Bodleian Library — Attraction in Oxford

Sorry to say very dissatisfied and disappointed visit. The fact is you can’t get tickets. This prestigious college really has no idea of the needs of a visitor and they need to pull up their britches and fix the website to take bookings and answer the phone that just rings out without answering machine. And if they ever get a chance to answer emails that are sent to speciality emails that are listed. I have written to the library on their especially made feedback email and copied it to this review below for your reading. I do hope to report back in the future that they have made an attempt to change their structure of selling tickets. It’s blindingly obvious that the library main attraction is the top seller. I would like to point out that someone from the library needs to go to Trinity College in Dublin to see a real tourist library visit and view how important it is to really put your shoulder behind the tourist / student visits and premier such a wonderful inclusive more rounded informative interactive experience.

Enjoy the read.

Good evening.

After taking the time to book an entire trip from ireland to Oxford to see the Bodleian Library on my best friends birthday I was devastated to learn you can’t get to see it unless you are paying over priced tickets via a private tour.

I tried for up to four weeks before coming to contact you via telephone x 12 ( no answer) and email to say I could not get to book the tickets for the 14th of October 2025 via your website. So on the day we arrived and we found the desk in the Weston library where I was told it was the only place you can get a ticket and I waited in the queue. As we waiting the board with the tours had spots that were disappearing before my eyes however the only two people that still had not made up their mind were standing at the desk.

So think got me curious if this is the only desk how are the spaces disappearing? When we got to the desk after the lady who was on her own did not buy anything but asked a million questions all the tours were gone except the city tour. However yet again as I looked at the board two more places disappeared.

The nice lady informed me that there were no spots and no way to see around the library. I asked what can we do and she replied come early 8am and stand in a que and hope for the best. I said we tried to book online but the system does not work. She said we don’t take booking online it first come first served. I said we had to leave early in the morning as we have a 4 hour drive up into wales to get the boat back. She said sorry that there was nothing she could do.

We came away very very disappointed as the whole experience was a failure due to the web site not taking bookings and the fact no email that I sent to ask for help was ever answered.

So it leads me to the fact that the que in the morning is a waste of time and tickets are sold to tour guides instead of the public.

The fact so many people come to see the library tells me that your making good profit on the tours which means there should be multipule of them Including at night or privately.

I have taken the time to understand that the city of Oxford is prestigious and that the libraries are a very important visit and so the access should be possible with a working website and not on the day which clearly i can say are not sold at only the Weston Library.

I will be reviewing this online for others to read as we are both avid travellers that love to review and sell places that are worth the visit.

On this occasion I have to say the Bodlian library has left a slight sour spot to the entire trip and we regret the report to you email but you need to act on our recommendation and fix your web site as tourist in the 21st century book...

The Bodleian Old Library is, hands down, the most quintessential Oxford library experience. It’s absolutely stunning—historical and atmospheric. Alongside the Radcliffe Camera, it’s one of the most beautiful places to study in Oxford.

That said, depending on the reading room it's also not the most comfortable or practical space.

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Duke Humfrey’s Library - 4/5

This is easily the prettiest part of the entire Bodleian Old Library.

However, it’s important to know that the rules here are quite strict: • You can’t bring in bags, coats, or even bottled water. • You’ll need to store everything in the lockers on the bottom floor of the library before entering.

For anyone wondering (since this isn’t listed anywhere online): you do get your £1 coin back after using the locker. It’s refundable, and you can reuse it as many times as you want throughout the day, which is a relief.

The space itself isn’t the most ergonomic or comfortable—little to no adjustable chairs or desks—but the atmosphere makes up for it. It’s an incredible place to spend a few hours working or reading.

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Lower Reading Room - 2/5

The lower reading room is a decent working space. It’s quieter and a bit more private than the upper floor, though not as pretty. A few ergonomic chairs are scattered around, and they’re usually available.

One downside: the desks are low, and it’s hard to cross your legs under them because of the built-in structure. It’s not ideal.

Both the upper and lower reading rooms are laid out in a U-shape (horseshoe), with lots of seating on both ends, so it’s worth walking around to find a good spot.

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Upper Reading Room - 5/5

This is arguably the most beautiful working space in the Old Library. It’s large, full of natural light, and has stunning high-up views from its big windows. The atmosphere feels much more spacious than the Lower Reading Room.

It’s also surprisingly warm and comfortable, even on cold rainy days. There are a few ergonomic chairs available here too, and they’re not in high demand. Overall, it’s one of the nicest places to work for long periods.

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Gladstone Link - 1/5

The Gladstone Link is, in my opinion, the worst part of the Library. It connects the Old Library with the Radcliffe Camera, and while it’s useful for quick reference or accessing the stacks, it’s simply not a pleasant place to work.

The lower level feels like a bunker—windowless, cold, and dim. The upper level is slightly better, but the see-through floor makes it disorienting and uncomfortable being able to see the stacks and people below you. The whole Gladstone Link fine for quick research or grabbing books, but not for actual sitting and studying.

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Final Thoughts

If you want to feel Oxford, the Bodleian Old Library—especially Duke Humfrey’s and the Upper Reading Room—is unbeatable. The atmosphere is incredible and deeply inspiring. But it’s also a reminder that this is a historic library, not a modern study lounge: beautiful, yes, but not always built...

For those who love books, history, and all things cultural, getting married in the Bodleian Library is an unforgettable experience. The library's grand and ornate architecture provides the perfect backdrop for a truly romantic and memorable wedding. With its high ceilings, intricate carvings, and stunning stained glass windows, the Bodleian Library is the perfect setting for a fairytale wedding. The library's central location in Oxford makes it easily accessible for guests, and its breathtaking beauty will leave a lasting impression on all those who attend. For the couple, exchanging vows in this magnificent space surrounded by the history and knowledge of centuries is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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In conclusion, getting married in the Bodleian Library in Oxford is a truly unforgettable experience. With its breathtaking beauty, rich history, and unparalleled elegance, it provides the perfect setting for a fairytale wedding. Whether you're a lover of books, culture, and Harry Potter, or simply looking for a venue that is truly one-of-a-kind, the Bodleian Library is the perfect choice for your big day. The multicultural celebration and the beautiful attire of the bride and groom, combined with the magical atmosphere of the Divinity School, made for an unforgettable and truly magical...