Bodleian Libraries

Oxford

Type:Historic Site

Broad Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 3BG

Tel: 01865 287400

Bodleian Libraries

About

A trip to Oxford is incomplete without a visit to the world famous Bodleian Libraries. The Bodleian Library dates back to 1488, with the library, as it stands today, opening in 1602 by Sir Thomas Bodley. 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.  

Go behind the scenes of the Medieval Duke Humfrey’s Library on one of our guided tours which has been in constant use for over 400 years. You can now also explore the city of dreaming spires on our City of Oxford Walking Tour, in partnership with the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides. 

Visit the Weston Library which was completely renovated and reopened in 2015. This award winning building features the Café and shop, but also displays and exhibitions, which are free of charge and display some of the finest examples from the library collections. 

Please note that certain areas of the library may close at short notice due to university, library or other hosted events. 

For up to date opening times please visit the Bodleian website  

 

Bodleian Library Reviews (from Trip Advisor)

 

  • Fantastic Oxford walking tour with Alastair Lack - 5 Stars

Jun 2022 • Friends

We had the most fantastic Oxford walking tour with Alastair Lack who told us about architecture, history, politics, literature, music, university and college traditions, and more. His enthusiasm and knowledge made the tour a highlight of our stay in Oxford. We recommend the tour and Alastair as a guide most strongly!!

 

Jun 2022 • Family 

We really loved learning about this library and seeing the room HP was filmed in. It was a lot of info but the teens hung in there. We did the 90 min tour and had Annetta who was amazing. Loved seeing inside the Radcliffe Camera and going underground! 

Jun 2022 

If you are in Oxford, then you must visit this library. It's beautiful. The architecture is outstanding. 

Jun 2022 • Couples 

We’ve been in England for over a month now as students and this was one of the coolest tours I’ve been on. Jess was an AMAZING guide, so funny and knowledgeable and passionate. She made the tour flow so well and it was fascinating the entire time. We learned a ton and definitely hope to come back with our family! 

Jun 2022 

A 2 hour walk round Oxford centre. I tried walking round myself the last time I went to Oxford. A tour is much better. 
 
Our guide was Lucy who'd actually been to Oxford Uni so could give some great information and anecdotes about the city and the University. All those little things you'd miss on your own. 
 
Now I have to come back and see some other things ! 

 

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Children’s Stories: A Family Walking Tour Adult£20.00 per ticket
Children’s Stories: A Family Walking Tour Under 16£10.00 per ticket
Guided Tours: Extended Tour 90 minutes£18.00 per ticket
Guided Tours: Mini Tour (30 minutes)£9.00 per ticket
Guided Tours: Standard Tour (60 minutes)£12.00 per ticket
Self-guided visit: Audio Guide£5.00 per ticket
Self-guided visit: Divinity School entry£2.50 per ticket
Walking Tour: City of Oxford Walking Tour£20.00 per ticket

Group Rates
For more information on our group rates and group offer, please contact our Tours Coordinator.

Facilities

Accessibility

  • All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors - The Weston Library with our Exhibitions is completely accessible, the Old Library is on the first floor and unfortunately no lift is available.
  • Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors - Our tours are conducted by our guide having a microphone and visitors wearing earpieces. We have a range of ear pieces to suit visitors.
  • Facilities for Visually Impaired Visitors - Information Guides in Braille available.
  • Guide Dogs Permitted - Yes – it is advisable to give us notice so we can accommodate you
  • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors - We have no parking at the Bodleian Library, however there is disabled parking nearby on Broad Street.
  • Ramp/Level Access - Ground floor areas are accessible, however the Old Library has uneven surfaces.
  • Wheelchair user accessible - The Weston Library with our Exhibitions is completely accessible, the Old Library is on the first floor and unfortunately no lift is available.

Catering

  • On-Site cafe/restaurant

Establishment Features

  • Audio Commentary in Foreign Languages - English, French, German, Spanish and Mandarin are available
  • Event Venue
  • Licensed for weddings & ceremonies
  • Printed Material in Foreign Languages
  • Toilets

Payment Methods

  • Approx length of visit - A range of visit options are available to suit the needs of customers, ranging from 15 minutes to 2 hours.
  • Blue Badge Guides admitted free
  • Booking essential - Group bookings are essential, individual visitors can purchase ticket on the day or in advance online
  • Delta accepted
  • Maestro Accepted
  • MasterCard accepted
  • Solo accepted
  • Special group rates - All group visits must be booked in advance via our Tours Coordinator
  • Visa accepted

Provider Preferences

  • In town/city centre
  • Indoor Attraction
  • No Smoking Attraction

TripAdvisor

Map & Directions

Road Directions

The Bodleian Libraries does not have any parking facilities. Parking in the city centre is limited and visitors arriving by car are advised to use the Park and Ride service. Fast and frequent services link 5 car parks adjacent to the Ring Road with the city centre.

Public Transport Directions

The Bodleian Library is located in the centre of Oxford. It is easily accessible by public transport: The train station is approximately 15 minutes’ walk from the Library and has regular local and national services. The bus station is approximately 5 minutes’ walk from the Library, with buses stopping throughout the city centre.

Gradings

  • Quality Assured Visitor Attraction VB Attraction
Quality Assured Visitor Attraction VB Attraction

Awards

  • Tourism South East Award -Beautiful South Awards Winners 2023/24 - Commended Beautiful South Awards Winners 2023/24 - Commended 2023
  • Tourism South East Award -Tourism South East Member 24/25 - Gold Tourism South East Member 24/25 - Gold 2024

Opening Times

2024 (31 May 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)
DayTimes

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