Christ Church
Christ Church
4.5
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- George67 contributionsA must for Harry Potter fans!We were on a self guided tour of Harry Potter locations in Oxford so knew Christ Church was a must. We got to see the stairs from some of the films aswell as the cloisters and the inspiration for the Great Hall whilst there. We had plenty of time to explore and would definitely return in future.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 February 2024
- Jennifer W42 contributionsExcellent self guided audio tour of ChristChurch college and cathedralThis audio tour is worth doing if you want to appreciate the history behind the grand buildings and have a glimpse at life “on the inside”. We’ll paced, good information, historic and modern. Worth your time and money.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 March 2024
- Jebediah_SolomonHong Kong, China375 contributionsDon't miss itI loved it. This is one of the more memorable colleges compared to all the others. The beautiful ceilings, courtyards, grounds....there is so much history attached to this place. And it's still living. Harry Potter fans will recognise the great hall which is still used as a cafeteria to the date. Ended up just hanging out here. Sitting and chatting by the lavender which was in full bloom.Visited June 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 6 July 2024
- antonioVRVerona, Italy1,353 contributionsInterestingDuring our trip to the south of England the Oxford stop was inevitable. Buying tickets for this collage, as well. We used the Audio Guide: Good service. Very nice interiors, especially the large refectory that inspired Harry Potter.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 24 July 2024
- Annalisa LagallaTortona, Italy970 contributionsMultimedia tour in your language: 5 starsRemember to see Great Tom, the 6-ton tower bell, which tolls at 9:05pm every night 101 times to remember the curfew imposed on students at the time. For Harry Potter lovers: there is the famous staircase where Year 1 Hogwarts students are greeted by Prof. McGranitt and where in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" Harry and Ron are captured by Keeper Magpie after they crash into the flying car. You can also see the Great Hall, which inspired Harry Potter's (but was not the set) and the cloister where Hermione shows Harry Quidditch trophies with his father's name on them, to prove that Harry was born to be a Seeker. The Cathedral is wonderful, as are the buildings and gardens. I appreciated that there was an audio guide in Italian and that I could see everything at my own pace, but also learning things with this multimedia tour.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 August 2024
- Mary W14 contributionsAvoid the guided tour. Rent the headphone tour.Christ Church College is a must visit in Oxford, especially for Harry Potter fans. We booked a guided tour and regret it. Our tour guide, who never did tell us his name, clearly knew very little about Christ College. He carried a small tablet and read about the next stop as he led us from place to place. He was unable to answer questions and had difficulty explaining the reasons for some traditions (my husband almost broke in to explain Oxford University’s interesting relationship with Greenwich Mean Time when the tour guide got confused and couldn’t figure it out). Otherwise, highly recommend.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 August 2024
- hatijyoumakiSaitama Prefecture, Japan509 contributionsReservation is required one week in advance.I'm a big Harry Potter fan, so this is an important place for me. The way to get there, in my case, was from Istanbul, so I arrived at Heathrow's Terminal 5, took an airline bus from bus stop 10 and got off at St.Aldates (Stop H5). The bus fare was 25�. Close to the bus stop is Meadow Gate (main entrance) which leads to Christ Church. Reservation is required here. Reservations start a week in advance on the official website and sell out immediately. On the day of the event, show the QR code on your Reservation confirmation to get your ticket and audio Guide at the Visitor Center, which you can see at the far right after entering through Meadow Gate. Then show your ticket through the front door towards the back of the building pictured across the street. The fee was 18£ per person. Afternoon entry was from two o'clock. It is necessary to confirm opening hours on the website in advance. You cannot leave your suitcase in Christchurch. In my case, I dropped my luggage off at a hardware store called Extra Electrical and Hardware (Bounce Luggage Storage), about a five-minute walk west of the bus stop above. This system allows you to make Reservations and make payments in advance through the Bounce app, which is very useful for international travel. The charge was 6.75� per suitcase, including commission. Near Meadow Gate, which enters Christchurch, there was an Alice in Wonderland shop and a picture of Alice and her friends on the stained glass inside Christchurch's dining room. I went earlier than my Reservation time to shop at Alice's and have milk tea at the cafe in front of me. Authentic British milk tea is really good.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 August 2024
