Explore Oxford · colleges
Visit Oxford’s colleges.
Chapels, gardens and quiet quadrangles are a reason to look beyond Oxford’s college walls. This directory shows which colleges welcome visitors and how to plan a visit.
At a glance
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours for one college; half a day for a wider walk.
- Estimated cost
- Free exterior walk; individual college admission varies.
- Best area
- Broad Street, Radcliffe Square and New College Lane.
- Book ahead
- Christ Church; check New College tickets and each college’s access rules.
Choose by interest and access
Start with one interior visit.
Some colleges welcome visitors during set hours. Others require a tour or appointment. Pick one you want to see inside and build your walk around it. Several paid visits can soon fill a day and add to the cost.
- Christ Church: Hall and Cathedral
- The Hall staircase is a filming location, and the route also takes in the Cathedral. Admission is timed. Look up Hall and Cathedral closures before paying, as your ticket may not include access to every room.
- Magdalen: grounds and a river walk
- Allow time for the grounds as well as the buildings. Much of the visit is outdoors, so you may get less from the admission if you only want a quick shelter from heavy rain.
- New College: cloisters and a garden
- Enter from New College Lane for the cloisters and walled garden. Plan around shorter winter hours and a Monday closure in winter.
- Keble: a free afternoon option
- See red-brick college architecture near the museums and University Parks. Public hours are usually 2–5pm, though events can close the gates. The exterior walk below is free and needs no college admission.
Visiting details come from college and University visitor pages. Dates show when those pages were checked. For step-free routes or other access needs, contact the college before booking.
Visitor guide · 43 colleges and halls
Find a college
Find opening hours, entry charges and visitor links below. The University visitor listing gives an overview. For the latest arrangements, use the college’s own page.
43 colleges and halls
All Souls CollegeHigh Street, OX1 4ALPublic welcome
- Opening
- Weekdays and Sundays, 2–4pm; closed over Easter, Christmas and throughout August
- Entry
- Free
The Front and Great Quadrangles and Chapel are open to individuals and groups of up to six without booking. Larger groups need permission in advance. The library is closed to the public, and the college can close at short notice.
Visitor details checked . Recheck before travelling.
Balliol CollegeBroad Street, OX1 3BJUsually open
- Opening
- Usually 10am–5pm or dusk
- Entry
- Adults £6; concessions £3
A Broad Street starting point with gardens, Chapel and Hall included in a standard visit. Bring relevant ID if claiming applicant, University-member or alumni admission.
BlackfriarsSt Giles, OX1 3LYChurch open
- Opening
- Church open daily during daylight hours
- Entry
- Free
The church on St Giles is open to visitors. The academic hall’s residential and teaching spaces are private.
Brasenose CollegeRadcliffe Square, OX1 4AJPublic welcome
- Opening
- Weekdays 10–11.30am and 2–4.30pm; weekends 1–4.30pm
- Entry
- Free; donation welcome
Just off Radcliffe Square, with individual entry at the porter’s discretion. Organised tours must arrange permission in advance.
Campion HallBrewer Street, OX1 1QSAppointment only
- Opening
- By appointment
- Entry
- Check ahead
This small hall on Brewer Street is close to Christ Church. Contact the hall for an appointment before visiting.
Contact the college to confirm visiting arrangements.
Christ ChurchSt Aldate’s, OX1 1DPTimed tickets
- Opening
- Timed admission; check available slots and known closures
- Entry
- Ticket prices vary by visit type
The visitor route takes in the Hall staircase and Cathedral, though college meals and worship can close parts of it. Look up closures before booking a timed ticket. Suitcases and bags larger than 40 × 30 × 20cm are not admitted, and there is no left-luggage facility.
Visitor details checked . Recheck before travelling.
Corpus Christi CollegeMerton Street, OX1 4JFPublic welcome
- Opening
- Usually 2–5pm; college events can close entry
- Entry
- Free
This compact college on Merton Street sits among the southern college lanes. Events can close it to visitors. Groups need advance arrangements and a Blue Badge Guide.
Exeter CollegeTurl Street, OX1 3DPRestricted access
- Opening
- Public tours outside term; applicants and alumni usually 9am–5pm
- Entry
- Generally £4; exemptions apply
Exeter’s Turl Street site appeared in The Golden Compass. Sightseeing visits require a pre-booked tour outside term, with separate rules for applicants and alumni. Public chapel services offer another way to visit.
