New College

Despite its name, New College is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in Oxford, founded in 1379. It is renowned for its grand perpendicular Gothic architecture and its remarkably preserved medieval cloisters. The college grounds house the last remaining section of the original 12th-century Oxford City Wall, which the college is still legally bound to maintain. For many modern travelers, the college is best known as a filming location for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The ancient holm oak tree in the cloisters is the very spot where Draco Malfoy was famously transformed into a ferret, making the college a place of pilgrimage for film fans and history enthusiasts alike.

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Alles über New College

Was Sie erwartet

New College is generally open to the public daily, though hours vary by season. From March to October, it typically welcomes visitors from 11:00 to 17:00. During the winter months, hours are often shorter, usually from 13:30 to 16:30. As of 2026, adult admission is approximately 8 GBP, while seniors and students pay 7 GBP. Children under seven and Oxford residents enter for free. Tickets can be purchased at the visitor gate on New College Lane, which serves as the historic tourist entrance. Be aware that the college remains a private academic community, so the dining hall and chapel may occasionally close for student use or special university ceremonies without prior notice.

Warum diese Tour buchen

While the college is welcoming, there are several rules to ensure student life is not disrupted. Groups are typically limited to a maximum of 20 people; larger parties must split up before entering. Photography is encouraged in the gardens and cloisters, but is generally restricted inside the Chapel and Hall during services or rehearsals. Accessibility is mixed; while the gardens and main quads are mostly level, the historic cloisters have some uneven stone flooring. If you are a fan of choral music, the New College Choir is world-famous. Attending a free Evensong service in the Chapel at 18:15 during term time is a sublime way to see the interior while hearing one of the best choirs in the world.

Die richtige Tour auswählen

The tourist entrance to New College is located on New College Lane, a charming and narrow medieval street near the Bridge of Sighs. From Oxford Train Station, it is a 15-minute walk through the city center. If you are already at the Bodleian Library or the Radcliffe Camera, the entrance is just a three-minute stroll away. For those arriving by bus, the nearest stops are at Queens Lane or the High Street, both less than five minutes from the gate on foot. Because New College Lane is extremely narrow and mostly pedestrianized, visitors are strongly advised to use the city's Park and Ride services rather than attempting to drive or park anywhere near the college.

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To avoid the largest crowds, particularly Harry Potter fans and tour groups, try to arrive right at the morning opening or in the late afternoon. The cloisters are especially peaceful around 11:00 on weekdays. If you visit during the spring, the gardens are spectacular as the rare wildflowers bloom along the base of the old city wall. During the summer months, the college can become quite busy with language schools and tourists, so a visit in the late autumn offers a more atmospheric and scholarly experience. Always check the college's official website on the day of your visit to ensure there are no unexpected closures for weddings, graduations, or filming.