The Hall

History

St Edmund Hall, one of the oldest colleges in Oxford, was founded in 1278 by William of Grandisson, the Bishop of Exeter. Over the centuries, the college has maintained its unique character, with many of its original buildings still standing. The college is particularly famous for its association with C.S. Lewis, who often attended Holy Communion at the church of St. Peter’s-in-the-East, which is now part of the college.

How to Get There

• By Coach/Bus: Stagecoach (Oxford Tube) runs frequent coach services from London Victoria. Ask the driver to drop you at the Queen’s Lane/High Street bus stop, which is opposite the college. For visitors from overseas, the Airline bus service offers frequent coach services from London Heathrow and London Gatwick airports, which also stop at Queen’s Lane.
• By Train: Direct rail services connect Oxford to London, Birmingham, the South Coast, and Northern England. Trains from London leave at least hourly, and the journey takes approximately 60 minutes. The college is about 15-20 minutes walk from the station, or the number 5 bus from the station will drop you at Queen’s Lane.
• By Car: If you decide to drive, parking can be difficult to find and is expensive. The nearest public car park is in St Clement’s Street, or there is very limited on-street parking around the city centre. St Edmund Hall has no parking facilities for visitors, so it is strongly recommended to travel by public transport.

Attractions

1. St Edmund Hall Church (St. Peter’s-in-the-East): This historic church was often attended by C.S. Lewis for Holy Communion. It is now part of the college and features beautiful architecture.
2. The Queen’s Lane: This quiet lane is lined with historic buildings, including New College, The Queen’s College, and All Soul’s College. It offers a serene and picturesque walk through Oxford’s academic heart.
3. The Bodleian Library: Although not part of St Edmund Hall, the Bodleian Library is a must-visit attraction in Oxford. It is one of the oldest libraries in Europe and features stunning Gothic architecture. The library was used as a set for the first two Harry Potter films.
4. The Eagle and Child (The Bird and Baby): This famous pub is where the Inklings, a literary discussion group that included C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, would meet every Tuesday morning. It is a short walk from St Edmund Hall and offers a glimpse into Oxford’s literary history.

Ticket Information

• Admission: St Edmund Hall does not charge admission fees for visitors. However, some attractions within the college may require tickets or reservations. For example, the Bodleian Library offers guided tours starting at 9 GBP.
• Guided Tours: While St Edmund Hall itself does not offer guided tours, visitors can explore the college grounds and its historic buildings at their own pace.

Tips for Visiting

1. Comfortable Shoes: Wear good, comfortable walking shoes as you will be walking through historic streets and college grounds.
2. Weather Gear: Wear light, but waterproof clothing as the weather in Oxford can be unpredictable.
3. Arrival Time: Start your walking tour in the early afternoon to ensure you arrive at Magdalen College during visiting hours (2:00 pm to 6:15 pm daily).
4. Local Guide: Consider taking a free walking tour to get a solid introduction to the city and its landmarks. Footprints Tours are run by students and offer a great way to connect with local guides.
5. Reservations: For popular attractions like the Bodleian Library, it is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues.

St Edmund Hall in Oxford offers a unique blend of history, literature, and academic charm. Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan or simply interested in exploring one of the world’s oldest universities, this historic college is a must-visit destination in Oxford.