When you think of Oxford, you think of the University. Heritage, history, and the dreaming spires of Oxford. Nowhere encapsulates this more than Christ Church College. It is arguably the most famous of Oxford University’s 38 colleges. In addition to all the history, it was one of the filming locations for the Harry Potter films. You can (and should) visit Christ Church College in Oxford to see some of the famous spots.
On our recent visit to Oxford, we stayed at the dorm at Christ Church College which you can book as a Bed and Breakfast. We enjoyed the opportunity to get an insider’s look at the exclusive college.
Let me tell you a bit about the history of Christ Church College and what there is to see. I will share my experience staying at Christ Church College and tell you how you can book a room there too.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. Please see disclosure for more information.
Tom Tower is one of the beautiful buildings that makes up Christ Church College in Oxford.
Contents
- About Christ Church College
- Harry Potter Filming Locations in Christ Church College
- Highlights of Visiting Christ Church College
- Staying in the Dorm at Christ Church College
- Perks of Staying at the Bed and Breakfast at Christ Church College
- How to Book Your Room at Christ Church College
- How To Get To Oxford
- Checking in at the Christ Church College Bed and Breakfast
- Expert Tips for Your Visit to Christ Church College
About Christ Church College
Cardinal Wolsey began planning what is now Christ Church College on the site of the St. Frideswide Monastery almost 500 years ago. The College’s purpose was (and still is) to promote the pursuit of learning and the worship of God. After Wolsey failed to get the Pope’s agreement on an annulment for Henry VIII, he and the King fell out. In 1546, after Wolsey’s death, Henry VIII refounded the college.
Christ Church is popular with tourists and has half a million visitors annually, but it is still a working college, arguably the best college at Oxford. Today, there are around 400 undergraduate students and 100 academic staff.
Some of Christ Church’s most famous alumni include Lewis Carroll, William Penn, Edward VII, W.H. Auden, Sir Robert Peel, and William Ewart Gladstone.
Harry Potter Filming Locations in Christ Church College
Harry Potter fans need to visit Christ Church College as it is the site of two Harry Potter filming locations.
One is the stairwell that leads to the Hall. In the first film, Ron and Hermione greeted Harry here. The other is the Cloisters next to the Cathedral. The Cloisters are where Harry is shown the trophy his father won during the first film.
The Hall was the inspiration for the dining hall at Hogwarts. Those scenes were filmed in a studio.
If you also plan on visiting London, you can read about the Harry Potter filming locations in London too. In northern England, you can visit Alnwick Castle which was used as Hogwarts in the first two movies.
Note: The films The Golden Compass and Brideshead Revisited also had scenes filmed at Christ Church College.
Highlights of Visiting Christ Church College
Christ Church is popular with tourists because there is so much to see. When you visit, you can use this list of highlights to create your own self-guided Christ Church college tour.
Tom Quad
The Tom Quad is the impressive square right behind the Porter’s Lodge. In the center, you will find a pretty fountain with a statue of Mercury. Originally, the pond in the center of the Quad was there as a source of water in case of a fire.
There are also two impressive towers you see in the Tom Quad. Tom Tower is the one located by St. Aldate’s Street over the Tom Gate. It was designed by Christopher Wren, the same architect who designed St. Paul’s Cathedral. For over 300 years, the bell inside Tom Tower, known as Great Tom, has marked the hours and other celebrations.
The other tower is the Bodley Tower which houses the staircases to the Hall. It was named after its architect, G.F. Bodley not Thomas Bodley of the Bodleian Library.
Lewis Carroll lived in rooms in the Quad’s northwest corner from 1862 until his death. He wrote “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” in a ground-floor suite then moved to an upper suite over looking St. Aldate’s.
Christ Church Cathedral
The present cathedral was built in the twelfth century and used to be a pilgrimage site.
In medieval times, people would come to the Cathedral to visit the tomb of St. Frideswide. During the Reformation, the tomb was damaged, so only the bottom part of what you see now is original. The body of Frideswide is also thought to be buried under the Cathedral but the exact location is unknown.
You should also check out what is known as the Beckett window. When Henry VIII condemned Thomas Beckett and ordered all images of him to be destroyed, the pane of glass in the window that depicted his face was replaced with a white one. In 1980, they restored the window and changed that pane of glass to a skin tone.
I also loved the wood carvings in the quire and the ceiling. The vivid colors in the stained glass were impressive too.
