Bodleian Library
Bodleian Library
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
The world-famous Bodleian Libraries is a must-see cultural destination in the heart of Oxford. The Bodleian Library was founded by Sir Thomas Bodley and officially opened in 1602. Since then the Bodleian libraries has grown to be the largest academic library system in the UK. In its reading rooms generations of famous scholars have studied through the ages, amongst them monarchs, Nobel Prize winners, British Prime Ministers and writers including Oscar Wilde, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. At the site, you can explore historic spaces that you might recognise from popular films and TV series such as Harry Potter and A Discovery of Witches. We also offer free, inspiring exhibitions featuring the libraries’ rich collections, two unique gift shops and a lovely café.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Chantal C1 contributionA fun and fulfilling walk around OxfordLearnt so much about the beauty of Oxford with its fun facts, rich history and even practical , modern info. The guide Iain was very friendly and knowledgable. We are mindblown by the wonderful experience and Iain provided very comprehensive answers to our questions. The tour was well-paced and definitely worth the fee.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 12 February 2024
- Elizabeth HDarlington, United Kingdom1 contributionHour long tour of the Bodleian LibraryJess gave us a most fascinating tour of the Bodleian Library. Her enthusiasm & historical knowledge was impressive. Would thoroughly recommend the hour long tour given by Jess! What a great start to the New Year!Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 February 2024
- FlyinglibBath, United Kingdom1 contributionGood history lessonThe tour of the Bodleian was led by Dan. He talked us through the ancient and modern history of the building and collections. The tour was limited to only a few rooms and a staircase, but, being a termtime working library this was expected. Dan's talk was fact and fun filled. It was good to get a feel for the weight of the place.Visited February 2024Travelled soloWritten 13 February 2024
- Meander3422881993927 contributionsFantastic guided tourWe did a 60min guided tour of the Bodleian library on 9th Feb, Dan was our group tour guide and I have to say he was fantastic! Extremely knowledgeable and gave us lots of interesting facts and information about the different sections of the library, he was friendly and approachable and answered all questions that were asked. He also kept the tour light hearted and provided ample time for photos to be taken. We would definitely book a future tour and recommend it to friends visiting Oxford.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 February 2024
- Lisa_W1166Atlanta, Georgia7 contributionsGreat tour, well worth the visitWe really enjoyed the tour. Dan was our guide and did an excellent job. He was very knowledgeable but also engaging and funny and full of interesting facts. The tour we did covered the Divinity School and original library. It was limited walking but did have some stairs. We saw Harry Potter filming locations and sat at the very table where Oscar Wilde received collegiate discipline. I highly recommend this for any history, architecture or Harry Potter fan.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 15 February 2024
- Frauke E1 contribution90 minute Bodleian library tourWent for the 90minute tour of the Bodleian library including Radcliffe Camera and underground library tunnel. Dan was great, brought history alive in a fresh way and was really engaging. Getting insight into the Radcliffe Camera, normally closed to the public, was especially interesting. Can highly recommend this tour.Visited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 17 February 2024
- LibbyN2 contributionsHistory and atmosphereThe tour, by Naomi, was a brilliant combination of history and time to breathe in the atmosphere of the library. History told as stories (to paraphrase Kipling) will be remembered. Thank you for a memorable tour of the Bodleian. Off to google ‘Vanelin’!Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 19 February 2024
- SuricatBLe Havre, France11 contributionsJess is the best.Wonderful guided tour with Jess. She really went the extra mile to make our visit lively and fun! Not only was she passionate about making our tour special, she was also keen on answering our questions.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 February 2024
- CCSusanWashington DC, District of Columbia86 contributionsInteresting and Fun TourWe had a wonderful 60-minute tour of the Bodleian Library with Dan. He was engaging, funny, and eager to share lots of interesting information about the history of the library and Oxford University. No tickets were available online but we easily booked tickets on the day of our visit at the Information Desk in Weston Library. Dan actually was the staffer who sold us the tickets. He was so pleasant and welcoming when we purchased the tickets. We were so excited that he was also our tour guide. Highly recommend the tour. We would definitely do the 60-minute tour again so that we could spend more time in the Library.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 February 2024
- Zaileen R1 contributionExcellent tour to kick off a trip to Oxford!Joannah was wonderful! She was extremely knowledgeable and took the time to go deep into the history of things that interested the group members most. The tour was well worth the time and cost because we learned so many little details about the area that we can now spend the rest of the trip exploring further. I highly recommend booking through the Bodleian over a student led tour so you get the most consistent and comprehensive details.Visited February 2024Travelled soloWritten 27 February 2024
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4.5
3,651 reviews
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143
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DeniseK
Thousand Oaks, CA3 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
We ended up taking two tours offered by the Bodleian Library which gave us a wonderful introduction to Oxford and a glimpse into the amazing Bodleian Library.