Green Templeton CollegeWoodstock Road, OX2 6HGAppointment only
- Opening
- By appointment
- Entry
- Check ahead
The Radcliffe Observatory is the landmark here. Visits need advance arrangements and do not give walk-in access to the rest of the college.
Arrange Observatory visits with the college. Other areas have separate access rules.
Harris Manchester CollegeMansfield Road, OX1 3TDChapel access
- Opening
- Chapel when available: weekdays 10am–5.30pm; Saturday 8.30am–8pm
- Entry
- Free; donation welcome
The Chapel and its stained glass are open to visitors when available at this Mansfield Road college. Large parties must book.
Hertford CollegeCatte Street, OX1 3BWAppointment only
- Opening
- Public by appointment; applicants and alumni may ask at the lodge
- Entry
- Check ahead
You can see the Bridge of Sighs from New College Lane without entering the college. Interior visits are by appointment. Major building work affects access until summer 2027.
Jesus CollegeTurl Street, OX1 3DWGuided tours only
- Opening
- Pre-arranged external guided tours only
- Entry
- Ask your tour provider
The courtyard is behind the Turl Street shops. Public visits are through pre-arranged external tour groups, as the college does not run its own public tours.
Keble CollegeParks Road, OX1 3PGPublic welcome
- Opening
- Daily, 2–5pm
- Entry
- Free
Red-brick buildings make Keble stand out among Oxford’s pale-stone colleges. It is opposite the museums, with Liddon Quad and the Chapel normally open to visitors. College events sometimes close the gates.
Visitor details checked . Recheck before travelling.
Kellogg College60–62 Banbury Road, OX2 6PNPublic welcome
- Opening
- Weekdays, 9am–5pm
- Entry
- Free
A graduate college on Banbury Road. Ask reception which parts of the campus are open to visitors when you arrive.
Ask reception about visiting hours and campus access.
Lady Margaret HallNorham Gardens, OX2 6QAPublic welcome
- Opening
- Daily, 10am–5pm
- Entry
- Free
This Norham Gardens college can be paired with a walk through North Oxford or University Parks. Ask at the lodge which areas are open to day visitors.
Contact the college to confirm visiting arrangements.
Linacre CollegeSt Cross Road, OX1 3JAAppointment only
- Opening
- By appointment
- Entry
- Check ahead
Visits to this graduate college beside University Parks are by appointment. The park is nearby if college entry is unavailable.
Contact the college to confirm visiting arrangements.
Lincoln CollegeTurl Street, OX1 3DRPublic welcome
- Opening
- Daily, 2–5pm
- Entry
- Free
Front Quad and Chapel Quad are usually open in the afternoon at this Turl Street college. The Grove and staircases are private. Chapel services, including Evensong, are public.
Magdalen CollegeHigh Street, OX1 4AUPublic welcome
- Opening
- 10am–5pm or dusk, whichever is earlier; July–September until 6.30pm. Last entry 30 minutes before closing; seasonal closures apply
- Entry
- Adults £10; concessions £9; under-7s free
There are cloisters, extensive grounds and a riverside walk, so allow time to explore. Much of the visit is outdoors, so dress for the weather. Buy tickets online or on arrival and pay by card. The Hall may close at lunchtime, and picnics are not allowed in the grounds.
Visitor details checked . Recheck before travelling.
Mansfield CollegeMansfield Road, OX1 3TFPublic welcome
- Opening
- Weekdays, 9am–5pm
- Entry
- Free; donation welcome
On Mansfield Road, between the centre and University Parks. The grounds, Chapel and Crypt cafeteria are open to the public. Other buildings require an appointment.
Contact the college to confirm visiting arrangements.
Merton CollegeMerton Street, OX1 4JDPublic welcome
- Opening
- Weekdays 2–5pm; Saturday 10am–5pm; Sunday noon–5pm
- Entry
- Adults £5; concessions £3
Visit four quadrangles and the Chapel from Merton Street. The Hall, Fellows’ Garden and residential areas are normally private. Medieval-library tours run separately in season, and the lodge takes cards only.
