Home Search Destinations Attractions
Sheldonian Theatre
Theatre

Sheldonian Theatre

United Kingdom
4.6
(1,500 reviews)
69
Tours Available
Free to explore, event tickets vary
Adult Entry
2-3 hours
Recommended Duration
March-May, October
Best Time

Overview

The Sheldonian Theatre is a historic building in Oxford, England, designed by Christopher Wren. It serves as a concert and ceremony venue for the University of Oxford.

One of the most iconic buildings in Oxford, used for significant university events.

Historical Architectural

Location

Address

Broad Street, Oxford

Neighborhood: City Centre

Coordinates

51.754700, -1.258000

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
saturday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
sunday Closed

Admission

Adults
Free to explore, event tickets vary
Children
Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, October

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds, better parking

Duration Recommendations

Minimum
1 hour
Recommended
2-3 hours
Full Experience
half day with nearby attractions

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild to warm

  • • spring concerts
  • • garden tours

summer

warm to hot

  • • outdoor performances
  • • extended hours

autumn

cool and crisp

  • • fall colors
  • • special exhibitions

winter

cold and rainy

  • • holiday lights
  • • festive decorations

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

  • Check event schedule
  • Book tickets in advance
  • Comfortable shoes recommended

What to Bring

essential

Ticket confirmation ID Comfortable shoes

recommended

Camera Weather-appropriate clothing Small bag

seasonal

Umbrella in rainy months Sunscreen in summer

not allowed

Large bags Food and drinks Pets

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Low to moderate

  • • Uneven flooring in older sections

Medical facilities: First aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

Credit/debit cards, Cash

Currency

GBP

Typical Costs

entry Free to explore, event tickets vary
guided tours £10-£20
parking £5-£10

Dress Code

Smart casual, Comfortable shoes for walking, No specific requirements, Inappropriate or overly casual attire for events

Booking Tips

  • • At least 2 weeks for popular events
  • • Official website or authorized ticket vendors
  • • Varies by event, typically 48 hours in advance
  • • Available for online bookings

Amenities

Restrooms
Gift shop
Atm
Wifi
Lockers
Wheelchair rental
Stroller rental
On site restaurant
Cafe
Picnic areas
Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Oxford Heritage App

Size: 45 MB

Features: Event schedule, Audio guide, Interactive map, Tickets

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Café, Public areas

Charging Stations: Visitor center, Café

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

Distance: 95 km

Travel Time: 1.5 hours by car

taxi
£120-£150 1.5 hours
train
£25-£35 1 hour
bus
£20-£25 2 hours

From City Center

Distance: 0.5 km

walking
10 min
bus
£1.80 5 min
taxi
£5-£10 5 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: A symbol of Oxford's rich academic history and beautiful architecture

Historical Significance: Built in 1669, it's one of Oxford's most important historical buildings, used for university ceremonies and concerts

Insider Tips

  • Free entry to the courtyard and public areas
  • Best views of the theatre from the adjacent park
  • Local cafés often have special offers for visitors

Local Recommendations

  • • Visit the nearby Bodleian Library
  • • Try a traditional English cream tea at a local café
  • • Ask about the historical significance of the building from local guides

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello
thank_you Thank you
where_is Where is
how_much How much
beautiful Beautiful
ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, French, German, Spanish

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main entrance

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Low angle for the facade

Result: Great architectural shot

#SheldonianTheatre #OxfordArchitecture #TravelOxford

Courtyard

Best Time: Midday

Tips: Wide-angle for the full view

Result: Open and airy shot

#SheldonianCourtyard #OxfordHiddenGems #HistoricalOxford

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas, Public spaces
prohibited areas Private events, Restricted zones
flash photography Allowed in outdoor areas, restricted during performances
commercial photography Permit needed
drone policy Prohibited without special permission
tripod policy Restricted during events
selfie sticks Allowed but use discreetly

Nearby Attractions

Bodleian Library

Distance: 50m

Walking: 1 min

Type: Library

Radcliffe Camera

Distance: 100m

Walking: 2 min

Type: Historical Building

Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Distance: 200m

Walking: 4 min

Type: Museum

Christ Church College

Distance: 300m

Walking: 6 min

Type: College

University Parks

Distance: 500m

Walking: 10 min

Type: Park

Reviews

4.6

Based on 1,500 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

  • "Visit early to avoid crowds"
  • "Check the event schedule"
  • "Great photo opportunities"

Contact Information

Related Tours & Activities (6)

Search Tours

Quick Info

Available Tours

69

Rating

4.6 / 5.0

Reviews

1,500

Adult Entry

Free to explore, event tickets vary

Search Attractions