Visitor Information
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, The Bodleian, 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 – 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 Friday 9.00 – 17.00
Saturday 9.00 – 16.30 (Please note our ticket office opens at 9.15, and our exhibition room is open at 9.00 when an exhibition is showing)
Sunday 11.00-17.00
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 day each year. The Divinity School is closed on these days, when 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
April 20th
The Divinity School will only be open between approximately 1pm and 2.30pm.
April 21st
The Divinity School will be closed between approximately 12.30pm and 3.30pm due an event being held.
May 4th - Degree Day
The Divinity School will open from approximately 1.30pm.
May 5th - Degree Day
The Divinity School will be closed and we will be running 30 minute tours to Duke Humfrey's Library throughout the day.
May 6th
The Divinity School will close at approximately 3.00pm.
May 16th
The Divinity School will close at approximately 1.00pm.
May 19th - Degree Day
The Divinity School will be closed and we will be running 30 minute tours to Duke Humfrey's Library throughout the day
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. Recommended entrance via Catte Street: 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 Wooden Lodge. 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 (ca. 300m away). Visitors are asked to leave all their bags 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 277224) 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
Luggage restrictions
Concessions
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 277224, fax: +44 (0)1865 277218, e-mail: tours@bodleian.ox.ac.uk
To view our Refund Policy, please click here.
Related links
- The Bodleian Shop
Don't forget to visit the Bodleian shop - Exhibitions and Events
Bodleian Mobile Apps
- Bodleian exhibition: Treasures of the Bodleian
Featuring a selection of the rarest, most important and most evocative objects from the Bodleian collections: from ancient papyri through medieval oriental manuscripts to twentieth-century printed books and ephemera.
Download the mobile app: iPhone, iPad or Android
