Plan your visit

Image of a groupd of people on a tour of the Sheldonian

Gaze up at the Sheldonian’s magnificent ceiling painted by Robert Streater during the reign of King Charles II.
Learn about the Sheldonian’s journey from past to present day through our colourful and informative display boards.
Enjoy one of the best indoor 360 degree panoramic views of Oxford from the Cupola.

Admission Prices

	Adult	Concession
Access to the Main Theatre, Attic and Cupola	£3.80	£2.80
Guided Tour	£8.00	£6.00

Concessions are available to those over 60, under 16 years of age or students with a University card. Matriculated students, non-college staff and members of congregation with a valid University of Oxford card may visit the Sheldonian Theatre along with a maximum of three guests on a complimentary basis (this applies to self-guided tours and excludes guided tours, events and concerts).

OPENING TIMES

The Sheldonian Theatre is open throughout the year, except when it is being used for an event or University ceremony.

Please note our opening times can be subject to change, so do check ahead of your visit to avoid disappointment.

Christmas Closures

The theatre will be closed from Sunday 22 December 2019 to Wednesday 1 January 2020

Date		Opening Time
Thursday	2 January 2020	Open 10am: last entry 3.30pm
Friday	3 January 2020	Open 10am: last entry 3.30pm
Saturday	4 January 2020	CLOSED
Sunday	5 January 2020	CLOSED
Monday	6 January 2020	Open 10am: last entry 3.30pm
Tuesday	7 January 2020	Open 10am: last entry 3.30pm
Wednesday	8 January 2020	Open 10am: last entry 3.30pm
Thursday	9 January 2020	Open 10am: last entry 3.30pm
Friday	10 January 2020	Open 10am: last entry 3.30pm
Saturday	11 January 2020	Open 10am: last entry 3.30pm
Sunday	12 January 2020	CLOSED
Monday	13 January 2020	CLOSED
Tuesday	14 January 2020	Open 10am: last entry 3.30pm
Wednesday	15 January 2020	Open 10am: last entry 3.30pm
Thursday	16 January 2020	CLOSED
Friday	17 January 2020	Open 10am: last entry 12.30pm
Saturday	18 January 2020	Open 10am: last entry 2pm
Sunday	19 January 2020	CLOSED
Monday	20 January 2020	Open 10am: last entry 3.30pm
Tuesday	21 January 2020	CLOSED
Wednesday	22 January 2020	Open 10am: last entry 3.30pm
Thursday	23 January 2020	Open 10am: last entry 3.30pm
Friday	24 January 2020	Open 10am: last entry 3.30pm
Saturday	25 January 2020	CLOSED
Sunday	26 January 2020	CLOSED
Monday	27 January 2020	CLOSED
Tuesday	28 January 2020	CLOSED
Wednesday	29 January 2020	CLOSED

SELF GUIDED TOUR

GUIDED TOURS

Are you curious to find out more about the University’s extraordinary, majestic, violent and surprisingly peculiar story?

There are plenty of reputable walking tours of Oxford, which you can book or join on the day, many of which stop by the Sheldonian Theatre. Head over to Trip Advisor for a list of tour options to choose from.

Alternatively, you may wish to book a private guided tour with our preferred tour guide, Oxford City Walks. A unique opportunity to hear stories from the Sheldonian's past, step inside and uncover it's secrets!

SHELDONIAN GUIDED TOUR WITH OXFORD CITY WALKS

A brief history of the University of Oxford: The Sheldonian Theatre in context.

This 60 to 80 minute guided walking tour is a perfect introduction for curious visitors who wish to know more.

During the tour you will discover how the Sheldonian Theatre fits into the wider context of the University of Oxford and why Christopher Wren’s building is so central to the ceremonial heart and governance of this place of learning.

The tour will take you past the following beautiful and important nearby buildings:

•   The Clarendon building and the Clarendon quad
•   The Old Schools’ quad & Divinity School
•   Radcliffe Square & the Radcliffe Camera
•   All Souls’ College
•   Brasenose College
•   Hertford College
•   The University Church of St. Mary the Virgin

You will then be taken inside the Sheldonian Theatre to learn more about the building itself. At the end of your tour, climb up into the historic attic and then into the roof-top cupola to enjoy one of the best panoramic views of Oxford’s famous skyline. This is an option for which there is no additional charge (we suggest that you add 15 – 30 minutes to your visit if you wish to include this).

Are you interested in a particular aspect of the Sheldonian? Or perhaps there is a large group of you who would prefer a private tour? Bespoke tours are available for those with a specific area of interest. Please contact Oxford City Walks to discuss.

The tour involves a small amount of walking and is suitable for everybody, including school children, students and families. The tours can easily be adapted to suit visitors with limited mobility.

To book

To book a guided tour, please email Oxford City Walk or call +44 (0) 7530 951 320, and they will be pleased to help.

Please note that, although there is no minimum (or maximum) number of visitors allowed on a guided tour, there is a minimum charge for our guided tours: which is £120 per guide and each guide can take up to 25 people. The individual admission prices apply, but are subject to the concession rate.

VISITING GROUPS

As one of Oxford's most iconic tourist attractions, the Sheldonian is a fantastic place to visit as a group, whether for educational purposes or a day trip out.

A warm welcome is extended to group visits for both self-guided and guided tours, such as schools, students, societies, businesses, group travel organisers, tour guides and other organisations. Tour leaders, blue badge guide holders and coach drivers can enjoy free admission with their group.

Schools or groups bringing children or young children into the theatre are required to complete a full risk assessment prior to their visit. Teachers and group leaders are requested to contact the Sheldonian Team in advance on +44 (0) 1865 277299.

The charge of a group tour is dependent on group requirements and our team will be pleased to help with your enquiry.

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HOW TO BOOK

To make an enquiry or book a visit, please contact our team on +44 (0)1865 277299 or tours@sheldon.ox.ac.uk who will be pleased to assist you. Please state whether you would like to do a self-guided or guided tour of the theatre.

GROUP GUIDELINES

The safety and wellbeing of our visitors is of paramount importance to us. The theatre has therefore produced guidelines for group leaders to help you plan a safe and enjoyable visit.

VIEW GUIDELINES

ACCESSIBILITY AND SAFETY

We aim to make your visit to the Sheldonian Theatre as comfortable as possible and will do our best to support you when visiting. Due to the historical nature of the building, it does not meet modern day building regulations and all accessibility requirements. Whilst the main theatre is accessible, some areas (Cupola, Attic area, Cecil Jackson room and basement) are currently inaccessible to wheelchair users or those with significant mobility problems. Children visiting the theatre should be supervised at all times.

If you think you will need additional support, please do read our Accessibility information before your visit to help make the most of your day.

Accessibility Guide

Please take a read of our accessibility guide.

Sheldonian Theatre Seating Plan

If you are attending an event at the Sheldonian Theatre, please take a moment to view the seating guide below. The accessible door is Door E. The theatre has steep steps so we would recommend that anyone with mobility concerns should call the Oxford University Event Venues team on +44 (0) 1865 276905 prior to the event. They will then be able to advise you where best to book a seat, or give directions for when you arrive.