The Old Library and Radcliffe Camera are working libraries of the University of Oxford. Our library guided tours are the only way to go inside these spaces.
To go inside the Radcliffe Camera, you will need to book a ticket for our 90-minute tour or one of our special tours (summer only). These tours are very popular and sell out quickly.
The Weston Library is free to enter, and no ticket is required.
All tour attendees must purchase a ticket to join a tour, including University of Oxford students.
You can buy tour tickets either in person at the Weston Library or online. We’re unable to take bookings by telephone.
Before you book, check for any upcoming closures that might affect the tours we can offer.
Buy tickets in person
Most tour tickets are only available to buy in person on the day of the tour.
You can buy tickets from the information desk in the Weston Library. During peak periods, such as weekends and during July and August, tickets often sell out by 12pm.
Audio guides are available to buy in person only. This guide will take you around the exteriors of the libraries and inside the Divinity School. It does not include entry to the Bodleian Library.
Buy tickets online
A limited number of tour tickets are released to buy in advance online.
Tickets go on sale exactly 1 month in advance of the tour. For example, a tour on 5 May at 10am will go on sale on 5 April at 10am.
Online tickets often sell out quickly. If a tour is fully booked online, there may be tickets available to buy in person on the day.
Receiving your tickets
When you book online, you can choose to receive a mobile e-ticket (Apple Wallet or Google Wallet), or get your ticket as a PDF attachment.
Once you’ve completed your booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your tickets.
If you have not received your email and tickets within 3 hours, please check your spam/junk folder. For any missing tickets, please contact tours@bodleian.ox.ac.uk, providing as much information about your booking as possible.
Arriving for your tour
Please arrive 5 minutes before your tour time.
Bring your tickets with you and present them to be scanned when asked. If you have booked online, you can present your ticket either on your mobile device or as a print-out.
One ticket must be presented per visitor. Tickets are only valid on the time and date shown.
Cancellations and refunds
Tickets are non-refundable.
If you’re unable to join your tour for any reason, please contact us by telephone on 01865 287400 so that our guide does not wait for you.
We reserve the right to cancel any tour at short notice. Any pre-purchased tickets will be refunded.
Languages
All tours are delivered in English.
Written translations in other languages are available: please speak with a member of the Tours team before starting your tour.
Photography
You’re welcome to take photos during our tours, except inside the Radcliffe Camera. We ask that you don’t use flash or photograph readers or staff.
Photography is not allowed in the Radcliffe Camera.
