If you look at any list of Harry Potter locations in Oxford Divinity School usually pops up so we decided to go along and review it. It’s part of the Bodleian library, and the most accessible. Entrance is ticketed (timed tickets during busy periods). These cost £2 per person or £5 for a family ticket. They advertise the self guided tour as taking about 10 minutes. We visited as part of a trip to Oxford focusing on free things to do with the kids.
Personally, I think that’s a bit generous! It’s just a room. A beautiful room, but just a room. That’s not necessarily a problem, except that it’s a virtually empty room. Now, don’t get me wrong it is stunning. The ceiling is true work of art (literally). In one corner there’s an ornate chest that used to be the library’s money safe. There’s also a chair that’s made from the wood of Sir Francis Drake’s ship. Two information panels on the wall that tell you about this history of the Divinity school and the filming that has happened here. But that’s it.
Harry Potter at the Divinity School, Bodleian library and Duke Humphrey’s library
The main reason that we came to review the Divinity School whilst in Oxford is because of the link to Harry Potter. This room was used as both the infirmary and the room in whilst Professor McGonagall taught the students to dance for the Yule Ball. Duke Humphrey’s library was used as the film location for Hogwart’s library. Like much of the Bodleian library this is only accessible as part of a tour. Tours are only suitable for children aged 11+. Find out more about them, including booking on the library website.
Admission cost
Entrance to the courtyard is free. Admission to the Divinity school is £2 per person or £5 for a family ticket.
Parking / How to get there
Parking – There is some city centre parking but it is expensive and sometimes difficult to get a space. If possible use the park and ride. A family park and return ticket is £6.80.
How to get there – Bodleian Libraries, Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BG. It’s well sign posted from the High Street.
Toilets
There are no toilets, but there are some just across the road at the Weston Library
Food
No food or drink allowed
Our Divinity School Oxford Review
It’s a beautiful room but there really isn’t much to do. Thankfully they quite honest about this so I knew what to expect. One to add to the list of Harry Potter film locations but that’s about it really. Not entire convinced it’s family friendly.
What’s nearby
Tons of stuff! Click the links for reviews of the Oxford Natural History Museum, Pitt Rivers Museum, Ashmolean Museum, Weston Library and History of Science Museum.
Hi, I’m Vicky. My husband and I live in Aylesbury with out three children; a 10 year old son, an 8 year old son and a 3 year old daughter. I (mostly) love spending time together as a family. We visit all kinds of places and we’re quite happy to drive a fair distance for a decent day out. A few years ago I decided to set up Free Time with the Kids as a way to share our experiences of these family days out. You know, the essential information you need to know before your visit that can be surprisingly hard to find out. Where do I park? How much will it cost me to get in? Are there any discounts available? Are there loos? Can I take a picnic or get food? My aim is to be your go-to guide for all your free and cheap family days out across Bucks, Beds, Oxon, Herts & slightly beyond. I really hope you find the reviews helpful. If there’s anywhere that you’d recommend please get in touch contact@freetimewiththekids.com or get in touch via Facebook
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