Bodleian Library Tours and Activities

Bodleian Library showing heritage architecture and heritage elements
Bodleian Library which includes heritage elements
Bodleian Library featuring a statue or sculpture and heritage elements
Bodleian Library featuring heritage elements and heritage architecture
Bodleian Library featuring signage as well as a large group of people


Sign up for a tour to get a closer look at the priceless gems in one of the oldest libraries in the world.

The Bodleian Library has an enormous collection of books on every conceivable matter. It is the principal research library of the University of Oxford, where students use it as a reference for learning.

This library was first established in 1602 and is among the largest libraries in England. The library has five main buildings, as well as several underground vaults. As you explore, you may hear students referring affectionately to it as “Bodley” or even “the Bod.”

As is required for all non-university readers, you’ll be expected to recite a declaration stating that you won’t remove or damage any objects in the library upon entry. Some parts of the library, including the main quadrangles, are open to all visitors, but other areas, such as the reading rooms, are by guided tour only.

Among the most treasured items in the library are the letters of poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, four copies of the Magna Carta, a Gutenberg Bible from 1455 and William Shakespeare’s First Folio, from 1623.

Break for something to eat at the Bodleian Café, where there are sandwiches, meals, desserts and refreshments. You can purchase a souvenir, such as a mug or bag bearing an image of the library, from the Zvi Meitar Bodleian Libraries Shop.

The Bodleian Library is located between Hertford College and Exeter College in the University of Oxford. It is next to the Museum of the History of Science, the Sheldonian Theatre and the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin. There are plenty of bus stops along the nearby high street, or you can walk from the center of the city. The library is open to visitors daily from morning until early evening year-round.

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Best Lodging Options Near Bodleian Library

The Randolph Hotel Oxford, a Graduate by Hilton

The Randolph Hotel Oxford, a Graduate by Hilton

5 out of 5
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The Randolph Hotel Oxford, a Graduate by Hilton
George Street Hotel

George Street Hotel

5 out of 5
15-19 George Street, Oxford, England
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Malmaison Oxford

Malmaison Oxford

4 out of 5
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Linton Lodge Hotel, BW Signature Collection

Linton Lodge Hotel, BW Signature Collection

3 out of 5
11-13 Linton Road, Oxford, England
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The Store

The Store

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Courtyard by Marriott Oxford City Centre

Courtyard by Marriott Oxford City Centre

4 out of 5
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Courtyard by Marriott Oxford City Centre
Old Bank Hotel

Old Bank Hotel

4 out of 5
High Street, 92-94 0, Oxford, England
Old Bank Hotel
Vanbrugh House Hotel

Vanbrugh House Hotel

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Vanbrugh House Hotel
Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel

Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Bodleian Library

When visiting the Bodleian Library in Oxford, be sure to enjoy a guided library tour and explore the rich history of this iconic institution. Don't miss out on the various Oxford walking tours that showcase the city's stunning attractions, allowing you to stroll around and learn about its fascinating heritage. Whether you're wandering through the library or discovering the vibrant surroundings, there’s plenty to see and do in this remarkable area.

Shopping

The Covered Market, just 161m from the Bodleian Library, offers a vibrant mix of local goods and artisanal products. If you're up for a drive, Bicester Avenue and Bicester Shopping Park, both 16.1km away, provide family-friendly shopping experiences with a variety of entertainment options.

Recreation

Kassam Stadium, located 4.8km from Bodleian Library, offers a vibrant sports atmosphere perfect for energizing activities. Port Meadow, just 1.6km away, invites you to relax and rejuvenate amidst its serene landscapes. For a fun adventure, the Oxford Ice Rink, 805m away, provides thrilling ice skating experiences.

Adventure

At Bodleian Library, thrill-seekers can enjoy High Ropes Oxford, a zipline ropes course located 11.3km away, perfect for adventurous outdoor fun. For hiking enthusiasts, the Thames Path National Trail, 9.7km away, offers stunning scenery and an exhilarating hiking experience amidst beautiful landscapes.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Bodleian Library with a show at the Sheldonian Theatre, right at your doorstep, or catch a performance at the New Theatre Oxford, just a short stroll away. For more entertainment, the Oxford Playhouse offers a lively atmosphere, perfect for family and friends.

Find the best attractions near Bodleian Library

Whether you’re a history buff or a family seeking cultural experiences, the Bodleian Library in Oxford offers a variety of attractions. Explore the rich heritage of historic colleges and modern universities, alongside beautiful churches. Don’t miss the chance to discover the Bodleian Library itself, a treasure trove of knowledge and history, perfect for any visitor eager to immerse themselves in the local culture.

  • University of Oxford: This historic institution, located 483m from Bodleian Library, is steeped in centuries of academic tradition. Wander through its magnificent architecture and soak up the vibrant culture that has shaped some of the world's greatest minds.
  • Oxford Castle: Situated 644m away, this captivating castle offers a blend of romance and history. Explore its medieval structures and enjoy the captivating tales that echo through the stone walls, making it a perfect spot for history enthusiasts.
  • Wadham College: Just 161m from the library, this modern college showcases contemporary architecture alongside rich traditions. Experience the lively city vibes and engage with the dynamic student culture that thrives within its walls.

Best time to go to Bodleian Library

Visitor numbers around Bodleian Library is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Bodleian Library can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Bodleian Library falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Bodleian Library falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January38.8°F (3.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February40.1°F (4.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
March43.0°F (6.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.9°F (8.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July62.2°F (16.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August61.5°F (16.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September57.6°F (14.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
November45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December41.2°F (5.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Bodleian Library

When visiting Bodleian Library in Oxford, take advantage of the free entry and explore nearby attractions like the Ashmolean Museum and Covered Market. To save on accommodation, consider visiting in January or October to November, with Mondays being the cheapest days to stay. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotels by sorting prices and applying filters for eco-certified options. Additionally, look for package deals that combine your hotel, flights, and activities to maximize savings while enjoying this historic site.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Bodleian Library are January and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Bodleian Library is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Bodleian Library is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and much more. You can organize your results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable accommodations first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will show you available sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the Bodleian Library with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.