Oxford News
Inside Harry Potter filming locations at Oxford University
For many people, myself included as a Slytherin, the Harry Potter connection is one of the biggest draws to arguably the university’s most famous college.
Long before stepping through the doors, Christ Church had been on my list because of its links to the wizarding world, and it certainly did not disappoint.
While the hall itself was not used as Hogwarts’ Great Hall, it famously inspired the set designers behind the films.
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Standing beneath the portraits and taking in the grandeur of the room, it is impossible not to picture Harry, Ron and Hermione gathering for a feast beneath floating candles.
The long wooden tables, high ceilings and centuries of history make it feel every bit as magical as the fictional dining hall it helped inspire.
Elsewhere, the stone staircase leading up from the entrance hall became one of the most recognisable filming locations in the franchise.
It appears in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone when Professor McGonagall first welcomes young witches and wizards to Hogwarts, and seeing it in person is a surreal experience.
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What is impressive, however, is that Christ Church does not rely solely on its cinematic fame as even without the Harry Potter connection, it remains one of Oxford’s most jaw-dropping spots.
The self-guided tour allows visitors to explore the college at their own pace, taking in centuries of history, stunning architecture and the unique atmosphere that has made Christ Church one of the most famous colleges in the world.
Founded in the 16th century by Cardinal Wolsey and later re-established by King Henry VIII, there is a remarkable sense of history around every corner.
One of the highlights is the chapel, officially Christ Church Cathedral which features intricate stonework, stained-glass windows and a peaceful atmosphere.
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It also plays host each December to Follow the Stars, the much-loved Macmillan Cancer Support Christmas carol concert, which takes place in the spectacular surroundings of the building.
The annual event has become a fixture of Oxford’s festive calendar and has welcomed celebrity readers over the years, including actors Harry Potter actors Toby Jones and Jason Isaacs.
We were welcomed by amazing live singing whilst inside the stunning cathedral as well as a welcoming message alongside the Lord’s Prayer, which was a nice touch.
Outside, the grounds offered another memorable sight, although not quite for the reasons I had expected.
Christ Church’s famous lawns are usually renowned for their rich green appearance, providing a picture-postcard backdrop for visitors and photographers alike.
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However, this summer’s prolonged heatwaves, combined with the ongoing Thames Water hosepipe ban, have left many grassed areas looking parched and brown.
While it was a shame not to see them in their usual glory, it was also a striking reminder of the impact the continuous dry weather has had across Oxfordshire.
Even so, the beauty of the college was never diminished. with historic quadrangles, cloisters and views across the site still creating a sense of grandeur that few can match.
No visit to Christ Church would be complete without spotting Tom Tower, with the bell ringing 101 times every evening, continuing a centuries-old tradition.
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What makes Christ Church stand out is the combination of so many different experiences in one visit.
Harry Potter fans can enjoy seeing locations connected to one of the world’s most successful film franchises and history lovers can immerse themselves in nearly 500 years of fascinating heritage.
Architecture enthusiasts can admire some of the finest buildings in Oxford, and anyone simply looking for a memorable day out will find plenty to enjoy.
For me, that blend of history, culture, beauty and movie magic is what makes Christ Church such a special place to visit.
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Whether you arrive because of Hogwarts or because you want to explore Oxford University’s most iconic college, you are unlikely to leave disappointed.
August 2026 is also a great time to visit as Christ Church is taking part in the Government-backed Summer Savings Scheme.
This means reduced-price tickets are available throughout the month, making it even more accessible for families and visitors looking to make the most of the summer holidays.
Check the post because your letter to Hogwarts has definitely arrived with this one.
On Wednesday, September 2, it was the Concours judging and private viewings to dominate the agenda for the day.
Twelve Concours classes were held across almost a century of motoring, including The Golden Age of Motoring, 100 Years of Carrrozzeria Touring, La Dolce Vita, 60 Years of the Lamborghini Miura and Passione Ferrari.
Two new classes also made their debut for 2026, Rare Breeds of the Digital Age and Hypercar Heaven, which recognise the growing importance of contemporary performance cars within the international collector market.
Judging will take place across Wednesday and Thursday, with the show field bringing together a 70-strong collection of classics, supercars and hypercars from around the world.
Some of the cars include Aa Maserati 8C 3000, Alfa Romeo Sprint Berlinetta, a one-off Maserati 3500GT Spyder Prototipo by Vignale, a very early Porsche 356 Split Window Coupé, Aston Martin DB3S, Lamborghini Miura P400S, Bizzarrini 5300GT, Ferrari 250 GT Series 1 Cabriolet, Bugatti EB110 Prototype, Aston Martin Valiant Prototype and the extraordinary Bugatti Bolide, one of just 40 produced worldwide.