- N DLincolnshire, United Kingdom1,613 contributionsDifficult to BookTickets are released on a Friday for the week ahead so there’s a bit of a scramble if you want a particular tour - which we failed to get. Having failed on the website, I called the number given. I got no reply so left my number but no one got back to me. I managed to book the 30 minute tour which was good, but a complete whirlwind and you had to leave as soon as it was completed. I think I would have preferred the self tour. The actual college is beautiful and you can access the Thames from the grounds. We didn’t get to see much in our allotted 30 minutes but what we did see was very interesting.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 August 2024
- permia67,105 contributionsMagnificent Dining Hall and so much moreThere are so many grand buildings in the vast campus. It was a pleasure visiting those allowed on the tour and seeing the facades of many others. Over more than an hour and with the informative audioguide, highlights were the fabulous Great Dining Hall and the magnificent Cathedral. It was also interesting to see the No Peel carved on one of the doors. Sir Robert Peel was a supporter of the 1829 Catholic Emancipation Bill. But there was much opposition, as per this inscription.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 August 2024
- gabriellaCarunchio, Italy330 contributionsMagic placeNot to be missed if you are in Oxford: it is sumptuous, beautiful, magnificent. 20 euro ticket, well spent, bought online for the Media Suite tour, with audio guides, as the guided one was sold out (tickets go on sale on Friday). The building is an exclusive place as it houses one of Oxford's oldest and most prestigious colleges and, at the same time, the city's cathedral. It is possible to walk through the gardens, visit the premises and, for Harry Potter lovers, a must take pictures on the steps leading to the Great Hall, and the "Hermione kiosk". The interior courtyards, the cloister and the staircase of the Hall, in fact, served to shoot the scenes of many Harry Potter films. The cathedral is breathtaking: it is the college chapel and houses the tomb of Oxford's patron saint, St Frideswide. It has beautiful and imposing stained glass windows, that of Jonah, that of St. Michael and one that tells the story of St. Frideswide; a vaulted ceiling with main and secondary ribs that form, as a whole, a charming embroidery. Also, an impressive pipe organ. Also worth mentioning is the beautiful courtyard, the Tom Quad and the Tom Tower, the entrance to the college reserved for students. I was fascinated.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 30 August 2024
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4.5
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Judy S
7 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
What an amazing place! This college has got the tour thing right, with an audio guide that takes you round very efficiently and informatively.
From the road it looks big, but that is just a tiny part of what awaits inside. The grounds are huge and so are the buildings, with magnificent architecture dating back hundreds of years.
The chapel is the last major part of the tour and is breathtaking, including some rare medieval stained glass windows.
From the road it looks big, but that is just a tiny part of what awaits inside. The grounds are huge and so are the buildings, with magnificent architecture dating back hundreds of years.
The chapel is the last major part of the tour and is breathtaking, including some rare medieval stained glass windows.
Written 11 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Love_to_travel_0084
63 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
Lovely place to visit although did think it was overpriced. Understandably there has to be a balance between maintaining the privacy of the students and providing access to visitors, but would have expected the ticket price to be more reflective of this. Would recommend purchasing tickets online in advance as it does get busy and indeed was sold out on the day we visited. Having said that, it didn't feel too crowded and we had a pleasant walk around. The Harry Potter linked locations were the most popular. Do try and go when the Chapel is open as it was well worth seeing. The short videos on the multimedia handset were informative and much better than just audio. They recommend taking your own headphones but they do have some if you forget. Overall we spent about an hour and a half there.
