How to Visit the Bodleian Library

The Bodleian Libraries is a consortium of one of the oldest libraries in Europe, and the second largest library in Britain. It consists of major research libraries, libraries attached to faculties, departments and other institutions of the University as well as the principal University library, called the Bodleian Library. Together, the Bodleian Libraries hold over 13 million printed items. From Shakespeare to Harry Potter, the Bodleian Libraries have something for literary tastes of all ages.

For over 400 years the Bodleian Libraries have been renowned as a center for research, culture, and history. People come from all over the world to view the Bodleian Library's exhibits and the building's architecture. Here's how to make the most of your visit to Oxford University's celebrated libraries.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Preparing for Your Visit

  1. Whether you plan a one day or several day tour, you can start your planning with the Oxford City Guide. [1]
    • Plan a day trip. Tripadvisor [2] provides a listing of the top ten day trips to Oxford.
    • Book a private tour. Tours By Locals [3] connects tourists with local guides for a specialized trip.
  2. 2
    Contact the Bodleian Library Tours Team. [4] The Bodleian Library Tours Team is available to answer inquiries and book tours Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm GMT.
    • Phone the team at +44 (0)1865 287400.
    • Email the team at tours@bodleian.ox.ac.uk
    Advertisement
  3. Tours can accommodate a limited number of people at a time. To avoid long lines and possibly missed opportunities, it is recommended you purchase tickets in advance.
    • Purchase tickets directly from the Tours Team.
    • Purchase tickets from a package tour. If you want to several visit places in the United Kingdom, booking a package tour may be the way to go. Contact a travel agent or get more information from a travel site like Lonely Planet. [5]
  4. If you're not in the UK, or the libraries are closed due to COVID-19, you can visit the Bodleian Libraries from the comfort of your own home. A thorough virtual tour of the Bodleian Libraries can be accessed online at https://bodleianvisitors.oxfordvenue.uk/ . [6]
    Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Getting to Oxford (For International Travelers)

    • From Heathrow or Gatwick airports, it is recommended you take the Airline Coach Service, which runs 24 hours a day, directly to Oxford.
    • From London Stansted airport, take the Stansted Express train service to Liverpool Street, and then take the tube to either Paddington or Marylebone for direct trains to Oxford.
  2. Direct services run from London Paddington (serving Oxford station) and London Marylebone (serving Oxford and Oxford Parkway stations). To find out more information on railway service, contact National Rail Enquiries. [7]
    Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Making the Most of Your Visit

  1. 1
    Visit the Bodleian Libraries. The Bodleian Library is comprised of five buildings, and has many treasures open to the public.
    • Visit the Weston Library. One of the newer parts of the library, the Weston houses such rare items as a Shakespeare folio and one of the few surviving Gutenberg Bibles.
    • Visit the Divinity School. Built between 1427 and 1483, the Divinity School is the oldest teaching and examination hall at Oxford. It was featured in two Harry Potter movies as Hogwarts’ hospital wing.
    • Visit Duke Humfrey's Library. This library is named after Humphrey of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Gloucester. Upon this death in 1447, Duke Humphrey bequeathed his manuscript collection to the library.
  2. The libraries provide the opportunity for academic scholars and individuals to conduct research that has national and international relevance.
    • Apply for the Visiting Fellows Programme. [8] The Bodleian Libraries award Visiting Fellowships to scholars to conduct research for a specified time period. Fellows are expected to contribute to the intellectual life of the libraries and the university.
  3. The Bodleian Libraries make their facilities available for events ranging from business conferences to weddings. Information on planning an event is available at the Venue Hire page. [9]
    Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit

      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Make a Warrior Cat Clan Indoors
      How to
      Pass As a Guy and Still Be Scene or Emo (for FTM Teens)
      How to
      Act Like a Baby Again
      How to
      Get the Fin Gleam Helmet in Oblivion
      How to
      Be a Scene Girl
      How to
      Draw Donald Duck
      How to
      Play Minecraft in Real Life
      How to
      Act Like a Mermaid at School
      How to
      Act Like Fluttershy
      How to
      Act French
      How to
      Dress for an 8th Grade Formal
      How to
      Draw the Koch Snowflake
      How to
      Buy Reborn Babies
      How to
      Be Like MacKenzie Hollister from Dork Diaries
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.oxfordcityguide.com/
      2. ↑ https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g186361-Activities-c63-Oxford_Oxfordshire_England.html
      3. ↑ https://www.toursbylocals.com/Oxford-Tours
      4. ↑ https://visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/visit-us/tours/contact-us
      5. ↑ https://www.lonelyplanet.com/england/oxfordshire/activities/oxford-university-walking-tour-with-bodleian-library-and-entry/a/pa-act/v-22673P1/358939
      6. ↑ https://visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/tours
      7. ↑ https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
      8. ↑ https://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/csb/fellowships
      9. ↑ https://visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/venue-hire

      About this article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,823 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement