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Christ Church College

About

Christ Church, founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII, is one of Oxford’s most prestigious and architecturally striking colleges, uniquely serving as both a college of the University and the cathedral of the Diocese of Oxford. Its grand Tom Quad, the largest in Oxford, and the iconic Tom Tower designed by Sir Christopher Wren, set the stage for centuries of academic and political influence, having educated thirteen British prime ministers and many other notable figures1. The Great Hall, famed for inspiring the Hogwarts dining hall in the Harry Potter films, and the college’s links to Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, add to its cultural allure. Visitors can explore the cathedral’s intricate stained glass, stroll through the tranquil Meadow, and admire architecture spanning Tudor to Georgian styles. With its blend of history, scholarship, and artistry, Christ Church remains a living symbol of Oxford’s heritage and a magnet for scholars and visitors from around the world.

Oxford United Kingdom
Christ Church College
Location

Christ Church College is located on St Aldate’s in the heart of Oxford city centre (OX1 1DP), just minutes’ walk from Oxford’s main shopping streets, museums, and transport hubs. Founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII, Christ Church is one of Oxford University’s largest and most famous colleges, notable for its stunning architecture including Tom Tower, Tom Quad – the largest quadrangle in Oxford – and the Great Dining Hall. The college is unique in also being the cathedral for the Diocese of Oxford, featuring a 12th-century cathedral that houses the shrine of Oxford’s patron saint, St Frideswide. Nearby attractions include Christ Church Meadow, offering riverside walks and picturesque views, the Ashmolean Museum, and the Oxford Covered Market. The college’s iconic buildings have featured in many films, such as the Harry Potter series, and its gardens and meadows provide a peaceful oasis amid the lively city centre bustle, blending academic heritage with accessible cultural exploration.

Ashmolean Museum Ashmolean Museum Museum Museum of Oxford Museum of Oxford Museum Oxford University Museum of Natural History Oxford University Museum of Natural History Museum Pitt Rivers Museum Pitt Rivers Museum Museum History of Science Museum History of Science Museum Museum Bate Collection of Musical Instruments Bate Collection of Musical Instruments Museum Science Oxford Centre Science Oxford Centre Museum The Story Museum The Story Museum Museum Oxford Illusion Museum Oxford Illusion Museum Museum Abingdon County Hall Museum Abingdon County Hall Museum Museum The painted room The painted room Museum Christ Church Picture Gallery Christ Church Picture Gallery Museum Convocation House Convocation House Museum Oxford Bus Museum Oxford Bus Museum Museum Oxford Playhouse Oxford Playhouse Theatre New Theatre Oxford New Theatre Oxford Theatre Pegasus Theatre Pegasus Theatre Theatre The North Wall Arts Centre The North Wall Arts Centre Theatre Burton Taylor Studio Burton Taylor Studio Theatre Modern Art Oxford Modern Art Oxford Gallery Ovada Ovada Gallery Sarah Wiseman Galler Sarah Wiseman Galler Gallery Castle Fine Art Oxford Castle Fine Art Oxford Gallery Oxford Castle & Prison Oxford Castle & Prison Castle The Grandpont House The Grandpont House Historical sites Radcliffe Camera Radcliffe Camera Library Sheldonian Theatre Sheldonian Theatre Theatre Carfax Tower Carfax Tower Historical Landmark Martyrs’ Memorial Martyrs’ Memorial Memorial Bridge of Sighs Bridge of Sighs Bridge University Parks University Parks Park Christ Church Meadow Christ Church Meadow Park South Park South Park Park Port Meadow Port Meadow Park Oxford Botanic Garden Oxford Botanic Garden Botanical Garden Oxford Covered Market Oxford Covered Market Market Gloucester Green Market Gloucester Green Market Market East Oxford Farmers’ & Community Market East Oxford Farmers’ & Community Market Market