RadCam'), which is the most stunning of the buildings. Entry to the quad is free, where you can see scholars heading to work for the day and surround yourself in history, imagining all the books below you. It's a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the high street and you really could be from any time in history when you're looking up at the old walls. There are also daily guided tours, which will allow you accompanied entry into the main Bodleian building, to see such wonders as Duke Humfreys library - a gorgeous, ancient library gently lit, with beautiful old leather-bound books from wall to ceiling. Visitors are also allowed into the Divinity School (Hogwarts library in Harry Potter) and the Bodleian's exhibition room. There's a gift shop, which makes up for not being allowed to take photos inside the building. It's well worth getting these tours, as the history of the place is fascinating. The Bodleian has appeared in: Inspector Morse, Brideshead Revisited and the first 2 Harry Potter films, to name a few. Take a step inside and you'll soon see why.

The Radcliffe Camera, as pictured here, is frequently confused as being the Bodleian library. The Bodliean is in fact the name given to all the libraries of the University of Oxford, which together form one of three copyright libraries in the country (meaning that they receive a copy of every book published in Britain by law). The Rad Cam, as it's referred to, is definitely the most well known and is iconic of Oxford itself. Find a student, who can get you in, otherwise tours are available!

If you study the history of books, binding or the origins of print, this library is probably going to make you wet your pants. I just stood in awe - taking deep breaths of air filled with the smell of ancient paper and ink and leather. I never dreamed I'd get even this close to these manuscripts in my lifetime and I certainly didn't expect to get to wander out the front doors with the Gutenberg bible under my arm. I'm glad to hear they are so careful about who they allow in as there are evidently enough students out there who don't fully appreciate the magnitude of what they are entrusted with when they use this library. This is the Alexandria of our time. The tours are fascinating and don't miss the current exhibit of book bindings - they have a small but well chosen collection of covers on display.

Truly awe inspiring in its position & architecture. Like so many buildings in oxford you have to visit. It's a litte pricey to take tours & see the whole building but we chose to see the divinity hall.

This review is just from a tourist point of view, not as a researcher or student. The architecture is worth a stop for some pictures. I enjoyed the gift shop. I would have liked to spend more time on the Oxford University campus in general. Great history.

Great library, great books, too much time spent their as a student.

gotta go just to say you have been. Used in its genuine way for couple of studies at uni but the place has this great historicla awe about it. huge and the filming of the Mummy was done in part here as was Harry Potter. Old, beautiful and an Oxford landmark

this location in oxford has been in many major motion pictures golden compass and harry potter. the library is a classic piece of architecture and an amazing library open to students of oxford. its truely a inspiring building the centre of a court it stands perfectly in oxford town centre.

An invaluable resource for any historian, with an ever-growing collection spanning all eras of British and world history. Books are in high demand from students, so be sure to check a title's availability online using SOLO before you arrive.

After much deliberation of how I wanted to spend my limited hours in Oxford, I decided to go on a tour of the University of Oxford's main research library, Bodleian Library. I did the condensed 30 minute version, where they show you the upstairs Duke Humfrey's Library. I don't want to spoil any details that they would tell you on the tour, but it was incredible being in such an old library filled with old books centuries of years old. Because these are old antique books, they have to be stored on the second floor so that they wouldn't be ruined by flooding. This is also where they filmed the restricted library part of the Harry Potter films. The tour then continues downstairs to the Divinity School, and this beautifully ornate hall is where seminary students would stand at the pulpits to debate each other for their final exams. This room is where the hospital ward scenes for Harry Potter were filmed. This library has huge significance to England, since Oxford is the primary academic town in England, and this library is the main research library in Oxford. Also, the library made a deal with a British publisher back in the day saying that the library would receive one free copy of everything that was published in England. So every Wednesday, the library receives around 4K-10K newly published books, magazines or newspapers. Insane!! There are miles and miles of archives below the city.

The Bodleian Library's most famous aspect is the Radcliffe Camera, frequently seen in many a Morse and Lewis episode as a means of anchoring the viewer to the city. The Camera is well worth a look, as is the Sheldonian Theatre that's on the same land. Both buildings are interesting, and the Theatre has a marvellous painted ceiling.

The Bodleian library where I studied for my dissertation and passed, was quite an eye opener, from the architecture to the books that are from earlier than the 16th century and beyond. I count myself privileged to have studied in there and to gain some fantastic research journal material that I used for my dissertation, which I couldn't find anywhere else.

As a building imposing, as library dreadful. Exclusively staffed by the kind of bolshy, self-important jobsworths that used to be the backbone of the Gas Board and British Leyland. It seems to think it is a private club, and not a public library funded by the taxpayer. Still, on the plus side they do keep making more and more librarians redundant.