Things to Do at Christ Church College

Complete Guide to Christ Church College in Oxford

About Christ Church College

Christ Church College is arguably Oxford's most famous college, and honestly, it's not hard to see why. Founded by Cardinal Wolsey in 1525 and later refounded by Henry VIII, it's the kind of place that manages to be both an active academic institution and a genuine tourist attraction without feeling like it's trying too hard. You might recognize it from the Harry Potter films - the Great Hall served as inspiration for Hogwarts' dining hall, though the movie version was actually a studio recreation. What makes Christ Church particularly special is how it functions as both a college and a cathedral - it's actually the only institution in the world to serve as both. The cathedral, which doubles as the college chapel, has been a place of worship for over 900 years. Walking through the college, you get this genuine sense of centuries of academic tradition, from the medieval cloisters to Tom Quad, one of Oxford's largest and most impressive quadrangles.

What to See & Do

The Great Hall

The inspiration for Hogwarts' Great Hall, complete with long wooden tables, portraits of former deans, and genuinely impressive hammerbeam ceiling. It's still used for formal dinners by students and fellows.

Christ Church Cathedral

England's smallest cathedral, with beautiful stained glass windows and the shrine of St. Frideswide, Oxford's patron saint. The acoustics are surprisingly good if you catch an evensong service.

Tom Quad

The college's main quadrangle, dominated by Tom Tower designed by Christopher Wren. At 9:05 pm each night, the tower's bell 'Great Tom' still rings 101 times - once for each of the college's original scholars.

The Cloisters

Medieval stone corridors that feel genuinely atmospheric, especially on misty mornings. These also appeared in the Harry Potter films and connect various parts of the college.

Peckwater Quad

A more intimate 18th-century quadrangle with elegant Georgian architecture. It's quieter than Tom Quad and gives you a sense of what student life might actually feel like here.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Generally open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 2pm-5pm, though hours can vary during term time and may be restricted during college events. Cathedral services might limit access at certain times.

Tickets & Pricing

Adults around £15, students/seniors £13, children £11. Family tickets available. Booking online in advance is recommended, especially during peak season. Oxford residents get discounted rates.

Best Time to Visit

Early morning or late afternoon tend to be less crowded. Weekdays during university term time offer the most authentic atmosphere, though access might be more limited.

Suggested Duration

Allow 1-2 hours for a thorough visit, though you could easily spend longer if you're particularly interested in the architecture or history.

Getting There

Christ Church sits dead center in Oxford on St. Aldate's Street. Walk five minutes south from Carfax Tower and you're there. Train travelers face a ten-minute trek northeast from Oxford railway station through the city center. Don't use the main Tom Gate. That entrance is for college members only-visitors enter through the War Memorial Garden on St. Aldate's. The college won't provide parking. Several public car parks operate within walking distance, though Oxford's park-and-ride system works better for most visitors.

Things to Do Nearby

Bodleian Library
One of Europe's oldest libraries, just a few minutes' walk north. The medieval Duke Humfrey's Library is particularly striking and also featured in Harry Potter films.

Carfax Tower
The remains of a 14th-century church tower offering panoramic views over Oxford's 'dreaming spires' - worth the climb up the narrow spiral staircase.

Oxford Castle & Prison
A fascinating mix of Norman castle ruins and Victorian prison, with guided tours that bring Oxford's darker history to life.

Ashmolean Museum
Top-tier art and artifacts spanning centuries, from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art. It's free and genuinely top-tier.

Alice's Shop
The sweet shop that inspired the 'Sheep Shop' in Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass - Carroll was a Christ Church don and wrote Alice in Wonderland here.

Tips & Advice

Visit during term time if possible - seeing actual students going about their daily lives makes the college feel much more authentic than when it's just tourists

The audio guide is actually worth getting - it includes stories and details you won't pick up just wandering around on your own

If you're interested in evensong at the cathedral, check the schedule in advance as it's not daily and can be genuinely moving in that intimate space

Photography is allowed in most areas, but be respectful if students are around - remember this is their home and workplace, not just a tourist attraction