Visit the Bodleian Library
The Bodleian Library is a working library which forms part of the University of Oxford. It is housed in a remarkable group of buildings which forms the historic heart of the University, and you can explore the quadrangles of these magnificent structures at no charge. Different ticket options allow you to visit the interior of some of the buildings, such as the University’s oldest teaching and examination room, The Divinity School (built 1427-88). Here you will discover more of the University’s fascinating history. Our guided tours go behind the scenes in the Library, including its oldest research library, dating from 1602-20.
With the exception of the Shop and the Exhibition Room, admission to the interior of the buildings is charged for.
OPENING TIMES
We are open Monday to Sunday all year round, except at Christmas, New Year and Easter, when we close on certain days. Please check our opening dates at these times.
Our normal opening hours are:
Monday to Friday 9.00 - 17.00
Saturday 9.00 - 16.30
Sunday 11.00 - 17.00
Ceremonial and other events:
Sometimes the usual visitor opening hours and guided tours are affected, due to ceremonial and other events. For example, the University has a number of degree days each year. The Divinity School is closed on these days, and then we offer 30 minute tours to Duke Humfrey's Library only. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
For further information on Degree Days please click here
February 23rd
The Divinity School will close at approximately 3pm. Last admission to the Divinity School 20 minutes before.
February 27th
The Divinity School will close at approximately 1pm. Last admission to the Divinity School 20 minutes before.
March 1st
The Divinity School will close at approximately 4pm. Last admission to the Divinity School 20 minutes before.
March 2nd - Degree Day
The Divinity School will be closed all day. There will be tours to Duke Humfrey's Library running throughout the day.
March 7th
The Divinity School will close at approximately 4pm. Last admission to the Divinity School 20 minutes before.
March 9th - Degree Day
The Divinity School will be closed all day. There will be tours to Duke Humfrey's Library running throughout the day.
March 12th
The Divinity School will close at approximately 4.30pm. Last admission to the Divinity School 20 minutes before.
March 13th
The Divinity School will be closed between approximately midday and 1.30pm.
March 14th
The Divinity School will open at approximately 11am.
March 15th
The Divinity School will open at approximately 11am.
March 16th – 24th 2013 inclusive
The Sunday Times Oxford Literary Festival
We regret that during the Festival, the Divinity School will be closed for public visits, and audio tours will not be available.
During the Festival period we are running 30 minute tours to Duke Humfrey’s Library for the visiting public. Please visit our Mini Tours page for details.
March 31st - Easter Sunday
We will be closed all day.
April 6th
The Divinity School will close at approximately 3pm. Last admission to the Divinity School 20 minutes before.
The Divinity School will close at approximately 4pm. Last admission to the Divinity School 20 minutes before.
The Divinity School will close at approximately 4pm. Last admission to the Divinity School 20 minutes before.
The Divinity School will close at approximately 4pm. Last admission to the Divinity School 20 minutes before.
April 20th
The Divinity School will close at approximately 3pm. Last admission to the Divinity School 20 minutes before.
The Divinity School will be closed between approximately 11.30am and 1pm.
Getting to Oxford Oxford has excellent transport links by air, train, coach and car. The Bodleian Library is situated in Oxford on Broad Street, OX1 3BG. There are six (6) entrances to the central complex, three (3) on Broad Street (facing North), two (2) on Catte Street (East) and one (1) from the Radcliffe Square (South) Please view the map. The recommended entrance is via Catte Street, using the Great Gate. The Great Gate is the main entrance which provides direct access to the Old Schools Quadrangle and the Old Bodleian Library. You can purchase tickets on the right hand side of the Gate, in the Ticket Office. There is level access to the quadrangle through the Great Gate. Admission to the Old Schools Quadrangle is free. Once you reach the Old Schools Quadrangle, the Old Bodleian Library entrance faces west. Through the glass doors behind the statue you enter the Proscholium. From the Proscholium you can access the Divinity School where all tours start. There is a ramp for wheelchair access. Admission to the Exhibition Room is free. The entrance to the room is via the Old Schools Quadrangle. There is a ramp for wheelchair access. For a full list of our current and forthcoming exhibitions please visit the Exhibitions and Events website. There are limited parking spaces available on Broad Street and Parks Road. If you wish to drive, you will find park and ride by far the best way to get into Oxford. Please visit the Park & Ride website for more information We are ONLY able to take your booking for the EXTENDED tours in advance, not the STANDARD or MINI tours, tickets for which may be bought on the day. Special tours, which are not part of our standard offer, are also generally booked in advance. We regret that we have no toilet facilities on site for visitors. Currently the closest public toilets are located outside Covered Market, in Market Street (about 300m away). Visitors are asked to leave all their bags, including ladies handbags, in secure lockers for the duration of the tour. This is because the Library needs to ensure minimum disruption to its users and maximum security to its collections, Large luggage: there are limited storage facilities for large bags. Please ask our Team for more information (Telephone 01865 287400) We regret that currently no concessions are available in the Bodleian Library. For admission to the Divinity School no charge is made for members of the University (students and staff); alumni; Bodleian Library card holders; and Friends of the Bodleian. Up to four guests of the above will be admitted free.
See How to get to Oxford and view Maps for Downloading
Access to the Old Bodleian Library
Old Schools Quadrangle
Exhibition Room
Bodleian Shop
The entrance to the Shop is via the Old Schools Quadrangle. There is a ramp for wheelchair access
Parking
Reservations
Toilets
Bags and Luggage restrictions
Concessions
The Bodleian Library has been awarded Tripadvisor's Certificate of Excellence for 2012.
With the exception of the Shop and the Exhibition Room, admission to the interior of the buildings is charged for. There are various types of visit available, and you can choose from the following options:
Please note: the visit involves climbing a long staircase, and we regret there is no lift. We are also sorry that we have no toilets for public use.
Filming
Certain rooms at the Bodleian Library have been used as a film location. For further information please click here.
For up to date information contact the Historic Venues Team on:
Tel: +44 (0)1865 287400, fax: +44 (0)1865 277218, e-mail: tours@bodleian.ox.ac.uk
To view our Refund Policy, please click here.
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