Group tours

We have now stopped taking group bookings for July and August.

Group guided visits

A tour guide points out of a window, the backs of four people in the group look towards them

30 minute library tour

Our most popular tour among groups gives you a great taster of the Bodleian Library’s history. Discover its origins in the Divinity School before admiring the medieval Duke Humfrey’s Library.

Available: Monday – Saturday
Languages: English
Starting location: Divinity School
Suitable for: Ages 11+

Enquire today    Download our brochure

A tour guide stands behind a wooden chest, a group stands around him listening

60 minute library tour

If you’re wanting more depth to your visit, our 60 minute tour will give you time to enjoy your surroundings. Along with visiting the Divinity School and the Duke Humfrey’s Library, you will also see Convocation House and Chancellor’s Court. Built in the 1600s, these rooms were designed to bring order to the University and its students.

Available: Monday – Saturday
Lanugages: English
Starting location: Divinity School
Suitable for: Ages 11+

Enquire today    Download our brochure

A view through a gateway of the Radcliffe Camera - a large domed building in the centre of a public square

90 minute library tour

On our 90 minute tour, you'll gain additional access to the Radcliffe Camera. This beautiful, domed building has become Oxford’s icon but entry inside this exclusive reading room is limited to this tour.

Available: Monday – Saturday
Lanugages: English
Starting location: Divinity School
Suitable for: Ages 11+

Enquire today    Download our brochure

A group of five people look towards a tour guide who is point out a historic building detail, in the background is the Radcliffe Camera

City of Oxford Walking Tours

Enjoy a fun and engaging walk among Oxford’s most iconic buildings. Each historic street has its own story to tell as we follow in the footsteps of famous authors, scientists, politicians and film stars.

Available: Daily
Duration: 90 – 120 minutes
Languages: English
Starting location: Steps of the Weston Library
Suitable for: All ages

Enquire today    Download our brochure

Group self-guided visits

Two people stand in a large room with an ornately carved stone ceiling

Discover the Divinity School

A visit to the stunning 15th century Divinity School will leave you in awe. Imagine taking your exams in this medieval room – the University’s oldest teaching room used for the study of Theology. It is also famous for appearing in a number of films.

Available: Daily
Duration: 15 minutes
Starting location: Divinity School
Suitable for: all ages

Enquire today    Download our brochure

The quadrangle at the Bodleian Old Library with the statue of the Earl of Pembroke in the foreground

Audio guided tour

Travel through the Bodleian Library’s history with our audio guide. Perfect for overseas visitors, you’ll be guided through key developments while you admire the Quadrangle buildings, the Divinity School and Radcliffe Square.

Available: Daily
Duration: 45 minutes
Starting location: Ticket office/Great Gate
Suitable for: all ages

Enquire today    Download our brochure

Optional extras

Muffins at the Benugo Cafe

Catering for groups

Make your visit even more special and enjoy morning pastries or afternoon teas before or after your tour at the Weston Library café.

Bodleian Libraries guide book

Souvenir guide book

A guide book is available to accompany your visit featuring colour images of the library.
 

Tour information

  • Guided tours are conducted in English.
  • All tours include a number of stairs and some walking – we regret that no lift is available.
  • Group visits require prior reservation and larger groups normally need to be divided.
  • All group bookings must be made a minimum of 14 days in advance.
  • Any group leaders must be included in the group numbers.
  • Tour routes may change subject to availability.
  • Only children over the age of 11 years are permitted on guided tours (children aged 11 to 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult).
  • Visitors are asked to leave all bags in secure lockers for the duration of all Bodleian Library tours.
  • We reserve the right to cancel any tour at short notice. In case of cancellation any tickets purchased beforehand will be refunded.
  • For accessibility information, please visit our accessibility page. 
  • For more information, contact the Tours team. 

* A winter discount will be applied to all group tour bookings from the 1 November – 31 January. To find out more, please contact the Bodleian Tours team

** Group size: Two groups can be run concurrently for the 30 minute and 60 minute tours, between Monday and Saturday.
Two groups can also be run concurrently for the 90 minute tour on Wednesday and Saturday only.  

† Please check our opening hours for information on room closures.  

 

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