New CollegeNew College Lane, OX1 3BNPublic welcome
- Opening
- 10 March–31 October: 10am–5pm, last entry 4.30pm. Winter: Tue–Fri & Sun 11am–3pm, last entry 2.30pm; Sat 10am–4.30pm or dusk, last entry 4pm; Monday closed
- Entry
- Adults £12; concessions £11; under-7s free
Medieval cloisters and a walled garden, with the visitor entrance on New College Lane. Payment is by card. Look up planned closures before booking. Oxford City permanent residents need proof of address for free entry. The college’s access information lists step-free visitor rooms and a lift to the Hall, but warns of uneven ground.
Visitor details checked . Recheck before travelling.
Nuffield CollegeNew Road, OX1 1NFClosed to visitors
- Opening
- Currently closed
- Entry
- Not applicable
A modern college near the station and Oxford Castle. The University lists it as closed to visitors, so view the buildings from New Road and Worcester Street.
Contact the college to confirm visiting arrangements.
Oriel CollegeOriel Square, OX1 4EWPublic welcome
- Opening
- Daily, 2–5pm or dusk
- Entry
- Adults £3; concessions £2
Admission usually covers the first quad, Hall and Chapel just off the High Street. Events can close the college, so confirm opening before setting aside an afternoon for it.
Pembroke CollegePembroke Square, OX1 1DWNot generally public
- Opening
- Other visits occasionally by appointment
- Entry
- Not applicable
See the frontage from Pembroke Square, beside St Aldate’s. The college is not open to the general public, though some visits can be arranged by appointment.
The Queen’s CollegeHigh Street, OX1 4AWPre-arranged tours
- Opening
- Pre-arranged tours or public Evensong
- Entry
- Free
Admire the High Street frontage, or arrange a tour through an accredited local guide. Public chapel services and term-time concerts provide separate opportunities to visit.
Regent’s Park CollegePusey Street, OX1 2LBAppointment only
- Opening
- By appointment
- Entry
- Free; £2 donation suggested
On Pusey Street, just off St Giles. Contact the college for an appointment before visiting.
Contact the college to confirm visiting arrangements.
Reuben CollegeParks Road, OX1 3QPInvitation only
- Opening
- Invitation only
- Entry
- Not applicable
This graduate college on Parks Road is near the museums. Entry is by invitation. The lunchtime exception is for University members only.
Contact the college to confirm visiting arrangements.
St Anne’s CollegeWoodstock Road, OX2 6HSPublic welcome
- Opening
- Daily, 9am–5pm
- Entry
- Free; donation welcome
On Woodstock Road, beyond the medieval centre. Individual visits are normally free, and large groups must arrange entry in advance.
Contact the college to confirm visiting arrangements.
St Antony’s CollegeWoodstock Road, OX2 6JFPublic welcome
- Opening
- Daily, 8am–5pm
- Entry
- Free
A graduate college in North Oxford with a focus on international research. Ask at the lodge which areas you can visit. Teaching and residential rooms are not generally public.
St Catherine’s CollegeManor Road, OX1 3UJConfirm tour access
- Opening
- Contact the lodge for current restoration and tour arrangements
- Entry
- Check current arrangements
Arne Jacobsen’s architecture is a contrast to the central stone colleges. The University says tours are unavailable during restoration, while the college page gives general visiting guidance. Contact the college to find out whether tours have resumed.
St Cross CollegeSt Giles, OX1 3LZAppointment only
- Opening
- By appointment
- Entry
- Check ahead
A graduate college beside St Giles. Interior visits are by appointment, though you can include the exterior in a central city walk.
Contact the college to confirm visiting arrangements.
St Edmund HallQueen’s Lane, OX1 4ARPublic welcome
- Opening
- Daily, 10am–4pm; event and exam closures
- Entry
- Summer charge £2; under-14s free
On Queen’s Lane, just off the High Street. Summer admission charges and event closures apply. Groups of up to ten need an appointment.
St Hilda’s CollegeCowley Place, OX4 1DYAppointment only
- Opening
- By appointment
- Entry
- Free
This riverside college is beyond Magdalen Bridge on Cowley Place. Arrange a visit before entering. The grounds are not open for unrestricted public access.
Contact the college to confirm visiting arrangements.
St Hugh’s CollegeSt Margaret’s Road, OX2 6LECheck in advance
- Opening
- Telephone or email before visiting
- Entry
- Free; donation welcome
In the residential streets of North Oxford. Confirm your visit in advance, then report to the lodge on St Margaret’s Road.