Picture Gallery
Christ Church is the only college in Oxford (or Cambridge for that matter) to have its own art collection.
Much of the collection is Italian paintings from the 14th to 18th centuries, but they also have some works from Northern artists as well. They also have a collection of drawings from Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Rubens, although these are not always on display.
Unfortunately, they don’t allow photography in the gallery, but they do have a gift shop that sells postcards, prints, etc. Visitors have to pay £4 to visit the Christ Church Picture Gallery.
The Meadow
The Meadow is a rare open space where you can enjoy nature. Students use the area for sport and recreation, but sometimes you will see animals grazing. When we visited, there were cows!
There are a few paths you can explore including the Broad Walk, Dead Man’s Walk, or the New Walk.
The Staircase
There are two things to look for when you are in the room with the Staircase that leads to the Hall. First, you can’t help but notice the ceiling with all its intricate detail. I was surprised to learn that it was not original and was added in 1638.
The other thing is not as obvious. If you look at the wooden door at the bottom of the stairs, you will see the words “No Peel” written. This was a protest against the re-election of Prime Minister Robert Peel in 1829. Robert Peel was one of 13 Prime Ministers who attended Christ Church College. Peel’s support for the emancipation of Catholics conflicted with University Policy.
The Great Hall
To me, the Hall was the most impressive part of Christ Church College. As soon as you enter the Hall, you know how significant this college has been. It is filled with oil paintings of famous alumni and other significant figures like Henry VIII and Cardinal Wolsey. I didn’t recognize many of them (I know I need to work on my English history), but Russell knew many of them from his history books.
The details in the Hall make it special. If you look closely at the stained glass of the center window on the left side (looking into the Hall), you will find some Alice in Wonderland characters as a nod to Lewis Carroll. Look up and admire the woodwork in the ceilings, which have almost 600 heraldic devices, many of which celebrate Cardinal Wolsey.
The Hall was also the temporary home of Parliament during the English Civil War. When Charles I was forced out of London, he stayed at Christ Church College for four years.
The Buttery
The Buttery is a bar right outside the Hall. They serve beer, wine, and whiskey to students and guests.
It is built where Cardinal Wolsey originally had the staircase. I got a sneak peek inside the bar right after breakfast, but unfortunately, the bar is only open from 6 pm – 8 pm. If I were a student at Christ Church College, I am sure I would have spent a lot of time there.
Staying in the Dorm at Christ Church College
We stayed in the Blue Boar Quad, which is just north of the main square called the Tom Quad. The Oxford University dorm room was much bigger than the one I had back at the University of Texas. I loved that this room had two huge windows.
My dorm room had a bed, desk with chair, bench, and another chair. The bedding, towels, and toiletries were all provided. There was plenty of storage space in the closets, a small safe, and a mini-fridge. It also had a kettle with tea and coffee.
There are “Scouts” who look after the rooms. They will make your bed and replenish the tea and coffee daily. They also have laundry facilities that you can use. When the school is not in session, you have access to the common area where you can watch TV.
Remembering back to my dorm experience at Texas, I hated the bathroom situation. We had a sink in our room but for toilets or a shower, you had to go down the hall to the community bathroom. The room I stayed in Christ Church had its own full bathroom. I was impressed that the shower was one of the most powerful I have ever had. You can adjust it to your own preferences.
Perks of Staying at the Bed and Breakfast at Christ Church College
I was so excited to stay at such a historical place, but there are perks that make it even more special.
Full English Breakfast in the Hall
I love an English Breakfast! When you stay at Christ Church College, you get to have your breakfast in the Hall under the gaze of famous prime ministers, government ministers, novelists, and monarchs. You will immediately recognize it from the Harry Potter films. It was the inspiration behind the dining hall in Hogwarts, although those scenes were filmed at the Harry Potter Studios in Leavesden.
The breakfast is served buffet style and was delicious. I was a little disappointed that there was no black pudding, but I know a lot of people don’t like it. If you prefer a continental breakfast, they have that too. I was especially impressed with the croissants they had.
Access to Places Where Visitors are Not Allowed
The general public can visit Christ Church, but there is a charge which ranges from £8-£10 depending on the season. That still doesn’t get you access everywhere in Christ College. However, when you stay at this Oxford College Bed and Breakfast you are considered a resident. That sign that says no visitor access does not apply to you!
Free Access to the Picture Gallery
Christ Church College is the only Oxford College with its own art collection. If you are staying at Christ Church, you can visit the art gallery for free.
