Christ Church College — Oxford's largest college, begun by Cardinal Wolsey in 1525 and formally founded by Henry VIII in 1546, is the only institution in the world that simultaneously serves as both a university college and a diocesan cathedral. The Bodley Tower Staircase is the classic scene in Harry Potter where Professor McGonagall welcomes new students; the Great Hall's Renaissance long tables and fan-vaulted ceiling directly inspired the set design of the Hogwarts Great Hall; Christopher Wren's Tom Tower rings 101 chimes every night at 9:05 pm, echoing across Oxford's largest quadrangle, Tom Quad. The college has produced 13 British Prime Ministers, author Lewis Carroll (Alice in Wonderland) and mathematician Charles Dodgson. The one-day in-depth tour includes a multimedia audio guide, gallery special exhibitions and a stroll through the surrounding colleges.
From the fan-vaulted staircase of Bodley Tower to Wren's bell tower in Tom Quad, step into Henry VIII's college and experience the dual charm of the Harry Potter magical world and Alice's wonderland
Start the morning at the Christ Church visitor centre and pick up a multimedia audio guide (available in Chinese). First, climb the Bodley Tower Staircase — this stone staircase with its exquisite fan-vaulted ceiling is the classic filming location in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone where Professor McGonagall greets first-year students at the top of the stairs, and also the scene where Harry and Ron rush up the stairs after returning to school in the flying car. Then enter the Great Hall, built in the 1520s, a Renaissance-style hall that directly inspired the Hogwarts Great Hall. The walls are hung with portraits of distinguished alumni from W.H. Auden to Judith Pallot, and the stained-glass windows bear witness to eight hundred years of college glory. In the afternoon, stroll through Tom Quad, Oxford's largest quadrangle, and look up at Christopher Wren's Tom Tower, designed in 1682, listening to the 101 chimes that ring every night at 9:05. Then visit Christ Church Cathedral, built in the late 12th century, which simultaneously serves as the diocese cathedral of Oxford and the college chapel. Finally, explore Peckwater Quad and visit the Picture Gallery, admiring original sketches by Da Vinci, Raphael and Michelangelo, along with 300 Old Master paintings.
Right next to Christ Church College, this creative restaurant themed around Alice in Wonderland serves a signature "Mad Hatter Afternoon Tea" three-tier tower and Cheshire Cat-shaped molten chocolate cake, full of childlike whimsy. £18-£30 per person, a must-visit for fans of both Harry Potter and Alice.
The century-old literary pub where Tolkien and C.S. Lewis regularly met, just a 5-minute walk from Christ Church College. Signature British beer-braised beef stew with dark beer gravy, full of collegiate atmosphere. £15-£25 per person.
A hidden café set in a 14th-century medieval vaulted space beneath the University Church. Try the hearty lamb pie and seasonal beetroot salad, enjoying organic light meals under the centuries-old vaulted ceiling. £10-£18 per person.
Oxford students' favourite legendary artisan ice cream shop. The signature "Oxford Blue" lavender honey flavour is full of British creativity. Perfect for a summer afternoon stroll in Radcliffe Square. Single scoop from £4.
Christ Church College opens its student rooms to the public during Easter and summer holidays — a fantastic opportunity to experience "living in Hogwarts." Guests can enjoy an English breakfast in the Great Hall, free access to all college areas and the gallery, and 24-hour porter service.