Plan your visit

Photo of a family sitting inside the Sheldonian theatre, holding the Oxford Open Doors brochure and pointing, looking and smiling at the ceiling

Enjoy one of the best indoor 360 degree panoramic views of Oxford from the Cupola.
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.

Admission Prices 2023/2024

Before your visit, please note that we are now a cashless attraction and only accept card payments.

Admission prices	Adult	Concession
Access to the Main Theatre, Attic and Cupola	£4.50	£3.50
Guided Tour	£8.50	£6.50

The table displays admissions prices for visiting the Sheldonian Theatre and guided tour.

Please note: Concessions are available to those over 60 and under 16 years of age, students with a University card, and Experience Oxfordshire members with a Perks card. Matriculated students, non-college staff, and members of the 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). Alumni card holders are given free entry, with a concession charge for accompanying guests.

Opening times

From Oct-Dec, The Sheldonian Theatre will be open to the public

on the following dates and times:

Day	Date	Opening times
Sunday	10 December	Open 10am; last entry 3:30pm
Monday	11 December	Open 10am; last entry 3:30pm
Thursday	14 December	Open 10am; last entry 3:30pm
Sunday	17 December	Open 10am; last entry 3:30pm
Monday	18 December	Open 10am; last entry 3:30pm
Tuesday	19 December	Open 10am; last entry 3:30pm
Wednesday	20 December	Open 10am; last entry 3:30pm

Please note: The opening times above serve only as a guideline. The Sheldonian Theatre is a venue for hire, and can be closed to the public at very short notice. Please do not hesitate in contacting us for further information on 01865 277299

Self-guided tours

Guided tours

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

You can book a guided tour with our preferred tour guide, Oxford City Walks, which not only takes you inside the theatre, but also walks around the nearby buildings to explain how their significance. A unique opportunity to hear stories from the Sheldonian's past, step inside and uncover its secrets! Find out more below.

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

Guided tour of the Sheldonian 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.

Tours can take place in the day or evening.

To book

To book a guided tour, please get in touch with Victoria via the ‘Contact’ page on the Oxford City Walks website at www.oxfordcitywalks.co.uk

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

Seating plan, 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.