Christ Church College, Oxford (must see)

Christ Church is one of Oxford’s best-known colleges and one of the most visited places in the city. Founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII, it is unusual because it is both an Oxford college and the cathedral church of the Diocese of Oxford. Christ Church Cathedral therefore serves as the college chapel as well as an active place of worship. The college is also known as “The House,” from its Latin name, Aedes Christi, meaning “House of Christ.”

Historically, Christ Church has held an important place in British public life. It is one of Oxford’s largest and wealthiest colleges and counts thirteen British prime ministers among its alumni, more than any other Oxbridge college. Its former students also include King Edward VII, King William II of the Netherlands, several archbishops, and Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Architecturally, the college is known for Tom Tower, designed by Sir Christopher Wren; Tom Quad, Oxford’s largest quadrangle; and the Great Hall, which was used by King Charles I’s parliament during the English Civil War. Christ Church also has a major art collection, with paintings and drawings by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Michelangelo displayed in the Christ Church Picture Gallery.

Regarding the Harry Potter connection, the Great Hall is especially important as a central highlight of the college experience. The entrance to this area is located at the top of Bodley Tower. To find this highlight, walk toward the southeast corner of Tom Quad and ascend the stairs. Once inside, look for the long rows of oak tables and the hammerbeam roof. Contrary to popular belief, the Great Hall itself was not used for filming, but it strongly inspired the design of Hogwarts’ Great Hall at the Warner Bros. studios. Its long tables, portraits, and formal dining-room layout made it an obvious model for the film version of Hogwarts.

Actual filming did take place at the grand stone staircase in Bodley Tower. To reach this highlight, look for the wide stone steps leading up to the Hall. Once you are standing on the landing, look up at the magnificent fan-vaulted ceiling, completed in 1640. This is one of the most recognisable Oxford locations from the first two films. It appears when Professor McGonagall welcomes Harry and the other first-years to Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The staircase is also associated with the flashback scene involving Tom Riddle and Dumbledore, and with Harry’s reunion with Ron and Hermione after leaving the infirmary.

Another notable feature is the Christ Church cloisters, which also appeared as Hogwarts hallways. To find this highlight, walk through the archway leading from the Cathedral toward the Meadow Building, and look for the vaulted stone corridors surrounding the quiet courtyard. Once you are in these ancient hallways, look for the setting where Hermione tells Harry that being a Seeker is “in his blood,” before showing him a Quidditch trophy bearing his father’s name.