Oxford
Historic Oxford college

Exploring New College, Oxford

Plan your journey through one of Oxford's most historic 14th-century college grounds.

HistoryArchitectureLocal heritage

Explore one of Oxford's most historic colleges, featuring magnificent medieval cloisters, a grand chapel, and peaceful walled gardens. Visitors can walk the historic grounds, view the impressive architecture, and experience a centuries-old academic atmosphere.

A historic University of Oxford college known for its medieval cloisters, grand chapel, peaceful gardens, and rich academic heritage.

New College
The Heritage of New College

Located in Oxford, New College showcases centuries of academic tradition and remarkable architecture. The historic grounds feature magnificent medieval cloisters, a grand dining hall, and the quiet Muniment Tower. Visitors can explore the peaceful walled gardens and historic chapel, experiencing the rich heritage of this active, working academic environment.

Gothic stone buildings of New College with tall arched windows, pinnacles, and a square tower rising above a green lawn under a blue sky
New College opening hours in Oxford

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for New College. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Oxford.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
New College Admission and Ticket Information

Visiting New College in Oxford requires a paid admission ticket, with standard adult entry and concessions available for seniors, students with valid identification, and visitors with disabilities. Family tickets cover up to two adults and three children, while children under seven and accompanying carers enjoy free entry. Please note that all ticket payments on-site must be made by card only.

Adult
£12.00

Standard general admission Payment by card only

Senior
£11.00

Part of concessions Payment by card only

Student
£11.00

Full-time students Payment by card only

Visitor Amenities at New College

New College provides several facilities to support visitor comfort and accessibility, including elevator access to the Hall and wheelchair-friendly routes across the grounds. Visitors may participate in self-guided tours using printed materials provided on-site, where individual tickets are available for purchase via card. While guide dogs are welcome, general pets are not permitted, and visitors should note that the college does not offer parking or allow the use of tripods.

Lift access

Available

Guide dogs allowed

Available

Wheelchair Accessible

Available

Self-guided tours

Available
New College Location in Historic Oxford

Situated on Holywell Street in the heart of Oxford, New College provides an atmospheric stop for those exploring the university city. Its central Oxfordshire location means visitors can easily pair a walk through its medieval cloisters and peaceful walled gardens with other historic landmarks nearby. This historic college serves as a quiet sanctuary just steps away from the bustling city center.

Planning Your Visit to New College

When planning a trip to New College in Oxford, visitors can explore the historic grounds using a dedicated ticketed visitor route. This self-guided pathway allows you to experience the 14th-century chapel, cloisters, hall, and gardens at your own pace. Allowing sufficient time to walk through the medieval city walls and film locations ensures a complete experience of the college grounds.

Planning Your Visit to New College

The New College Visitor Experience

Visitors to New College in Oxford can experience a unique journey through centuries of academic tradition. This working university college invites the public to explore its historic grounds, entering via New College Lane. The self-guided experience highlights the magnificent medieval cloisters, a grand chapel, and the dining hall. Beyond these impressive stone structures, the tranquil walled gardens offer a peaceful retreat showcasing the college's enduring heritage. Walking through these quiet quadrangles provides a rare glimpse into a living student environment.

Stone college buildings with a Gothic chapel tower and spire surrounding a manicured striped lawn, with a blooming pink cherry blossom tree and arched gateway

The History and Heritage of New College

Founded in 1379, New College in Oxford stands as **one of the oldest academic institutions** within the university. Over the centuries, the college has preserved its rich heritage, showcasing medieval cloisters and a grand chapel. While other institutions globally have historically shared this distinctive name, the original Oxford site remains a premier example of medieval architecture. Visitors can explore these well-preserved structures that have housed scholars for generations.

  • Founding of New College, Oxford

    1379Founding

    New College, Oxford was founded in 1379 as part of the University of Oxford, making it one of the oldest institutions listed under this name.

  • Renaming of Harvard College

    1639Milestone

    Before being formally named in 1639, Harvard College was historically referred to as 'the New College' in the United States.

  • Operation of Teachers College New College

    1932-1939Other

    New College at Teachers College, Columbia University, operated as a distinct academic entity for a period of seven years during the 20th century.

  • University of Southampton New College operation period

    1997-2006Other

    The New College associated with the University of Southampton was active as an educational institution for nearly a decade, spanning from 1997 until its closure in 2006.

Common Questions About Visiting New College Oxford

Wondering when to explore New College in Oxford, or where to park your modern chariot? We can confirm it is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00 (yes, even on Mondays!), but you will have to leave the car behind as there is absolutely no visitor parking on-site. Dive into our quick FAQs to get all your practical questions sorted before you visit.

What are the daily visiting hours for New College?

New College is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, Monday through Sunday.

Is New College open on Mondays?

Yes, New College is open on Mondays from 10:00 to 17:00.

What are the New College weekend opening hours?

New College is open from 10:00 to 17:00 on Saturdays and Sundays, matching its standard daily schedule.

Does New College have special opening hours or holiday closures?

There are currently no listed special opening hours or holiday closures for New College.

Practical Tips for Visiting New College

When planning a visit to New College in Oxford, there are several practical details to keep in mind for a smooth experience. Individual tickets are purchased directly on-site and payment must be made by card, as cash is not accepted. Visitors can navigate the grounds using a printed guide provided by the Visitor Liaison team upon arrival. While the cloisters, hall, chapel, and gardens are wheelchair accessible, please be aware that the grounds feature uneven surfaces, though a lift is available for access to the hall. Additionally, please note that on-site parking is not available, tripods are prohibited, and pets are not permitted with the exception of guide dogs.

Visitor Experience and Accessibility at New College

New College in Oxford is well-suited for solo travelers, families, and groups interested in exploring historic architecture and local academic heritage. The college supports self-guided exploration, offering printed guides upon arrival to help visitors navigate the medieval cloisters, chapel, and walled gardens at their own pace. Key areas including the chapel, cloister, and dining hall—which is equipped with lift access—accommodate visitors with accessibility needs, though some outdoor pathways feature uneven surfaces. While personal photography is welcome, the use of tripods is not permitted, and visitors should note that there is no on-site car parking available.

Visual Highlights of New College

Visual previews of New College in Oxford highlight its striking medieval architecture, showcasing the towering Gothic chapel, historic stone walls, and scenic quadrangles. Photos capture the serene atmosphere of the grand dining hall alongside perfectly manicured green lawns and blooming cherry blossoms. These images offer a glimpse into the historic grounds and peaceful cloisters awaiting visitors.

Stone college buildings with a Gothic chapel tower and spire surrounding a manicured striped lawn, with a blooming pink cherry blossom tree and arched gateway
Gothic stone buildings of New College with tall arched windows, pinnacles, and a square tower rising above a green lawn under a blue sky
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