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Central · Founded 1546

Christ Church

Oxford's grandest and most-visited college — its Great Hall and staircase are closely tied to the Harry Potter films, and it holds a cathedral and an Old Master picture gallery.

Official site ↗

Founded 1546. Established in its present form in 1546 by King Henry VIII, refounding Cardinal Thomas Wolsey's earlier Cardinal College of 1525; it is uniquely both an Oxford college and the seat of the Diocese of Oxford's cathedral.

Tudor and later: Tom Quad (Oxford's largest quadrangle), Tom Tower crowned by Sir Christopher Wren, the great dining Hall, and the Norman-era Christ Church Cathedral.

Don’t miss

  • Great Hall and staircase
  • Tom Tower and Tom Quad
  • Christ Church Cathedral
  • Christ Church Picture Gallery
  • Christ Church Meadow
  • cloisters

Notable names

Lewis Carroll (Charles Dodgson) and the real Alice, Alice Liddell · the Great Hall's link to the Harry Potter films · thirteen British Prime Ministers including W.E. Gladstone · John Locke · W.H. Auden · Albert Einstein (honorary)

Visiting

Operates as a formal ticketed visitor attraction, one of the few colleges with organised tourism; opening areas, hours and prices vary and areas close for services and events.

Opening hours, admission and current access change often — check the official site before you go.