Location, Location, Location!
You can’t beat the location of Christ Church College. It’s right in the city center so you can easily walk to other colleges, museums, and points of interest. For some inspiration on what to see, check out this guide on how to spend a rainy day in Oxford.
How to Book Your Room at Christ Church College
You can book rooms at Christ Church College through University Rooms. They also offer rooms at other colleges too. I think you will find the rates very reasonable. Click here to see prices and colleges available.
They have single and double rooms. All rooms have their own bathroom. Perfect for solo travelers, friends, or couples. We even met a couple at breakfast that was celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.
How To Get To Oxford
Oxford is located about 50 miles north of London. The easiest way to get there from London is to take the train from Paddington Station, it takes less than an hour. Be sure to book in advance to get the best price. Check schedule and pricing here.
If you are driving, it’s best to use the park and ride system. Parking in the Oxford city center is limited and expensive. You have five parking locations to choose from. Since we were coming from the east we used Thornhill. Be sure to pay for the parking when you arrive and then you can purchase your bus tickets on the bus. They accept contactless payments or cash. Take the bus to St. Aldate’s Street.
Checking in at the Christ Church College Bed and Breakfast
The directions said to check in at the Lodge just inside the main entrance. We went to the visitor’s entrance, walked inside and couldn’t find anything. Russell knew we must have used the wrong entrance. We walked a little further north on St. Aldate’s and found the main entrance where there was a guard. We told the guard we were there for the Bed and Breakfast and then saw the Porter’s Lodge just to the left.
The Lodge is open 24 hours a day, but you cannot check in until 3 pm. We arrived early so we stored our luggage until it was time to check in. When we checked in, we received badges, a key fob, and a map. The gate to the college locks at 7:30 pm. Your key fob will let you back in. If you arrive after 7:30, use the bell to speak with the Lodge and you will be let in
Note: Depending on the day, you may not be able to explore Christ Church college until you check in and receive your pass.
Staying at Christ Church College was a special experience. No hotel can match the character or history of the college. Where else do you get to live in the same place as 13 prime ministers – even if it’s just for one night! I think it’s the best college to visit in Oxford. It was fun to pretend to be an Oxford student.
Would you like to stay in the dorms at Christ Church College?
-Anisa
Pin for Later
Expert Tips for Your Visit to Christ Church College
- Stay at the Bed and Breakfast at Christ Church College to get the insider experience.
- Take some time to look at the portraits of famous alumni in The Great Hall. You might be surprised by how many you know!
- While you are in Oxford, be sure to stop into The Eagle and Child pub. It was Lewis Carroll’s favorite watering hole.
- Public transportation is the best way to get to Oxford. Either take the train or park and ride.
Disclosure: We were guests of University Rooms. As always, opinions are mine.
This post also contains affiliate links. This means we will receive a small commission for some purchases made using links in our blog with no additional cost to you. Please be assured we would not promote any product unless we believe that our readers will also benefit. The commission does not influence the editorial content of this site.
Two Traveling Texans is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
Last Updated on December 30, 2022
I’ve visited it but only for a tour of the Dining Hall, it must have been great to actually stay at the college!
Tanja – Yes, it was fun to be a resident there, it is such an iconic place!
I’ve visited a couple of times but didn’t know that you could stay there overnight! What a treat 🙂
I’d love to go back and do that. Like you, I think I found the dining hall to be the most impressive part of Christ Church College. #WeeklyPostcard
Katherine – Glad to hear you enjoyed your visits and liked the Hall too. I hope you get the chance to go back!
Wow! What a treat to stay there overnight! I love the Dining Hall, so impressive! I’d feel like I was in the Harry Potter world if I stayed there – what a great place for the inspiration. Thanks for sharing. #TheWeklyPostcars
Emese – It really was a treat. I couldn’t stop taking photos in the dining hall.
I’ve heard just a little about Oxford so far and to be honest I didn’t want to visit it. Thanks to your post I see the point why I should visit it. I had no idea about the greatness of the college and the English breakfast in the great hall! Pin for later. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Tomas – Oxford University is famous for good reason. I hope you get the chance to visit.
I am a huge Harry Potter fan and this is why Oxford is on top of my bucket list. I would love to see the staircase and the hall. I had no idea that it is possible staying in a dorm at Christ Church College and to have breakfast in the hall. That´s great! Thanks for that info!
