The staircase to the Great Hall

Christ Church, the Hall staircase — Oxford

In the Oxford guide · Plan a day here

On screen

The first-years climb a stone staircase under a fan-vaulted ceiling on their way to the Sorting. On the stairs Draco Malfoy introduces himself to Harry, and Professor McGonagall greets them: “Welcome to Hogwarts.”

The place today

One of Oxford University’s largest colleges. Entry is ticketed and booking ahead online is wise. The visitor route climbs this very staircase into the Hall, which closes during student meals and sometimes at short notice.

Did you know? The hall at the top wasn’t filmed: Hogwarts’ Great Hall was built at the studios, inspired by the college’s dining hall. The same stairs return in the second film, inside Tom Riddle’s memory.

Sources: Christ Church · Experience Oxfordshire · movie-locations