Oxford by Rail Day Tour with Harry Potter Insights Tour
Gallery image 2
Gallery image 3
Gallery image 4
Gallery image 5

Oxford by Rail Day Tour with Harry Potter Insights Tour

Active
(4 reviews)
8h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover locations that inspired J.K. Rowling for the Harry Potter series and learn how student life in Oxford compares to life at Hogwarts.

Venture through the ancient streets of Oxford and explore the Harry Potter filming locations with an expert guide.

Visit The Divinity School filming location (Dance School and the Infirmary). You can enter The Old Schools Quadrangle, which houses the different schools, including the ‘Schola Metaphysicae’. All are part of the world-famous Bodleian Libraries.

Divinity School may close on different dates, not listed below, due to last-minute events. On days when the Divinity School is closed, we replace with New College, another filming location.

Divinity School closure dates:

2025
March: 1, 8
May: 16, 17, 31
July: 19, 29
August: 1, 2, 9
September: 26, 27
November: 7, 8, 14, 15

OPTIONAL - Your train ticket allows a free stop off at Bicester Village, making this the ideal opportunity to enjoy the UK’s most popular shopping destination.

Available options

Oxford by Rail Day Tour with Harry Potter Insights Tour

What's included

Divinity School entrance
90 minutes Harry Potter Highlights guided walking tour
Flexible roundtrip train travel direct from London
Free stopover at Bicester Village on the return (optional)
Free Wi-Fi onboard the train

Detailed itinerary

1

The origins of Oxford University can be traced back to the 11th century, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world.
Enjoy a walking tour of the city with your expert guide, who will bring the history and charm of this beautiful city to life by own. As you walk through the cobbled streets, you'll see architecture from every period in English history, from early Saxon right through to the Gothic Revival.
This is the only place in the country where you'll find buildings from every period in English history, which is what makes Oxford so unique.

2
Stop 2 Pass by

The Bodleian Library is one of the oldest and biggest libraries in Britain.

The library (which is actually a series of interconnected libraries dotted throughout Oxford that are collectively referred to as the Bodleian Libraries) has an impressive history – some of its buildings have been libraries since the Middle Ages.

3
Stop 3

The train ticket to Oxford we offer is also valid for a free stop off at Bicester Village on the return, making this the ideal opportunity to enjoy the UK’s most popular shopping destination.

What's not included

Hotel pick up and drop off in London
Tour Guide (except for the 90 minutes Harry Potter Highlights walking tour)
Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0
3 reviews
5★
1
4★
1
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor 5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum number of participants per booking is 2.
This is an unescorted tour. (except for Harry Potter Insights Walking tour)
Train travel is with Chiltern Railways.
Outbound: Depart London Marylebone after 9:00am on any direct train to Oxford. Journey time approximately 1h25 minutes
Return: Depart Oxford on any direct train back to London Marylebone on the same day (day trip)
Full joining instructions and travel documents will be sent 7 days prior to departure (Please do not wait to meet our staff at the train station as we do not conduct in-person departures)
Direct trains run approximately every 30 minutes in each direction
90 minutes Harry Potter Highlights walking tour in Oxford
Train ticket is valid for a free stop off at Bicester Village on the return making this the ideal opportunity to enjoy the UK’s most popular shopping destination
Bodleian Library (Divinity School) - current known closure dates: March: 1 and 8; May: 16, 17 and 31; July: 19 and 29; August: 1, 2 and 9; September: 26 and 27; November: 7, 8, 14 and 15.
Please note that the closure dates listed above are the most up-to-date information. Divinity School may occasionally close on different dates, not listed above, due to last-minute events. On days when the Divinity School is closed, we will offer entry to New College, another Harry Potter filming location, as a replacement.

Meeting point

Please do not wait to meet our staff at the train station as we do not conduct in-person departures. We recommend to arrive 20 minutes in advance of your departure at Marylebone railway station. Please use your electronic ticket to enter the gate.

