Bodleian Library
One of the oldest libraries in Europe — the Divinity School, Duke Humfrey's Library, and the Radcliffe Camera.
The Bodleian is Oxford's — and one of Europe's — greatest libraries. It's a legal deposit library, meaning it receives a copy of every book published in the UK. The collection numbers over 13 million items across multiple buildings.
For visitors, the key spaces are the Divinity School (a masterpiece of Gothic fan vaulting from the 1480s), Duke Humfrey's Library (the medieval reading room above it, used as the Hogwarts Library in the Harry Potter films), and the Radcliffe Camera next door (the iconic circular reading room).
How to visit
The Divinity School is free to enter during opening hours — just walk in from the main quad. For Duke Humfrey's Library, the Radcliffe Camera, and the Gladstone Link underground, you need to join a guided tour. Tours run several times daily and should be booked in advance, especially in summer.
The 90-minute tour is worth it. The 30-minute "mini tour" covers the Divinity School and courtyard only — fine if you're short on time, but Duke Humfrey's is the highlight.
Harry Potter connection
The Divinity School was used as the Hogwarts infirmary. Duke Humfrey's Library was the Hogwarts library (where Harry sneaks in under the invisibility cloak). The exterior quad appeared in several films. The tours mention this but don't dwell on it.
Practical notes
Photography allowed in the Divinity School but not in Duke Humfrey's or the Radcliffe Camera. Book tours online at the Bodleian's website. The shop in the main quad sells excellent prints and book-related gifts.
Nearby
Within a few minutes' walk
