Bodleian Library – Divinity School: Harry Potter Filming Location
About This Harry Potter Filming Location
The Divinity School is a breathtaking 15th‑century hall adjoining Oxford's Bodleian Library. Built between 1427 and 1483 in the Perpendicular Gothic style, it is the oldest surviving purpose‑built teaching room at any university. Its lierne‑vaulted ceiling features 455 carved bosses, and the tall arched windows flood the stone hall with light. Originally used for theological lectures and oral examinations, the room later hosted university ceremonies and is now reserved for events and guided tours. Its grandeur and historical significance make it an architectural gem within the Bodleian complex. The Divinity School served as the Hogwarts Hospital Wing throughout the Harry Potter films. In *Philosopher's Stone* it appears when Harry awakens after confronting Voldemort. In *Chamber of Secrets* the hall hosts Madam Pomfrey's infirmary scenes as Harry regrows his bones and Hermione lies petrified. The space is seen again in *Prisoner of Azkaban* when Harry and Hermione depart to use the Time‑Turner. Later films revisit the Divinity School: Ron recovers here after being poisoned in *Half‑Blood Prince*, and in *Goblet of Fire* Professor McGonagall teaches students to dance for the Yule Ball. The hall's vaulted ceiling and stone bays create a believable wizarding infirmary and one of the series' most recognisable interiors.
Fan Pilgrimage Tips
- • Best photo opportunities are typically in the early morning or late afternoon for ideal lighting
- • Bring props or costumes to recreate iconic scenes from Harry Potter
- • Check local weather conditions and dress appropriately for outdoor locations
- • Respect any filming restrictions and private property boundaries
- • Consider visiting during off-peak times to avoid crowds and get better photos
Visiting Information & Practical Details
Photo Opportunities and Best Views
Photo Tip 1
Capture the intricate lierne vaulting by lying your camera low and aiming up; a wide‑angle lens (16–24 mm) will encompass the entire ceiling.
Photo Tip 2
Position yourself at the centre of the hall to emphasise the symmetry of the stone bays and windows; soft natural light enhances the stonework.
Photo Tip 3
Arrive at the first or last entry slot of the day to avoid crowds and have unobstructed views of the hall for long‑exposure interior shots.
Harry Potter Scenes Filmed at Bodleian Library – Divinity School
Filming at Divinity School
Historic hall used as school hospital/classroom in multiple films.
Tours & Experiences
Continue Your Journey
Finished exploring Bodleian Library – Divinity School? The adventure doesn't have to end here. Discover more magical filming locations nearby and extend your Harry Potter pilgrimage.
Bodleian Library – Divinity School
Harry Potter • Nearby
The Divinity School is a breathtaking 15th‑century hall adjoining Oxford's Bodleian Library. Built between 1427 and 1483 in the Perpendicular Gothic style, it is the oldest surviving purpose‑built teaching room at any university. Its lierne‑vaulted ceiling features 455 carved bosses, and the tall arched windows flood the stone hall with light. Originally used for theological lectures and oral examinations, the room later hosted university ceremonies and is now reserved for events and guided tours. Its grandeur and historical significance make it an architectural gem within the Bodleian complex. The Divinity School served as the Hogwarts Hospital Wing throughout the Harry Potter films. In *Philosopher's Stone* it appears when Harry awakens after confronting Voldemort. In *Chamber of Secrets* the hall hosts Madam Pomfrey's infirmary scenes as Harry regrows his bones and Hermione lies petrified. The space is seen again in *Prisoner of Azkaban* when Harry and Hermione depart to use the Time‑Turner. Later films revisit the Divinity School: Ron recovers here after being poisoned in *Half‑Blood Prince*, and in *Goblet of Fire* Professor McGonagall teaches students to dance for the Yule Ball. The hall's vaulted ceiling and stone bays create a believable wizarding infirmary and one of the series' most recognisable interiors.
Bodleian – Convocation House
Harry Potter • 0.0km away
The Convocation House at Oxford's Bodleian Library wasn't specifically a Harry Potter film location, but it can be seen on tours that also include Duke Humfrey's Library, which was used for the Hogwarts library, and the Divinity School, which served as Hogwarts' infirmary. You can visit these locations by taking a guided library tour at the Bodleian, which must be booked in advance, and a 60-minute tour includes a visit to Convocation House. What it is: Convocation House is a hall in the Bodleian Library complex where the university's general assemblies take place. It is adjacent to the Divinity School, which was used as the Hogwarts infirmary in the Harry Potter films.
New College – Cloisters & Courtyard Tree
Harry Potter • 0.1km away
New College's quadrangle opens onto a grassy courtyard dominated by a 200‑year‑old holm oak tree. The lawn is enclosed by the college's 15th‑century cloister walls and the medieval dining hall, creating a peaceful green space in the heart of Oxford. Students and visitors enter the courtyard through a vaulted passageway and are often struck by the contrast between the tranquillity within and the bustling city outside. The ancient oak and honey‑coloured stone provide an idyllic backdrop for photographs and university life. In *Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*, the courtyard hosts several scenes. Classmates taunt Harry by wearing 'Potter Stinks' badges and cheering for Cedric Diggory during the Triwizard Tournament. Harry warns Cedric about the first task near the cloister arch, and later Draco Malfoy sits under the oak tree mocking Harry before Professor Moody transforms him into a ferret. The lawn and oak tree are clearly visible, making the courtyard instantly recognisable to fans.