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Bodleian Library

Bodleian Library Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BG, England
+44 1865 287400
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The Bodleian Library is a working library which forms part of the University of Oxford. It is housed in a remarkable group of buildings which forms the historic heart of the University, and you can explore the quadrangles of these magnificent structures at no charge. Different ticket options allow you to visit the interior of some of the buildings, such as the University’s oldest teaching and examination room, The Divinity School (built 1427-88). Here you will discover more of the University’s fascinating history. Our guided tours go behind the scenes in the Library, including its oldest research library, dating from 1602-20.
  • Excellent71%
  • Very good22%
  • Average5%
  • Poor1%
  • Terrible1%
Travellers talk about
“divinity school” (151 reviews)
“guided tour” (156 reviews)
“standard tour” (43 reviews)
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Hours
Hours Today: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
LOCATION
Bodleian Library Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BG, England
CONTACT
Website
+44 1865 287400
Ways to Experience Bodleian Library
from USD 33.90
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from USD 20.35
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from USD 169.70
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from USD 882.20
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Write a ReviewReviews (1,811)
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All reviews
"divinity school"
in 151 reviews
"guided tour"
in 156 reviews
"standard tour"
in 43 reviews
"convocation house"
in 22 reviews
"divinity room"
in 21 reviews
"mini tour"
in 29 reviews
"ancient books"
in 16 reviews
"longer tour"
in 22 reviews
"reading room"
in 30 reviews
"harry potter"
in 109 reviews
"minute tour"
in 39 reviews
"radcliffe camera"
in 68 reviews
"free exhibition"
in 15 reviews
"magna carta"
in 26 reviews
"fascinating history"
in 18 reviews
"beautiful building"
in 43 reviews
"amazing architecture"
in 15 reviews
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1 - 10 of 1,444 reviews

Reviewed yesterday

We prebooked the upstairs downstairs tour online to explore the Bodleian and Radcliffe Camera. The buildings were beautiful, the guide well informed and friendly, and the wonder of seeing things like the first lecture hall of what would become Oxford University very real. Highlights for...More

Thank Lissel A
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed 2 days ago

We took a tour that lasted an hour. It was led by a very well informed and interesting guide who knew not only many small facts but presented an overall picture of the extreme importance of the library.

Thank Patricia G
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed 2 days ago

We brought friends to visit and took a standard tour, one which we have done before. Whilst the tour guide was very personable and informative, and the building was excellent as always, we found the content with its liberal sprinkling of Harry Potter references shied...More

Thank captainplugwash
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
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Reviewed 3 days ago via mobile

My wife has this on her wish list and we did the hour long version of the tour. It covers the oldest parts of the building. Good guide and great history. Overwhelming to see such old structures and think of the past events that happened...More

1  Thank Hylocichla
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed 4 days ago via mobile

Very old buildings and some used for bits in the Harry Potter fits, bit with a interesting and indeed intricate history. And now of course facing problems because so many books are published and there is such high demand. But it seems to be in...More

Thank Jim M
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed 6 days ago

So impressive to be in this historic building and hear how it came into being and has developed over the years. The guides were very knowledgeable. We then went over to the new museum (I can't remember they call it) to see the display items.

Thank Carole W
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed 1 week ago

We only had time for a brief look inside, but it's so beautiful and different - it's worth a look and there's an inexpensive ticket for that. You don't need to do a full tour if you don't have time, but I would guess you...More

Thank RYC88
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile

I did the standard tour and the guide really knew her stuff. It was very in depth and interesting to see the library itself as well as the convocation room (like a mini houses of parliament), court room and the duke of Humphrey's library. I...More

Thank Neira_Blue
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile

Lucky enough to attend a lecture here on botanical art history. Enjoyed visiting one of the frequent temporary exhibits after the lecture which was also excellent. This also contains my favourite gift shop in Oxford selling very unique and tasteful items to commemorate your visit.

Thank Nancy-Marie-Rivard
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed 1 week ago

As you climb the stairs to the original and very old library the smell of the leather and books hits you. I loved it. The tour was very good and informative. I would recommend. Worth the cost.

Thank Laxmom3kids
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
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Ask a question
Questions & Answers
Nate P
22 August 2016|
AnswerShow all 2 answers
Response from Hlamme | Reviewed this property |
I think it's open every day except Christmas. A lot of filming and other events go on there though, so ot's probably best to ring them and check.
1
Vote
erkcpa
6 June 2016|
Answer
Response from David W |
There are exhibitions of Bodleian treasures in the Weston Library.
0
Votes
melancia2014
16 March 2016|
Answer
Response from NL_Frank |
In Divinity School (hospital in Harry Potter 1 and 2) making pictures is allowed. No pictures are allowed to be taken in the library.
1
Vote
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