My husband and I truly enjoyed our 90 minute Radcliffe Camera and City of Oxford walking tour which left from the steps of the Weston Library. Tour guide Magnus was engaging, knowledgeable and informative. He obviously loved Oxford and enjoyed showing it to visitors. We felt we got a great overview of the Oxford center and a taste of the Bodleian library with this tour which we booked in advance online at the Bodleian Library website.
We also took a 60 minute Bodleian Library tour which nicely complimented our earlier Rad Cam and City of Oxford tour. Again, our guide was excellent--Dan was both entertaining and informative--and we enjoyed seeing more of the Bodleian. This tour we booked in person same day at the Weston Library. Many of the day's tours were filling up by mid-morning, so it's best to check on opening hours and get to the Weston in the morning to be sure to get a spot.
I highly recommend these tours (or another offered by the Bodleian) to anyone visiting Oxford.
My husband and I truly enjoyed our 90 minute Radcliffe Camera and City of Oxford walking tour which left from the steps of the Weston Library. Tour guide Magnus was engaging, knowledgeable and informative. He obviously loved Oxford and enjoyed showing it to visitors. We felt we got a great overview of the Oxford center and a taste of the Bodleian library with this tour which we booked in advance online at the Bodleian Library website.
We also took a 60 minute Bodleian Library tour which nicely complimented our earlier Rad Cam and City of Oxford tour. Again, our guide was excellent--Dan was both entertaining and informative--and we enjoyed seeing more of the Bodleian. This tour we booked in person same day at the Weston Library. Many of the day's tours were filling up by mid-morning, so it's best to check on opening hours and get to the Weston in the morning to be sure to get a spot.
I highly recommend these tours (or another offered by the Bodleian) to anyone visiting Oxford.
Written 1 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.
Verzy
Londres17 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
Robbie was uno guido meravigiloso. Full of interesting facts and amusing anecdotes. The buildings are amazing; you feel you are walking in the footsteps of history, both architecturally and personalities. A pity that tickets fir the 90 minutes tour are so limite so no chance to see the Radcliffe Camera reading room on this visit, worthwhile for bibliophiles, as well as history and Harry Potter fans.
Written 22 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.
Annalisa Lagalla
Tortona, Italy970 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
The spectacular charm of this complex of buildings leaves you speechless; I recommend the 1-hour tour with the guide (unfortunately only in English, many explanations I did not understand); the full 1.5-hour tour, with the underground tour between the libraries and the Radcliffe Camera, was not available on Monday, the day we visited the complex. For Harry Potter lovers: The Divinity School was the infirmary of Hogwarts and Duke Humfrey's Library was the library (with also the famous Forbidden Ward). These rooms can only be seen by purchasing a tour.
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Written 2 August 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.
TwoDividedByZero
London, UK310 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
We booked a Bodleian 'City of Oxford Walking Tour' as I saw their tours recommended on the University of Oxford site, and booked my 17 year old son and myself on it as he is considering applying to the University, so we wanted to get a flavour of the city.
Meeting on the steps of the Weston Library was easy, and our tour guide, Lucy, was superb. We found out so much in our tour of interesting buildings that we would not have noticed ourselves. She was warm, friendly, and engaging with our group, and unfailingly enthusiastic - she must do so many of these tours but despite this her enthusiasm was undimmed! She also had an excellent speaking voice which projected well over the noise of the traffic and various building works. The group had many good questions as we went along, which she answered very well.
I would highly recommend these tours as an excellent initial experience of Oxford, and for those with limited time to spend in the city, before branching out and seeing all that the city has to offer in more detail.
Meeting on the steps of the Weston Library was easy, and our tour guide, Lucy, was superb. We found out so much in our tour of interesting buildings that we would not have noticed ourselves. She was warm, friendly, and engaging with our group, and unfailingly enthusiastic - she must do so many of these tours but despite this her enthusiasm was undimmed! She also had an excellent speaking voice which projected well over the noise of the traffic and various building works. The group had many good questions as we went along, which she answered very well.
