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Bodleian Library

Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BG, England
01865 277224
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Ranked #8 of 89 attractions in Oxford
Type: Libraries, Architectural Buildings
Owner description: The Bodleian Library is a working library which forms part of the University of Oxford. It is housed in a remarkable group of buildings which forms... more » Owner description: The Bodleian Library is a working library which forms part of the University of Oxford. It is housed in a remarkable group of buildings which forms the historic heart of the University, and you can explore the quadrangles of these magnificent structures at no charge. Different ticket options allow you to visit the interior of some of the buildings, such as the University’s oldest teaching and examination room, The Divinity School (built 1427-88). Here you will discover more of the University’s fascinating history. Our guided tours go behind the scenes in the Library, including its oldest research library, dating from 1602-20. « less
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228 reviews from our community

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Swansea
Top Contributor
67 reviews 67 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 27 cities Reviews in 27 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 June 2013 NEW

A must for all who are interested in the history of our oldest University. The only negative is that the guide was uncertain of a number of facts already known to some of the tour party.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 June 2013 NEW

There are two main attractions: the Divinity School and the Bodleian Library. For 1 GBP, you get to go into the Divinity School (unguided, so you just explore on your own) but not the Bodleian Library. For 5 GBP, you can get a guided tour of the Bodleian Library, and, at specific times of the day, the Divinity School as... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 3 more reviews by Keabe for Oxford
edinburgh
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 June 2013 NEW

We had a guided tour by a woman who had obviously worked in the Bodleian for around 35 years. She adored the place and her enthusiasm showed in her tour. The whole thing was fascinating, from the details on the architecture to the history of the library.

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See 2 more reviews by legalchick for Oxford
Oxford, United Kingdom
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 June 2013

Very beautiful building but the costumer service is lacking. As a tourist, I did get hte impression that I was treated as second class

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 12 more reviews by SLbor for Oxford
London, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 June 2013

There were a couple of excellent free exhibitions, which were put together to interest adults and children; a genuinely tasteful and relevant gift shop; and the library itself was fascinating and atmospheric. There's something to appeal to all, whether you want to know about the original lecterns or see the space they used for the Hogwarts infirmary! I only had... More

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Rocky Mountains
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 May 2013

Signed up for the longer tour, really worthwhile. Although my confirmation notice (I registered and paid online) said to go to the Great Gate entrance on Catte St., you can go directly to the opposite side of the quadrangle, into a room called the Proscholium and stay warm, there is a receptionist there and your name will be on a... More

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See 3 more reviews by mav50 for Oxford
new york
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 May 2013

I took the longest tour and enjoyed every minute of this visit. The history is fascinating, the architecture is beautiful and the old stacks are impressive. Don't miss this integral part of the history and story of Oxford.

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See 11 more reviews by Travelyn103 for Oxford
London, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2013

Glorious buildings right by the Radcliffe Camera ... Noble decorations, and inspiring. You feel the centuries of Oxford knowledge and wisdom. You should definitely stop by while in Oxford.

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Nottingham, United Kingdom
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2013

The only bit of the Bodleian that we saw on this visit was the Magical Books exhibition, and I can confirm that it is indeed magical.

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See 6 more reviews by SusannaZabulis for Oxford
Lancs UK
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
37 helpful votes 37 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013 via mobile

Great visit for history buffs. We took the Standard Tour...booked only a few hours ahead. A lot of stair climbing so beware if you are a senior like me with two bad hips ! Guide - Sydney ,was excellent. I just would have liked to SEE one of the ancient tomes lifted from a shelf and had a chance to... More

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See 12 more reviews by TarletonTotty for Oxford

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