Explore behind the scenes at Oxford University this weekend

Oxford University and its colleges will host numerous activities, behind the scenes tours and special openings as part of Oxford Open Doors.

The annual event is a celebration of people, heritage, community, culture, science and research and is dedicated to opening places that are not always accessible to the public.

The Oxford Preservation Trust will open the doors to over 100 buildings for free on Saturday and Sunday, September 14-15, with family activities, exhibitions, tours and talks planned as part of the extensive programme.

Anna Eavis, Oxford Preservation Trust CEO, said: ‘Oxford Preservation Trust is the proud organiser of Oxford Open Doors. We’ve been running this extraordinary event since 2008, giving everyone in Oxford the chance to freely explore all aspects of their city.

‘Oxford Open Doors enables you to experience – free of charge – the city’s oldest and newest buildings, its gardens, its hidden corners and its many, many surprises. And you’ll discover how these places are used today, for innovation, research, art, culture and community.’

Behind the scenes

Oxford’s colleges are always hugely popular during the weekend and Harris Manchester, Christ Church, Pembroke, Worcester, Exeter, Mansfield, Wolfson, St John’s, Magdalen, Reuben, Balliol, Green Templeton, Wadham, Kellogg, Somerville, St Cross, St Edmund Hall and New College will all be welcoming visitors for special events and openings.

Oxford Open Doors enables you to experience – free of charge – the city’s oldest and newest buildings, its gardens, its hidden corners and its many, many surprises

Anna Eavis, Oxford Preservation Trust CEO

Also proving popular are behind the scenes tours at the University, with many booked up in advance. Those who have reserved a place will enjoy a unique opportunity to tour the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, go behind the scenes at Oxford University Press and the Sherardian Library of Plant Taxonomy, and even tour the Radcliffe Camera with Bodley's Librarian Richard Ovenden.

Elsewhere, visitors will also have the chance to explore the Radcliffe Humanities building. Once a hospital – the Radcliffe Infirmary – from 1770 to 2007, it has a fascinating history with numerous hidden treasures, and the refurbishment has retained many original features.

Oxford Open Doors is about embracing the opportunity to learn about so many interesting places such as the Real Tennis Court at Oxford University where visitors will be able to watch the ancient fore-runner to lawn tennis played in the magnificent 18th century court.

There will also be special family-friendly tours to see behind closed door at the Weston Library and letterpress printing at the Bodleian Old Library. The Blavatnik School of Government will be open for self-guided tours and there will be Guided Geology Walks at the Museum of Natural History – a colourful and informative tour of the building interior whilst learning about geology along the way.

Firm favourites

The courtyard at Oxford Castle will once again be a hub of activity where visitors can see professional stone carvers at work, enjoy music from the City of Oxford Silver Band and the Ghaetta Medieval Band, and experience 1,000 years of history at the Castle and Prison. 

Spectacular city vistas can be enjoyed from the top of Carfax Tower and the Sheldonian Theatre, both opening for Oxford Open Doors.

Firm favourites over the weekend include the opening of Rewley Road Fire Station and The Painted Room; a special place hidden above Cornmarket with its Elizabethan wall paintings and connections to Shakespeare.

There will be plenty of walking tours including the Greyfriars 800^th anniversary walk and a chance to go behind the scenes at the New Theatre and Oxford Union Debating Chamber.

Anna Eavis added: ‘We owe enormous thanks to all those who open their doors for us and to our many brilliant volunteers, who work so hard throughout the weekend. We’re also grateful to the University of Oxford for its support.’

Download the full programme and map, and check timings and availability on tours, at Oxford Open Doors Events 2024 | Oxford Preservation Trust.