Maike – You would love visiting Christ Church College. Breakfast in the hall was such a special experience.
That sounds like such a fun and educational experience! The immersion of sleeping in the dorms sounds pretty cool, too. I’ll have to keep this in mind for my next visit to the UK! Thanks for sharing 🙂 #TheWeeklyPostcard
Jessica – Staying at the dorm was so much fun. I hope you get the chance to experience it too.
Love this post! Despite having lived in the South East of England my entire life, I’ve never been to Oxford! Now I definitely need to go – your pictures are gorgeous!
Danielle – Thank you! You really must go to Oxford, it is definitely worth the trip.
What a great idea – I had no idea you could stay in the student rooms at Oxford. I would love to have breakfast in that hall.
#TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks! Yes, it was fun and the breakfast was probably my favorite part.
I never knew you could do this! But now I do I really want to. It looks amazing.
Anne – I hope you get the chance to stay at Christ Church, it was a great experience.
Very cool that you stayed in the dorms here. What are the prices per night for a dorm room? We thought about doing that a few years ago, but ended up staying with one of Laurence’s friends instead. Despite many visits to Oxford, I have never been able to see the dining hall there as it has always been closed for some reason or another! Maybe next time 😉
Jessica – The prices do vary depending on the college or even the building within the college. Single rooms start around 50 GBP for Christ Church and Doubles around 80 GBP including breakfast. I hope you get to see the dining hall next time you are in Oxford.
I have never heard of staying in University Dorms when you aren’t a student before. That is actually pretty genius for the university to make some money and a cool experience for the patrons who decide to stay. Wish I would have heard about this site when I was younger and would have enjoyed getting close to the parties lol. Christ College seems like a cool place full of a lot of history. Plus the Harry Potter filming there is pretty cool too. Thanks for sharing #TheWeeklyPostcard
Victoria – Thank you! Christ Church is an interesting place, when we were there school was not in session so I didn’t see any parties.
I’m glad to have been able to read about Christ Church College in your post. It looks like a very interesting place to visit, but I’ll probably never have a chance to do it, considering how little time we spend in Europe each year. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Anda – Yes, so many beautiful places in Europe. Christ Church is just one of many sights to see in Oxford, it is quite an impressive city.
This would have been so useful when we went! Sadly, we weren’t able to go in as students were preparing for their exams. Hopefully I’ll be able to go in next time! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Lolo – Yes, sorry the timing didn’t work out for you. I hope you get the chance next time.
I HAVE to do this! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Yes! You really must!
What a cool experience to actually stay on the campus! The Hall looks beautiful and I love a good Full English Breakfast! The stained glass “Alice in Wonderland” window is a such a unique and fun detail, also. Thanks for sharing!
#TheWeeklyPostcard
It was so much fun. I was so impressed by the hall. I hope you get the chance to do it too.
I think that staying in the dorm enabled you to get the most out of your experience. Additionally, I’m impressed with the alumni that you mentioned and I’m sure that Christ Church College can boast a massive list of notable graduates.
Dorothy – Yes, it is pretty impressive. 13 Prime Ministers!
What a wonderful architecture, it´s awesome that you got a real insider’s look at the college! Some places look so familiar, maybe from the Harry Potter. Hope to visit Oxford one day! pinned for the future #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks Anna. Yes the architecture is amazing and we had fun exploring it. I hope you get the chance to visit!
Wow…this really is an impressive college. The Hall looks incredible. Love that you were able to stay in the dorms and experience some special perks. My daughter is going on a trip that includes an Oxford visit in 2020 and I’ll be sure to tell her to visit this college. I’m sure the Harry Potter connection will help convince her. What a wonderful experience for you guys.
Mary – Thank you! We enjoyed our stay in the dorms. That is exciting that your daughter will be visiting Oxford.
How fascinating Anisa! I didn’t know you could actually stay there. How interesting that you had scouts looking after your stay. Also, even through there were only two locations used for inspiration and filming of HP, I feel like the whole setting is straight out of the Potter movies. In saying that, I have only seen the first one haha! Yes I am one of those.. I will definitely check out the fascinating architecture of Christ Church College out when I’m in the area!
Kreete – It was a great experience. I hope you get the chance to visit Christ Church next time you are in Oxford.
Totally informative! I think that staying in the dorm enabled you to get the most out of your experience.
Jerny – Glad you enjoyed the post. Yes, staying in the dorms does have its benefits!