Central · Founded 1379
New College
One of Oxford's grandest medieval colleges, famous for its atmospheric cloisters and mound-topped gardens along the old city wall, and instantly recognisable to film fans from the Harry Potter series.
The college
A closer
look.
Central — Holywell Street / New College Lane
Founded 1379. Founded in 1379 by William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester, formally as the College of St Mary; it was 'new' relative to the older college of the same dedication.
A landmark of 14th-century Perpendicular Gothic, purpose-built around a Great Quad, with celebrated cloisters, a bell tower, a magnificent chapel and a stretch of the medieval Oxford city wall enclosing its gardens.
On the same walk
Closest to
this one.
On a visit
Don’t miss.
- 01Cloisters
- 02Bell tower
- 03Chapel with Epstein's 'Lazarus' sculpture and an El Greco painting
- 04Medieval city wall in the gardens
- 05The Mound
- 06Hall
- 07World-renowned choir
Connected to
Notable
names.
- Cloisters and courtyard used as filming locations in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
- Hugh Grant
- Kate Beckinsale
- Tony Benn
- Founder William of Wykeham (also founded Winchester College)
Before you go
Visiting New College
Open to Public (Ticketed). Published visitor access: Summer, Easter to October: daily 10:00–17:00, last entry 16:30; winter, October to Easter: Tuesday–Sunday 13:30–16:30, last entry 16:00. Admission: Adults £12; seniors, under-16s and full-time students £10; family ticket £32; under-7s, Oxford residents and old members free. College events, services and exams can still close areas at short notice.
Opening hours, admission and access change often — check the official site before you travel.
- Founded
- 1379
- Area
- Central — Holywell Street / New College Lane
- Type
- College
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