Name: The Bodleian Library
Rating: 5.0

The Bodleian Library

Bodleian Library, Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BG, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

Description

The Bodleian Library is the main research library of the University of Oxford. Founded in 1602 by Sir Thomas Bodley, it is one of the oldest libraries in Europe. With over 13 million printed items, it is the second-largest library in Britain after the British Library.

The Bodleian Libraries are a group of 23 libraries that serve the University of Oxford in England, including the University's principal library, the Bodleian Library. Available tours of the Bodleian Library include the medieval Divinity School and the 15th-century Duke Humfrey's Library. Across the road at the Weston Library there are free exhibitions, an award-winning café and shop.

Prices starts from £12.50 per person for 30 minutes for Library guided tours. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Library guided tour: A trip to Oxford is incomplete without a visit to the world-famous Bodleian Libraries. The Bodleian Library dates back to 1488, and the library as it stands today was opened in 1602 by Sir Thomas Bodley. Generations of famous scholars have studied in its reading rooms through the ages, including monarchs, Nobel Prize winners, British prime ministers and writers such as Oscar Wilde, CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien. We offer several guided tours of the Bodleian Library. The Old Library and Radcliffe Camera are working libraries, and guided tours are the only way to go inside these spaces.
City of Oxford Walking Tour: Discover the vibrant history of the oldest university in the English-speaking world on the only official University of Oxford walking tour. Learn how Oxford grew from a small market town into the 'city of dreaming spires'. Led by an expert guide, you'll explore Oxford's storied streets and follow in the footsteps of famous authors, scientists, politicians and film stars. Starting and ending at the Weston Library, this popular tour will take you on an entertaining journey that reveals the secrets of this historic city.
Group tours: The Bodleian Libraries has partnered with the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides and an iconic Oxford college to offer you a one-of-a kind experience.

For Family:

Free exhibitions: Explore our amazing free exhibitions and displays based on the Bodleian Library's exceptional collections. Browse books, gifts and souvenirs for readers young and old in our two gift shops.
Space for Reading: Sit in our Space for Reading, a literary pit-stop stacked with books for adults and children alike. The theme changes throughout the year, so check back to see the new titles featured in the space.
The Toddleian: The Toddleian is our space for the littlest visitors – a soft mat, low table and seating, and a selection of books and toys for babies, toddlers, and their grown ups to enjoy together. Find the Toddleian tucked behind the Bodleian Café, on your left as you enter the Weston Library.
Family tours: Children of all ages can visit the Divinity School, as well as join our city of Oxford walking tours, which reveal the secrets of this historic university city. We offer discount tour tickets for families, and tickets for children under 5 are free.

Facilities

Parking: There are very limited parking spaces available on Parks Road. If you wish to drive, you will find Park and Ride by far the best way to get into Oxford.
Food & drink: Enjoy delicious drinks, snacks, and hot and cold meals in the Bodleian Café at the Weston Library, including vegetarian and vegan options.
Toilets: There are accessible toilets with baby changing facilities on the ground floor of the Weston Library.
Dogs: Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome on our tours. No other dogs or animals are allowed on our site or our tours.

What to see

Events:

Song of Myself: Song of Myself is a wire sculpture by Tom Phillips, on long-term loan and located in Blackwell Hall at the Weston Library.
Origins of the University of Oxford: An exclusive evening tour of the Bodleian Library and the University Church of St Mary the Virgin on 19 February, 12 March, 9 April and 7 May 2026, held at the Old Library and University Church.

For more information please visit: https://visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/events-exhibitions

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Standard tours:

Library guided tours: £12.50 per person for 30 minutes.
City of Oxford Walking Tour: £25 for Standard Ticket & £87.50 for Family(Family of up to 5)
Divinity School Visit: £3.00 for Standard Ticket & £11.75 for Family(Family of up to 5)
Group tours: £280 per tour for 60 minutes, 14 people(max) per tour.

For more information please visit: https://visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/tours

Pricing URL: https://visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/tours

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Monday – Friday: 9.00 – 17.00
Saturday: 10.00 – 17.00
Sunday: 11.00 – 16.00

Address: Bodleian Library, Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BG, UK

Post Code: OX1 3BG

Council: Oxford

County: Oxfordshire

Train: Oxford has excellent rail links: it is less than an hour from London and Birmingham by train, with regular services by Great Western Railway, Chiltern Railways and CrossCountry. The nearest rail station is Oxford station, about 1 mile away.
Bus: The Bodleian Library is very close to the city centre and only a short walk from most central bus stops. For more information about travelling by bus into Oxford, visit the Oxford bus company website to plan your journey. You can travel around Oxfordshire with one ticket. Find out more on Mybus Oxfordshire.
Cycle: For those cycling to visit us, our nearest bike racks are: On the corner of Parks Road next to the Weston Library on both sides of the road, On Catte Street opposite the Great Gate of the Old Library, On Broad Street
Car: Oxford City congestion charge. In October 2025 Oxfordshire City Council introduced a congestion charge for cars to enter Oxford via six congestion charge locations around the city. A charge of £5 is applied to all cars without a permit and must be paid to Oxfordshire County Council by midnight on the same day. We encourage visitors to the Bodleian Library to travel into Oxford by public transport or use the Park and Ride.
Walk: The Old Bodleian Library and Weston Library are a 15–20 minute walk from the central Oxford train station, or a 5-minute walk from the city centre (Carfax Tower).
Parking: There are very limited parking spaces available on Parks Road. If you wish to drive, you will find Park and Ride by far the best way to get into Oxford.