I would highly recommend these tours as an excellent initial experience of Oxford, and for those with limited time to spend in the city, before branching out and seeing all that the city has to offer in more detail.
Written 25 August 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.
Ann W
Chobham, England, United Kingdom23 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
An excellent tour given by our tour guide Naomi. The ear pieces were comfortable to wear and meant we could hear every word she said without her needing to raise her voice (it is a library after all). Naomi was informative and very entertaining and an hour passed very quickly after we had been immersed in the history of the library -it was £15 pp and was money very well spent-I would do this tour again in a heartbeat (hoping for Naomi once again but I’m sure all the guides are good) and can’t recommend it enough
Tour was taken on 12/11/24
Tour was taken on 12/11/24
Written 13 November 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.
Philybabes
Staffordshire, UK221 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
We booked a tour between Christmas and New year and was greeting on the steps of Weston Library by Sara. She was an absolutely lovely lady and our 2 hour tour was so informative and laced with humour and incite, she was a former student and had graduated at Oxford and knew so much of the behind the scenes life it made it more than just a history book tour... Would highly recommend the tour and money well spent. Thank you....
Written 9 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.
Ayesha G
Nottingham, UK15 contributions
Dec 2024 • Solo
To begin this review, I did not go on the tour. I was visiting the Bodleian Libraries for research purposes, as I am currently undertaking a PhD at Durham University. My review is based on the amazing service I received during the admissions process. The lady who processed my Bodleian Reader card application in the Weston Library Admissions Office was absolutely lovely and so knowledgeable about the libraries, their locations and functions. I recited the Bodleian Oath, which felt so special, especially finding out how long the Oath itself had been part of the libraries. The lady explained all of the rules and made it very clear that if I needed anything, staff would be there to help me. I would also like to thank the security team for their friendly approach, and the kind staff on Level 1 of the Weston Library, for giving me access for the manuscripts I needed for my thesis. All in all, I had a wonderful experience at the Bodleian Libraries, and would definitely recommend getting a Reader Card to other PhD students (you don’t have to be an Oxford student to get a Reader card!) I’m still not over the fact that I can access all 26 libraries, it’s such an amazing opportunity. Thank you Bodleian Libararies!
Written 17 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.
Gareth
London, UK96 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Majorie was a wonderful guide
Booked a one hour tour that actually took a jam packed 90 mins. Marjorie was informative, enthusiastic and amusing. Well worth the price of admission, the Cut Copy & Paste that is currently on is also worth visiting as well.
Booked a one hour tour that actually took a jam packed 90 mins. Marjorie was informative, enthusiastic and amusing. Well worth the price of admission, the Cut Copy & Paste that is currently on is also worth visiting as well.
Written 15 April 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.
Carolina F
Belo Horizonte, MG52 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
Me and a friend had a wonderful time with Marjorie! She is very knowledgeable and attentive, asked what each one was looking forward to know, so she could tell us more about it. It was amazing getting to see inside Divinity School, Duke Humphrey Library and the Radcliffe Camera, among other spaces. I truly recommend the 90 minutes tour to anyone who is visiting Oxford and wants to dive into the history of the city and university.
Written 8 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.
nufatcat02
Danbury, CT7 contributions
Nov 2024 • Solo
David was a fantastic tour guide! I learned so much on this tour—if those walls could talk—wow! If you’re thinking of going on this tour I recommend the 60 minute (the 90 is only given on certain days). Since I came in the off season there was no line in the morning to get tickets, but I’m sure other times of the year it is much harder.
Written 13 November 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.
Does anyone have any idea what time of day the online tickets are added to the website? I’m checking for a month ahead, but no availability as yet (before 9am). Just wondering what time of day they are added. Thank you.
Written 17 June 2024
I totally understand your struggle! Buying tickets can be quite the challenge. Tickets become available exactly a month in advance, but they’re added gradually rather than for the entire month at once. For example, if today is November 15, you’ll only see availability up to December 15. If you check again on November 20, you’ll see tickets up to December 20, and so on.
In my experience, it’s best to check on the exact date a month before the event. For instance, I watched the availability and purchased tickets on the morning of September 27 for an event on October 27.
