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Radcliffe Camera
Radcliffe Camera
4.4
Temporarily closedClosed until further notice
About
This distinctive circular building is a beautiful piece of classical architecture and one of Oxford’s most iconic sights. Built independently of the Bodleian, it’s named after the royal physician, John Radcliffe who had left money in his will to purchase land, build a library, purchase books, and pay a full-time librarian. The camera, simply meaning ‘room’, was built 1737 – 1749 and designed by the leading architect James Gibbs. With its growing collections, the Bodleian took over the Radcliffe Camera in 1860 to expand its book storage facilities.
Duration: < 1 hour
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.4
488 reviews
Excellent
238
Very good
204
Average
40
Poor
3
Terrible
3
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nowpacking
Dallas, TX4,476 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Such a stunning piece of architecture! Couldn’t stop myself from coming by multiple times to photograph it at different times of day.
The Vault Cafe opposite has yummy treats, hot chocolate and coffee.
The Vault Cafe opposite has yummy treats, hot chocolate and coffee.
Written July 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grover R
Pensacola, FL22,740 contributions
Dec 2022
While the interior is unfortunately restricted solely to research, the exterior alone is worth the visit to Oxford. For me it was my favorite attraction in Oxford. This round library was the signature highlight for Oxford and it did not disappoint. The Quad setting for this building between the Bodleian and St. Mary's church is perfect. When combined with the surrounding colleges like All Souls it is an architectural masterpiece. The building is amazing and can be seen from many different places. However, the best is the balcony of St. Mary's Church. The pictures from there with the snow and the sun and shadows are incredible. The way the round building is shaped by the shadows makes it so different to see at different times. However, this is an Oxford - MUST SEE.
Written December 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anneke S
Sommelsdijk, The Netherlands4,978 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
You can't miss this when you're in Oxford. It stands out and is beautiful to see. At the time we were there, there was a demonstration for it (war Gaza / Israel) and it was full of tents in front of it. Too bad it was peaceful. As a tourist you could just take pictures of everything. It's near Sight Bridge
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Written September 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anywhere We Roam
London, UK33 contributions
Jun 2020
One of Oxford’s most photographed landmarks, the Radcliffe Camera. The neo-classical 17th-century gem is part of the Bodleian Library and acts as an exquisite centrepiece to the golden-hued heart of Oxford. Come early in the morning for golden light and excellent photo opportunities.
Written June 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aferry
New Orleans, LA235 contributions
May 2022
I was lucky to arrive in Oxford on May 1. There were revelers still in the street before noon. As a university town, Oxford was energetic, and its classic neo-classic buildings were impressive, most importantly the Radcliffe Camera (RadCam). I wish that I could have entered, but I was not a “reader.”
Written June 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diana B
Plymouth, UK106 contributions
Jan 2020
The Radcliffe Camera is next to the Bodleian Library in Oxford. Unless you are an accredited student or member of the staff, the only way to visit these attractions is on a guided tour. There are tours available of varying durations - 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 90 minutes. I would definitely advise the 90 minute tour which includes both the Bodleian and the Radcliffe Camera. It is so interesting and time passes quickly. In many ways the Bodleian is more interesting but a visit to Oxford wouldn't be complete without a glimpse inside the Camera. By the way, 'Camera' is Latin for 'room' - has nothing to do with photography.
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue W
Ilkeston, UK1,233 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This is based at the Radcliffe Observatory which is quite a walk from the centre of Oxford in Radcliffe Square. It is housed in a historic building which captures the essence of its time. The area is largely filled with more modern buildings which doesn't feel quite right but I suppose areas must evolve to sustain themselves.
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dino_Passenger
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina1,190 contributions
Feb 2022 • Friends
"The Radcliffe Camera was built in the 18th century as the ‘home’ of the Radcliffe Science Library, and was named after John Radcliff", our tour man told us. "After the science library moved to new premises, the Camera (Latin. room) became the reading room of the Bodleian Library (1602) and one of the favorite learning spaces", we have informed by guide. So nice place to take a lot of interesting photos, and the rest of town.
Written March 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KH
London, UK696 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
This building is a symbol of Oxford with its distinctive appearance. It is a library inside, but the public is not allowed inside, so we could only see the exterior. The word "camera" means "room," and it seems that the name comes from the fact that cameras used to take photographs were large and room-like devices.
Written January 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JRMADA
United States3,473 contributions
Sep 2022
This is a busy place, so you got to be quick on the trigger if you want a picture. The square offers nice pics of the Radcliffe Camera front and back, and the University Church. One can go into the church, but not the Rad Cam. This is a library and not open to tourist visitors. I know… bummer…. Go nevertheless and have a nice picture….
Written September 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does the extended tour of Bodleian Libraries really include getting inside Radcliffe Camera?
Can you also climb on top of it?
Written June 10, 2018
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