New College — despite its name meaning "new," it is the third oldest college in Oxford, founded in 1379 by William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester and Lord Chancellor of England, with the full title "The College of St Mary of Winchester in Oxford." It was the first college in Oxford to admit undergraduate students and the first to be planned around a complete quadrangle, establishing the architectural model for the Oxford collegiate system. The medieval cloisters are the finest preserved 14th-century cloisters in England, with stone arches surrounding a tranquil lawn, and grotesque carvings on the columns believed to have inspired C.S. Lewis's magical stone statues in Narnia. The ancient Holm Oak tree outside the cloisters is the filming location for the scene in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire where Draco Malfoy is turned into a ferret by Professor Moody. The college chapel features exquisite 14th-century stained glass and 62 misericords, and is home to the world-renowned New College Choir — a continuous tradition since the 1380s, with over 100 recorded albums and a Grammy Classical Award. The college gardens preserve an original section of the 12th-century Oxford city wall, which Wykeham pledged in the charter to maintain in perpetuity — a tradition still upheld every three years when the Mayor of Oxford inspects the wall. This one-day in-depth tour includes self-guided exploration, choir evensong experience, and a walk along the medieval city wall.
From the Gothic spires of the Front Quadrangle to the quiet stone arches of the medieval cloisters, follow the footsteps of Harry Potter, listen to the heavenly evensong of the choir, and walk along the 12th-century Oxford city wall
Enter from New College Lane in the morning, stepping first into the Front Quadrangle — Oxford's first purpose-built quadrangle completed in 1386, with Perpendicular Gothic architecture surrounding the central lawn, topped with carved grotesques and gargoyles. Pass through the archway into the medieval Cloisters (built late 14th century to 1400), where stone arches cast dappled shadows on both sides, the tranquil atmosphere transporting you back to the 14th century. The ancient Holm Oak tree on the east side of the cloisters is the classic filming location for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire — the scene where Malfoy is turned into a ferret by Mad-Eye Moody was filmed here. Then enter the College Chapel, a Perpendicular Gothic masterpiece with breathtaking 14th-century stained glass and 62 medieval misericords. The white stone reredos behind the altar, designed by 19th-century architect Sir George Gilbert Scott, features dozens of lifelike saint statues. Adjacent to the chapel, the Dining Hall with its long wooden tables and neatly arranged blue lamps, beneath Gothic vaulted ceilings hung with portraits of former wardens, is the core inspiration for the Hogwarts Great Hall in Harry Potter. In the afternoon, stroll through the College Gardens, climbing the Elizabethan viewing mound for a panoramic view, and walking the longest herbaceous border in Oxford. Deep in the garden lies an original section of the 12th-century Oxford city wall — Wykeham pledged in the charter to maintain it in perpetuity, and every three years the Mayor of Oxford still inspects it. At 18:15 during term time, return to the chapel to attend the free Evensong of the New College Choir, whose heavenly voices provide the perfect ending to the day.
A century-old literary pub frequented by Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, just a 5-minute walk from New College. Signature ale-braised beef stew with dark beer gravy, full of collegiate charm. Budget £15-£25 per person.
A hidden gem set within a 14th-century medieval vaulted space. Recommended hot lamb pie and seasonal beetroot salad. Enjoy organic light meals beneath centuries-old arches. Budget £10-£18 per person.
A refined restaurant converted from an old bank, featuring a glass atrium and academic art collection. Recommended mains include Oxford roast lamb cutlets and local trout. Budget £25-£40 per person.
Oxford's legendary handmade ice cream shop beloved by students. Their signature "Oxford Blue" lavender honey flavour is full of British creativity. Perfect for a summer afternoon stroll along New College Lane. Single scoop from £4.
New College is located in the heart of Oxford city centre, adjacent to Broad Street and High Street, within walking distance of several distinctive accommodation options.
In nearly 650 years since its founding, New College has nurtured countless world-shaping figures across literature, politics, science and the arts. Below are some representative alumni: