Opening Hours
Current opening times and closure dates for the Sheldonian Theatre, updated each month
Our opening hours may vary depending on what is happening in the building as it functions as a venue for university ceremonies, concerts and private events. These will be published one month in advance and may be subject to change at short notice.
Usual Opening Hours
We are open to the public Monday - Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
Our 30 minute Sheldonian Guided Tours take place at 11:15 & 14:30
Please check our upcoming closures & alternative hours for any changes to these times.
Visit Types
When the full Sheldonian Experience is on offer, visitors can enjoy access to the Auditorium, Old Printing Loft and Cupola.
On days when the access to the Auditorium is limited, we are delighted to offer a Cupola Views Visit. Visitors can climb the 114 stairs to a spectacular viewing gallery in the iconic green-domed Cupola, for 360-degree views across Oxford’s skyline. Whilst there, stay a while in the Old Printing Loft to see the interior of Wren’s amazing trussed roof of interlocking timbers up-close.
Please note that access to the Old Printing Loft and Cupola will end 15 minutes before closing time.
Please always check back to this webpage for updates before your visit and make sure you have the most up-to-date information.
The dates below show any changes to our usual opening hours, including days when we are open at different times or closed altogether.
August
- Saturday 1st August - Closed
- Saturday 8th August - Closed
- Sunday 9th August - No Guided Tours available
- Monday 17th August - No Guided Tours available
- Monday 24th August - No Guided Tours available
- Wednesday 26th August - No Guided Tours available
- Friday 28th August - Additional Guided Tour available at 13:30
- Saturday 29th August - Additional Guided Tour available at 13:30
- Sunday 30th August - Additional Guided Tour available at 13:30
- Monday 31st August - No Guided Tours available
September
- Wednesday 2nd September – No Guided Tours available
- Monday 7th September - No Guided Tours available, Auditorium closed from 13:00 - access to Old Printing Loft and Cupola only.
- Thursday 10th September - Closed
- Friday 11th September Closed
- Saturday 12th September – Oxford Open Doors – Free Entry
- Sunday 13th September – Closed
- Monday 14th September – Closed
- Tuesday 15th September – Closed
- Wednesday 16th September - Closed
- Thursday 17th September - Closed
- Friday 18th September - No afternoon Guided Tour available, Auditorium closed from 15:00 - access to Old Printing Loft and Cupola only.
- Saturday 19th September – Closed from 13:00.
- Sunday 20th September – Closed
- Monday 21st September – Closed
- Tuesday 22nd September – Closed
- Wednesday 23rd September - Closed
- Thursday 24th September – Closed
- Friday 25th September - Closed
- Saturday 26th September - Closed
- Sunday 27th September – Open Rehearsal (PM)
- Tuesday 29th September - Closed
- Please make sure to check our Upcoming Closures & Alternative Hours for details on what visit type will be available on the day you visit
- On days the auditorium is in use for an event we offer Cupola Views Visit tickets only
- If purchasing tickets on the door, the Sheldonian accepts card and contactless payments only, not cash. Please note we do not accept American Express.
- Due to unforeseen circumstances, we may have to close the Sheldonian at short notice which would result in cancelling existing bookings. In these rare circumstances, an alternative time or date will be offered, or a full refund would be provided.
- Before your visit, please read our Safety & Accessibility information.
- The Sheldonian Visit is suitable for children of all ages, but children must be accompanied and supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
- Prices are inclusive of VAT.
Visit Us
Ready to visit the Sheldonian Theatre? Book your tickets today!
Accessibility & Safety
Our accessibility guidance ensures visitors arrive prepared to enjoy their experience with confidence
Getting here
Located in the heart of Oxford, there are many ways to get to us. The best options are via public transport, as parking is limited in the city centre.
Contact Us
If you can't find the information you're after, reach out to a member of the Sheldonian Team:
+44 (0) 1865 2 77299
Lost Property
Lost property will be kept for 14 days.