Written 1 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andréane
Paris, France548 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
A must for any Harry Potter fan in Oxford. A pretty moving moment for me.
Besides the relationship to Harry Potter, the place is beautiful, the architecture is amazing. The refectory that inspired the great hall and the stairs where a mythical scene of Harry’s arrival at Hogwarts was shot are simply magical. The audio guide is really a plus, it allows to have information that is not given in the brochure. This place must be visited by any visitor to the city of Oxford.
Besides the relationship to Harry Potter, the place is beautiful, the architecture is amazing. The refectory that inspired the great hall and the stairs where a mythical scene of Harry’s arrival at Hogwarts was shot are simply magical. The audio guide is really a plus, it allows to have information that is not given in the brochure. This place must be visited by any visitor to the city of Oxford.
Automatically translated
Written 30 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NorthStar147466
2 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
The gothic buildings and general setting are fantastic, but the audio guide lets down what would otherwise be a very interesting self guided tour. The information given in the guide is pretty basic and is consistantly laced with a self-egrandising undertone of arrogance and privilege. The relatively new visitor centre is an organisational shambles and the whole experience just lets down what would be an otherwise pleasent experience. Go walking in the meadows or go and watch the punters instead - or if you really want to go in and see the spectacular gothic architecture, pay the unavoidable price for the audio guide and leave the headphones firmly unplugged.
Written 10 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paulina Nignol
London, UK87 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
he best there is in Oxford! Worth every penny. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours with the audio guide, which is very interesting unlike so many others, there is quality information in this one.
If you are in Oxford this is not to be missed :)
I strongly recommend going at the last entry time 15-45 because you get to see the choir practice in the church before service and its just amazing!
And of course if you are a Harry Potter fan, you will spot the filming spots right away!
If you are in Oxford this is not to be missed :)
I strongly recommend going at the last entry time 15-45 because you get to see the choir practice in the church before service and its just amazing!
And of course if you are a Harry Potter fan, you will spot the filming spots right away!
Written 28 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Toria ⭐️
San Francisco, CA331 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
Really wonderful experience. The self guided tours are £15 for students and last about 45 mins to 1 hour.
** Be aware that during certain days/times some of the buildings will be closed as this is still an active university. If you want to ensure that you’re able to see the great hall be careful when selecting your time slot. **
I booked sunday at 2pm and was able to enter every room on the tour. It will certainly be busy and filled with tourists so best of luck to those looking to take photos but totally worth it nonetheless.
** Be aware that during certain days/times some of the buildings will be closed as this is still an active university. If you want to ensure that you’re able to see the great hall be careful when selecting your time slot. **
I booked sunday at 2pm and was able to enter every room on the tour. It will certainly be busy and filled with tourists so best of luck to those looking to take photos but totally worth it nonetheless.
Written 12 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
R W
Dubai, United Arab Emirates398 contributions
Jan 2025 • Solo
The 900 year old Christ Church cathedral is a must visit destination. For me it’s just amazing to see the architecture and quality of construction to withstand the tests of time when there was no steel or reinforcements. It’s a good walk around the cathedral and the gardens. Worth an afternoon visit if you have time.
Written 25 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie W
Leintwardine, UK42 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
How disappointing. Whilst the buildings are amazingly beautiful, the organisation was pretty much a shambles and not once did we receive a correct direction sadly. 2 out of 4 headphones were programmed incorrectly so no narrative received. Many areas closed to exams taking place but why direct us to these very areas? Absolute wild goose chase. Not many areas to see either so I feel overpriced entry fee for what’s open to visitors, especially compared to free access to the Ashmolean with a vast area to see. Every person we asked gave us differing directions/advice. Some serious staff training needed. Amazing site but poor organisation. Could the path closures not be on a daily notice board or added to website daily? Such a disappointing visit.