Helen Pike has decided to step down as Master of Magdalen College School at the end of the 2026/27 academic year, the school in east Oxford announced in March.
MCS is one of the top performing schools in the country, ranking in the top 20 independent secondary schools in The Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide 2026.
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The new academic year will start next week, with Ms Pike preparing for one more year in charge before she hands over to her successor, who will take over in September 2027.
The first female Master at MCS, Ms Pike guided the board of governors to one of the most significant decisions in the school’s history, to become fully co-educational from 2027.
While there has been a co-educational sixth form at the school for 15 years, the school last month announced it will become fully co-educational over the coming decade.
Ms Pike said earlier: “I love MCS, and it is a perennial privilege to lead this remarkable school.
“Being Master of MCS is a brilliant job, and I am declaring my intention early in order to give MCS the very best opportunity to find the right Master for September 2027. I shall continue to do all in my power to further the fortunes of this wonderful school until then.
“I look forward to a new phase in my own professional life, one that builds on all that I have enjoyed and achieved in my career during the past 30 years.
“Having encouraged many cohorts of pupils to take sensible risks and to do something creative and different when the time feels right, I am doing just that.”
During Ms Pike’s tenure, MCS has been recognised as a Top 20 Independent School and South East School of the Year by the Sunday Times and won Independent School of the Year for Social Mobility.
Thanking her in his letter to the school community, chair of governors, Bob Price, said earlier this year: “Helen is an outstanding leader and will go with our sincere gratitude and warm thanks for her exceptional headship.
“She will leave the school in excellent shape for her successor.”
Recruitment for a replacement for Ms Pike is now under way.
Last month, Ms Pike congratulated pupils on their “outstanding success” in this year’s A-Level exams, after more than a quarter of pupils (43) achieved three A*s or more and 25 secured all A*s.
In total, 39 pupils from the 2026 cohort are heading to Oxbridge, while 22 have secured places to study medicine.
As part of the school’s expansion plans, MCS is preparing to build a new Science, Library and Partnerships building.
A spokeswoman said the new building will offer an exciting opportunity to reimagine the senior school site as staff look ahead to full co-education.
She added earlier: “With a vision to create a sector-leading science building in the centre of Oxford, the development will enable us to support an ambitious and forward-looking science curriculum, expanding to the emerging and rapidly advancing areas of robotics, AI and Big Data.”
Holding banners which read ‘For f**k’s sake, just stop oil’, the demonstrators took to the road in Parliament Square at noon today (Wednesday, September 2).
This was as Andy Burnham faced his first Prime Minister’s Questions, and many of the protestors glued themselves to the road.
The group demanded that the UK government stop approving all further oil and gas developments, and sign a Fossil Fuel Treaty to stop oil and gas extraction.
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Just Stop Oil say that the police are expected to arrest all those blocking the road, and that one lane has been left free of glued-on action takers to permit access for emergency vehicles.
Andy Burnham is due to make a decision on whether to allow more drilling for oil and gas in the North Sea.
Reverend James Crote, a Baptist Minister and grandfather from Chesterton near Bicester, said: “Today is my grandson’s first birthday. I have to take action for the sake of his future.
The 69-year-old added: “The government has been dilly-dallying about whether to say yes or no to the Rosebank oil field but, if we want a future for our children, there is no choice – it has to say ‘no’.
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“I am here as a Christian Minister because the Church has to speak out and demand that the government stops approving further oil and gas developments now. It’s time for us all to say ‘For God’s sake, Just Stop Oil’.”
Data from the Met Office indicates that 2026 was the hottest summer in UK recorded history, beating 2025, which was the previous hottest summer on record.
2026 was also one of the driest summers on record, delivering record-low food harvests.
Climbing temperatures have triggered wildfires across the country, and national fire chiefs said the wildfire risk facing the UK is “like nothing we have seen before”.
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Taking action, grandmother Victoria Ann Lynch-Staunton from Leamington Spa, said: “What is happening is beyond a tragedy.”
The 71-year-old added: “I beg everyone to join Just Stop Oil or governments will continue to prioritise endless growth and corporate profit over billions of lives – yours and your children.
“Wake up and smell the coffin. It is the responsibility of all of us to act now!”
A Just Stop Oil spokesperson said today: “We are all Just Stop Oil.
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“Every single person who fears deadly wildfires, devastating droughts, and spiralling food shortages is Just Stop Oil.
“The first duty of government is to keep the public safe – but by greenlighting oil and gas drilling, they endanger our survival while corporates and billionaires laugh their way to the bank.
“Every one of us feels alone and powerless in the face of this insanity, but we know there is massive political and public support for our demand.
“So we’re inviting everyone to join us at an online call on 3rd October 2026 – because it’s when we work together that we are powerful and win.”
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