Exeter College

Exeter College, founded in 1314, is the fourth oldest college in Oxford and offers one of the most intimate and charming experiences in the city. Nestled behind the famous Turl Street, it is renowned for its breathtaking neo-Gothic Chapel, designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, which was modeled after the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. The college has a rich literary heritage, having served as the academic home for legends like J.R.R. Tolkien and Philip Pullman. One of its most magical features is the Fellows’ Garden, which provides an elevated and rare "secret" view overlooking the iconic Radcliffe Camera. With its quiet quadrangles and medieval towers, Exeter perfectly captures the scholarly romance that visitors expect from a trip to the heart of Oxford.

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Alles über Exeter College

Was Sie erwartet

Exeter College is usually open to the public during the afternoons, typically from 14:00 to 17:00. As of 2026, the admission fee for adults is 4 GBP, while children under the age of 12 can enter for free. Tickets are purchased at the Porters' Lodge at the main entrance on Turl Street, and card payments are preferred. Your ticket grants you access to the spectacular Chapel, the front quadrangle, and the Fellows’ Garden with its famous views. Please note that the college library and certain student areas remain private for study. During the university’s term time, the Hall may be closed to visitors to allow for student dining, so it is often best to plan your walk around the mid-afternoon hours.

Warum diese Tour buchen

As a working academic community, Exeter requires a level of quiet respect from all guests. Because the college is smaller than some of its neighbors, large tour groups of more than 10 people must book their visit in advance to ensure entry. The historic site features some narrow doorways and uneven stone steps, particularly when heading toward the garden mound, so comfortable walking shoes are a must. For a truly unique experience, check the Chapel schedule for Choral Evensong; these services are free, open to the public, and allow you to hear the college's exceptional choir in a world-class setting. Be aware that the college can close without warning for graduation ceremonies or private college feasts.

Die richtige Tour auswählen

Exeter College is located on Turl Street, a narrow and picturesque lane that connects the High Street with Broad Street. If you are starting at the Oxford Train Station, it is an easy 12-minute walk east through the city center. For those arriving by bus, the nearest stops are on Broad Street or the High Street, both of which are less than three minutes away on foot. If you are traveling into Oxford from the outskirts, it is highly recommended to use the Park and Ride service, as parking on Turl Street is non-existent. The college is perfectly positioned right next to the Bodleian Library, making it a natural stop for anyone exploring the city's most famous historic district.

Wissenswertes vor der Abreise

The ideal time to visit is on a weekday afternoon shortly after 14:00. This is usually before the larger walking tours arrive and when the light in the Chapel is at its most dramatic. Spring is a particularly beautiful season for Exeter, as the Fellows’ Garden comes alive with blossoms and offers a vibrant foreground for photos of the Radcliffe Camera. If you are visiting in the autumn, the ivy-covered walls of the quadrangle turn a stunning deep red. To avoid disappointment, avoid visiting during the busy "Trinity Term" in late May and June, when many colleges close parts of their grounds to the public to provide a quiet environment for students taking their final university exams.