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!!

 

• Very informative and beautiful - 5 stars 

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! 

• You must visit!  - 5 stars 

Jun 2022 

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

• Amazing! - 5 stars

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! 

• Bodleian Walking Tour of Oxford - 5 stars

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 !