New College — Local services in Oxford

New College, Oxford – Where Tradition Meets Timeless Beauty

Tucked away just off the High Street, New College is one of Oxford’s oldest and most architecturally beautiful colleges — despite its name. Founded in 1379 by William of Wykeham, the Bishop of Winchester, it was “new” only in relation to the earlier colleges, and today stands as a striking blend of medieval heritage and modern academic excellence.

Stepping through its gates feels like entering another world. The quads, cloisters, and soaring chapel are remarkably well preserved and radiate a sense of quiet grandeur. The Front Quad, with its perfectly proportioned lawn and honey-coloured stone, is the ideal embodiment of Oxford elegance. The cloisters, which featured in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, are a peaceful and photogenic highlight.

One of the college’s most iconic features is the garden, where ancient city walls form a dramatic backdrop to green lawns and towering trees. In spring and summer, the space is especially enchanting — a haven of birdsong, wildflowers, and quiet contemplation in the heart of the city.

The Chapel is among Oxford’s finest, known for its stunning stained glass, fan vaulting, and world-renowned New College Choir, whose performances draw visitors from far beyond the university. Music, in general, plays a central role in college life here, enriching its spiritual and cultural atmosphere.

Academically, New College enjoys a strong reputation, consistently ranking among the top Oxford colleges. Its tutorial system, student support, and excellent facilities create a dynamic and inclusive environment for learning. It also strikes a good balance between tradition and openness, with a vibrant student body and a forward-looking ethos.

Verdict: New College is Oxford at its most quintessential — beautiful, historic, and quietly majestic. Whether you’re a prospective student, an architecture enthusiast, or a curious visitor, it’s well worth a stop. It offers not just a glimpse into Oxford’s past, but a living, breathing part of...

Yes, it is more expensive to visit than most other collages. But it is fully worth it. Hell, it would still be worth it if the entrance was 12-13£. The collage is absolutely massive with 3 different garden areas and beautiful buildings and walls surrounding all that. I am not a hardcore Harry Potter fan. I have enjoyed the movies and that's about it. But this collage has some spots that screams Harry Potter. It is impossible not to be amazed. The dining hall apparently is the oldest and tallest dining hall in both Oxford and Cambridge, which is impressive. It is forbidden to take pictures there, but when you see the chapel wall, you will be dumbfounded, trust me. Also, the garden at the back and the city walls surrounding it are a sight to see for sure. Definitely loved going in the New Collage and truly think that this is the one you NEED to see if you are...

This weekend, in a 5m portable dome, I delivered 25 performances of my entertainment event Dome Club to 650 guests at the New College Commemoration Ball. A big thank you to Rory and his planning committee colleagues, who were professional and highly organised from the beginning and very helpful on the night. The 650 guests who visited the dome were polite and well-behaved despite the long queues. I wish there was room for a larger dome, so that everyone could have enjoyed the Dome Club experience. Thank you New College Commemoration Ball for another very pleasant digital...