Important notes

● Train travel is with Chiltern Railways ● This is an unescorted tour
● Outbound: Depart London Marylebone after 9:00am on any direct train to Oxford. Journey time approximately 85 minutes
● Return: Depart Oxford on any direct train back to London Marylebone anytime on the same day
● Direct trains run approximately every 30 minutes in each direction
● Full joining instructions and travel documents will be sent prior to departure (Please do not wait to meet our staff at the train station as we do not conduct in-person departures)
● The Harry Potter Highlights tour is live guided in English
● Train ticket is valid for a free stop off at Bicester Village on the return making this the ideal opportunity to enjoy the UK’s most popular shopping destination

About London

London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and dynamic cultural scene. From the ancient Tower of London to the modern Shard, the city offers a blend of the old and the new, making it a fascinating destination for travelers from around the world.

Top Attractions

Tower of London

A historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames. It has served as a royal palace, prison, armory, and treasury. The Crown Jewels are also housed here.

Historical 2-3 hours £28 (adult ticket)

Buckingham Palace

The official residence of the British monarch. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and tour the State Rooms during the summer.

Historical 1-2 hours £27.50 (adult ticket for State Rooms)

The British Museum

One of the world's largest and most comprehensive museums, housing a vast collection of artifacts from around the globe.

Museum 2-3 hours Free (special exhibitions may have a charge)

The London Eye

A giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, offering panoramic views of the city.

Entertainment 30 minutes £27-£33 (adult ticket)

Westminster Abbey

A large, mainly Gothic abbey church just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is one of the most notable religious buildings in the UK and the traditional place of coronation and burial for English and, later, British monarchs.

Religious 1-2 hours £27 (adult ticket)

Tower Bridge

An iconic symbol of London, this combined bascule and suspension bridge spans the River Thames. Visitors can explore the bridge's walkways and the Tower Bridge Exhibition.

Architecture 1-2 hours £11 (adult ticket for the exhibition)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fish and Chips

A classic British dish consisting of battered and fried fish, usually cod or haddock, served with thick-cut chips (fries).

Dinner Contains gluten and fish

Full English Breakfast

A hearty breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast.

Breakfast Contains meat and gluten

Afternoon Tea

A quintessential British tradition involving a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of pastries, all served with tea.

Snack Can be adapted for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets

Sunday Roast

A traditional British meal served on Sundays, featuring roasted meat (usually beef, lamb, or chicken), Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy.

Dinner Contains meat and gluten

Popular Activities

Rock climbing Kayaking on the Thames Cycling tours Afternoon tea Spas and wellness centers Punting on the River Cam Museum visits Theater performances

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in London, with long daylight hours and a variety of festivals and events. The weather is generally pleasant, though it can be unpredictable.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

London is generally safe for travelers, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings
  • • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
  • • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air
  • Heathrow Airport • 23 km from city center
  • Gatwick Airport • 40 km from city center
By train

London Waterloo, London King's Cross

By bus

Victoria Coach Station, Earls Court, Farringdon

Getting around

Public transport

The Tube is the fastest and most efficient way to get around London. It operates from early morning until late at night and covers all major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Westminster Camden Town Soho Notting Hill Shoreditch Greenwich

Day trips

Windsor Castle
34 km from London • Half day to full day

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and it's one of the official residences of the British monarch.

Stonehenge
130 km from London • Full day

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of standing stones, located in the English county of Wiltshire.

Brighton
80 km from London • Full day

Brighton is a vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, lively atmosphere, and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Festivals

Notting Hill Carnival • Last Sunday and Monday of August London Film Festival • October New Year's Eve Fireworks • December 31

Pro tips

  • Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for cheaper and more convenient public transportation
  • Book tickets in advance for popular attractions to skip the queue and save money
  • Explore the city's neighborhoods and markets for a unique and authentic experience
  • Try the local street food and international cuisine at markets like Borough Market and Camden Market
  • Visit the city's parks and gardens for a peaceful escape from the bustling streets
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 16-99
1
Childs
Age 5-15
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 6
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

Similar Experiences

Similar on Klook