Written 6 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trek463820
51 contributions
Jul 2022
Book in advance online because we got here in the afternoon via the hop on hop off tour bus but all the available tickets for the day were unfortunately sold out according to the signs. Had to buy an item from the shop opposite to get a code for the toilets. Walked through some of the meadow area but it was very dusty due to the recent hot weather so took a few photos of the exterior of Christ Church before moving on.
Written 2 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sarah377505
Valencia, Spain7 contributions
Mar 2023
I led a group of students on a pre-booked visit. When we met a member of staff outside before the tour, I said I didn't want the audio guide because I had been there before and needed to keep an eye on my students but she said it was obligatory.
When we went in, there was a massive queue of people (many probably hadn't pre-booked). Then a member of staff told me off (in front of my students) for not wearing the audio guide round my neck. I have sensitive skin and also don't feel comfortable wearing something that has been worn by many strangers, but she said it was a requirement. I felt like a school child.
They do not treat customers like this at other sites (e.g. Stonehenge, the Roman Baths Museum) and it wasn't like this when I was there pre-Covid. This is not acceptable and they should treat their customers like adults, the audio guides should be optional.
When we went in, there was a massive queue of people (many probably hadn't pre-booked). Then a member of staff told me off (in front of my students) for not wearing the audio guide round my neck. I have sensitive skin and also don't feel comfortable wearing something that has been worn by many strangers, but she said it was a requirement. I felt like a school child.
They do not treat customers like this at other sites (e.g. Stonehenge, the Roman Baths Museum) and it wasn't like this when I was there pre-Covid. This is not acceptable and they should treat their customers like adults, the audio guides should be optional.
Written 18 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Website days the tours are good to go.. but it seems that it is still closed to visitors. Can anyone confirm if it is closed to visitors? Thanks!
Written 3 December 2020
It was closed to visitors in October unless they were there for worship. I suspect that is still the case.
Written 3 December 2020
Hi! We will be in Oxford on the 20th and 21st of June (Sat and Sunday). What is the best day/ time to visit Christ Church (when its not packed with tourists)?
Written 20 February 2020
We were there in the afternoon also and when school was not in session. Not very crowded. We stopped there from the HopOn / Hop Off bus which we recommend.
Written 8 March 2020
We have booked a stay at Christchurch College and wondered about parking. If there is no parking on site can anyone recommend where to park please?
Any other suggestions for a nice weekend would be good too. Thank you
Written 5 September 2019
Parking is difficult in Oxford, very limited and expensive, ideally park in the “park and ride” and bus into town. If you have to come in (and the center is pedestrianised) I believe west gate has a multi-storey car park or near the station by the castle has an open air pay and display option.
Written 7 September 2019
Bonjour,
Combien de temps vous a pris votre visite du college de christ church ? Merci
Written 31 July 2019
Hi, with the ticket bought in the official web site (general admission), can we go around and see Harry Potter places? Or is necessary to buy the tour?
Written 6 March 2019
You can go around and see harry potter places
Written 19 March 2019
vorrei sapere se una volta acquistato online il biglietto esso deve essere ritirato fisicamente o è sufficiente il biglietto elettronico via email.
Written 14 August 2018
In genere basta il biglietto elettronico che da la priorità, a Berlino funzionava così. In questo caso facevo parte di un gruppo con prenotazione e quindi siamo entrati all’ora fissata.
Written 22 August 2018
How much time do I need to explore Christ Church? One hour or longer?
Written 19 July 2018
cllanos73
Lima, Peru
'Hola, saben si hay guía en español que hable sobre los detalles de Christ Church (Oxford)? o es que el precio de la entrada incluye un guía? Me refiero a los detalles de la Iglesia, las escaleras y el Great Hall
Tengan un buen dia.
Written 12 April 2018
Is there a dress code for Sunday services in the Chapel?
Written 28 January 2018
Keep it a little less casual than pyjamas, but no need to go super smart. Just like a regular church service, really (normal clothes are fine).
Written 26 April 2018
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