St John’s CollegeSt Giles, OX1 3JPPublic welcome
- Opening
- Daily from 2pm; until 5pm in summer or 4pm in winter
- Entry
- Free
Visit the quadrangles and gardens from St Giles in the afternoon. Winter hours end earlier, the Chapel is closed on Wednesdays, and some garden areas may be resting or under maintenance.
St Peter’s CollegeNew Inn Hall Street, OX1 2DLPublic welcome
- Opening
- Usually 10am–5pm; telephone to confirm
- Entry
- Free; donation welcome
A free central visit on New Inn Hall Street, close to the station and Gloucester Green. Report to the lodge on arrival. Tour groups and groups of five or more must book, though families are exempt.
Somerville CollegeWoodstock Road, OX2 6HDTerm-time access
- Opening
- 9am–noon and 2–4pm during term
- Entry
- Free; donation welcome
On Woodstock Road, north of the centre. Public admission is during term. Outside term, access is for University members and alumni card holders.
Trinity CollegeBroad Street, OX1 3BHPublic welcome
- Opening
- Term: 10am–noon and 2–5pm; vacation: 10am–noon and 1–5pm
- Entry
- Adults £7; concessions £5
A Broad Street visit for the Chapel, Hall and gardens, with a suggested route supplied at entry. Opening is split around lunchtime and private events can close the college.
University CollegeHigh Street, OX1 4BHPublic welcome
- Opening
- Daily, 10am–noon and 2–4pm
- Entry
- Adults £5; concessions £3
On the High Street towards Magdalen Bridge. Morning and afternoon visiting hours are separate. Events can close entry, and large parties must book.
Contact the college to confirm current visiting arrangements.
Wadham CollegeParks Road, OX1 3PNPublic welcome
- Opening
- Term 1–4.15pm; vacation 10.30–11.45am and 1–4.15pm
- Entry
- Free
A free individual visit near the museums, with Front Quad, Fellows’ Garden and Chapel open during visiting hours. Guided commercial groups follow separate charging rules.
Wolfson CollegeLinton Road, OX2 6UDPublic welcome
- Opening
- Daylight hours
- Entry
- Free
Gardens and a riverside setting on Linton Road in North Oxford. Allow extra time to get here from the centre, then ask reception which routes are open. Groups should give advance notice.
Ask reception about current visiting hours for the grounds.
Worcester CollegeWalton Street, OX1 2HBTours or eligible visitors
- Opening
- Eligible visitors daily, 12.30–4pm; others on an official tour
- Entry
- Free
Extensive grounds behind the Walton Street frontage. Tourists need an official guided tour. OX1/OX2 residents and other eligible visitors may sign in at the lodge.
Wycliffe HallBanbury Road, OX2 6PWAppointment only
- Opening
- By appointment
- Entry
- Free
This Banbury Road hall accepts visits by appointment. Contact the hall before making the journey.
Contact the college to confirm visiting arrangements.
Suggested exterior walk
Nine colleges,
one city walk.
Start on Broad Street, cross Turl Street and Radcliffe Square, then follow the High and Merton Street to Christ Church. Allow around 45 minutes for exteriors. Interior visits need separate access arrangements.
Walking directions · part 1 Walking directions · part 2Essential Visitor FAQs
Visiting Oxford Colleges:
Frequently asked questions.
Are Oxford University colleges free to visit?
All Souls, Keble, Lincoln and several others offer free public visits during set hours. Christ Church, Magdalen and New College charge. You can walk along Broad Street, Radcliffe Square and New College Lane for free views of the buildings. Even a free interior visit may need permission or advance arrangements, so read the college’s visitor page before going.
Which Oxford college was Harry Potter filmed at?
Christ Church’s staircase and New College’s cloisters are filming locations. The Bodleian’s Divinity School and Duke Humfrey’s Library also appear. Christ Church’s Hall is associated with Hogwarts, but the dining scenes were filmed on a studio set.
Do I need to book Oxford college tickets in advance?
Book Christ Church’s timed admission ahead. New College also sells tickets online and takes card payments only. General sightseeing at Exeter and Jesus requires a pre-arranged tour. Other colleges admit individuals during public hours, subject to their own rules. The directory entries link to visiting and payment information.
Can the public visit Oxford colleges during term time?
Yes, many admit visitors during term, with hours arranged around teaching, exams, services and events. Term and vacation rules can differ. The college’s visitor page has the details, and areas marked private are off limits.