☝️Just a heads-up: I’d been trying to get these tickets since February, and it took me a while to get the timing right. Sometimes I’d miss checking on the right day, or the tickets wouldn’t be available for certain dates.
If you’re buying tickets offline, it’s best to arrive about an hour to an hour and a half before the venue opens to increase your chances.
Written 2 November 2024
Does anyone have any idea what time of day the online tickets are added to the website? I’m checking for a month ahead, but no availability as yet (before 9am). Just wondering what time of day they are added. Thank you.
Written 17 June 2024
I totally understand your struggle! Buying tickets can be quite the challenge. Tickets become available exactly a month in advance, but they’re added gradually rather than for the entire month at once. For example, if today is November 15, you’ll only see availability up to December 15. If you check again on November 20, you’ll see tickets up to December 20, and so on.
In my experience, it’s best to check on the exact date a month before the event. For instance, I watched the availability and purchased tickets on the morning of September 27 for an event on October 27.
☝️Just a heads-up: I’d been trying to get these tickets since February, and it took me a while to get the timing right. Sometimes I’d miss checking on the right day, or the tickets wouldn’t be available for certain dates.
If you’re buying tickets offline, it’s best to arrive about an hour to an hour and a half before the venue opens to increase your chances.
Written 2 November 2024
It looks as if only children age 11 and above can visit, is that correct?
Written 18 February 2024
I've used the Bodleian as a reader, but the website offers this information:
Children are very welcome, but please make sure they are supervised at all times.
Pushchairs and buggies are welcome in the galleries. At very busy times we may need to limit the number of buggies in the gallery, and this will be at the discretion of the room attendant. Please note that very large double-buggies cannot be brought into the exhibition galleries, due to the narrow walkways between exhibits.
Written 18 June 2024
eri e
Athens, Greece
hello! I will be visiting with my husband the Bodleian Libraries on Sunday 7th of May and we cannot find any available slot. Is it possible to find tickets when I get there? Or should I be checking constantly the website for any availability?
Τhank you in advance
Written 1 May 2023
Tickets for each day go on sale at 10am at the kiosk. Even by 11am many times are gone. Get there at 10.
Written 2 May 2023
I would like to know how to get a tour of the Bodleian Library. The commercial tours on TripAdvisor stop only for a few minutes. Does the Library itself have tours? We will be in Oxford the week of July 3rd. Thank you!
Written 2 May 2022
Please Google Bodleian library Anand you will be able to find their website to book tickets online . Please note even if you do not find tickets online you might still get tickets at the door.
Written 4 May 2022
How do I join a tour of the Bodleian library - on afternoon June 28th 2022?
Written 17 March 2022
You can book online. Google Bodleian Library Tours
Written 19 March 2022
Are the tours refundable? And what's the difference between the city tour and the 90 min libray tour?
Written 27 February 2022
I'm sorry I don't know if the tours are refundable. However, the city tour is wide and much longer (hop on and off though). The Library tour is much more compact and covers the (outside) of the Bodleian, the Ratcliffe Camera and the Sheldonian. It is interesting. I had no idea that Christopher Wren was the youngest professor at Oxford (when he was 30). This is a walking tour.
Written 28 February 2022
The library website says tickets may be purchased up to 2 weeks in advance, however the date we are coming (Aug 2nd) is not showing ticket availability for any tours. Should I continue to check daily?
Written 20 July 2019
I daresay they are sold out, but...the same happaned to my son and ... no availability on line.
Soon after he arrived in town (around 11:00), he went there, he lined and he managed to get the ticket for a short tour in the afternoon.
Apart on line tickets they had some extra availability, june 2019.
Written 20 July 2019
Does anyone know whether same-day tickets can be bought at the Gate if the online tours are sold out (aka do they keep some back for same day purchase or not)?
Written 6 June 2019
Bodleian L
Oxford, United Kingdom
Hello
Yes, we do retain some tickets for sale at the ticket office on the day on a first-come-first-served basis. However, please note that sometimes rooms are closed to the public due to events, and for that reason we cannot guarantee the availability of any particular tour in advance.
Best regards, Bodleian Tours Coordinator
Written 7 June 2019
bonjour n'y a t'il pas une visite en français ou bien meme une visite libre ?
Written 4 January 2019
We welcome visitors of all nationalities and are able to offer audio guides in French as well as German, Spanish and Chinese. Tickets start from £2 to see inside the ancient Divinity School.
Written 7 January 2019
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