Clarendon Building Oxford
An iconic English Baroque building on Broad Street, part of Oxford's historic university landscape. Admire its grand facade.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Clarendon Building Oxford
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic English Baroque building on Broad Street, part of Oxford's historic university landscape. Admire its grand facade.
"A call example of one of the university's admonished building. The Clarendon Building is beautiful and imposing."
📸 Capture the Architecture
The Clarendon Building is a photographer's dream. Capture its grand facade and intricate details, especially with the Sheldonian Theatre nearby.
🚶♀️ Join a Walking Tour
For interior access and historical context, guided walking tours are highly recommended.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Clarendon Building Facade
Broad Street
An iconic, arch-shaped building that's a quintessential Oxford landmark. Admire its imposing architecture from the outside.
Proximity to Bodleian Library
Adjacent to Bodleian Library
Located right next to the famous Bodleian Library, making it a key part of the historic university quad.
Sheldonian Theatre Views
Broad Street
Often viewed alongside the Sheldonian Theatre, these buildings form a striking architectural ensemble on Broad Street.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Tours
Accessibility Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Architecture
The Clarendon Building is a photographer's dream. Capture its grand facade and intricate details, especially with the Sheldonian Theatre nearby.
🚶♀️ Join a Walking Tour
For interior access and historical context, guided walking tours are highly recommended.
📱 Limited Mobile Signal
Be aware that mobile phone reception can be poor in parts of Oxford, including around the university buildings.
🚫 Check Opening Times
The building is not always open to the public. Check in advance, as it's primarily an administrative building.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Architecture
The Clarendon Building is a photographer's dream. Capture its grand facade and intricate details, especially with the Sheldonian Theatre nearby.
🚶♀️ Join a Walking Tour
For interior access and historical context, guided walking tours are highly recommended.
📱 Limited Mobile Signal
Be aware that mobile phone reception can be poor in parts of Oxford, including around the university buildings.
🚫 Check Opening Times
The building is not always open to the public. Check in advance, as it's primarily an administrative building.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Clarendon Building is admired for its beautiful and imposing architecture, a quintessential Oxford landmark. While its exterior is a highlight, visitors note that interior access is limited as it's primarily an administrative building. Some reviewers also point out accessibility challenges and temperature inconsistencies within the building.
"A call example of one of the university's admonished building. The Clarendon Building is beautiful and imposing as it stands on its raised stone platform with the Sheldonian Theatre and Bodlian Library, but no longer very practical!"
Ian White
"Nice looking architecture but the bulding was closed due to Covid19 so couldnt explore inside."
Ahad
"Beautiful, iconically-Oxford, arch-shaped building, but be aware that access for the disabled is pretty-much nonexistent. Upper floors are too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter.
This building is mostly not-accessible to the public, but those who attend interviews at the Bodleian Libraries will almost certainly visit as their HR department is found here."
Dan Q
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Clarendon Building is located on Broad Street in the heart of Oxford, making it easily accessible on foot. It's a short walk from Oxford's main train station and bus services. Many visitors arrive via train from London, which takes about an hour.
On-street parking is very limited and expensive in central Oxford. It's best to use public transport or park in one of the city's Park & Ride facilities and take a bus into the city center.
Walking is the best way to explore Broad Street and the surrounding university colleges. Consider joining a guided walking tour for in-depth historical insights.
Yes, the Clarendon Building is very well-served by local bus routes that stop near Broad Street. It's also a pleasant walk from the main Oxford train station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Clarendon Building is primarily an administrative building for the University of Oxford, and general public access to its interior is limited. You can admire its exterior freely.
As it's an administrative building, there are no set public opening hours. Access is typically restricted to university staff and those with appointments, such as for interviews at the Bodleian Libraries.
Public access inside the Clarendon Building is generally not permitted, as it houses university offices. However, some guided walking tours may offer limited access or views.
Yes, many Oxford walking tours pass by or include the Clarendon Building as part of their route, offering historical context and exterior views.
There is no entrance fee to view the exterior of the Clarendon Building. If a tour offers interior access, the fee would be part of the tour package.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are from Broad Street, offering views of the building's facade alongside the Sheldonian Theatre. The quad area also provides good angles.
Photography inside the Clarendon Building is generally not permitted as it is an administrative office space. Focus on capturing its impressive exterior architecture.
Weekday mornings often offer fewer crowds, allowing for clearer shots. Golden hour light in the late afternoon can also create beautiful, dramatic lighting on the building's stone.
Drone usage is generally restricted in central Oxford and around university buildings due to safety and privacy regulations. Always check local bylaws before flying.
The Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, and Sheldonian Theatre are all immediately adjacent and make for excellent photographic subjects alongside the Clarendon Building.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
The Clarendon Building is a prime example of English Baroque architecture, designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor and completed in 1715. It features a grand, imposing facade with classical elements.
It was originally built to house the Oxford University Press and later served as the university's chemistry laboratory. Today, it houses administrative offices.
The building is named after Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon, a prominent statesman and historian whose papers were bequeathed to the university.
It's a historically significant building that played a role in the university's academic and administrative functions for centuries, contributing to the iconic Oxford skyline.
Yes, the Clarendon Building is still an active part of the University of Oxford, primarily used for administrative purposes, including the HR department.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with a walk to nearby attractions like the Bodleian Library or Christ Church Meadow. Keep in mind that mobile phone reception can be spotty in the area, so ensure you have offline maps or a plan for communication.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider joining a photography-focused walking tour of Oxford to discover the best angles and learn about the historical context of these iconic structures. Be mindful of potential crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons, and check for any temporary restrictions on drone usage in the area.
🎓 Students and Academics
Many students and academics appreciate the building's architectural beauty as part of their daily campus experience. It's a landmark that contributes to the unique atmosphere of studying in Oxford.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance and History
Its placement is strategic, forming part of a historic architectural ensemble with the Sheldonian Theatre and the Bodleian Library. This grouping creates a visually stunning and historically rich environment that is central to the Oxford experience. While its exterior is a major draw for visitors, the interior is largely dedicated to university offices, meaning public access is limited.
Despite its historical importance, modern visitors should be aware of its limitations. Reviews mention that accessibility for disabled visitors is minimal, and the building's temperature control can be inconsistent, being too hot in summer and too cold in winter. This means that while it's a must-see landmark, the experience of exploring its interior is not always practical or comfortable for everyone.
Experiencing the Clarendon Building Today
To gain deeper insights into the building's history and its role within the university, guided walking tours are highly recommended. These tours often include the Clarendon Building as a stop, providing context that goes beyond what's visible from the street. Some tours might even offer glimpses of the interior or specific courtyards.
It's important to manage expectations regarding interior access. The Clarendon Building primarily functions as an administrative center, housing offices such as Human Resources. Therefore, spontaneous visits inside are unlikely. Travelers who have studied or interviewed at Oxford may have had occasion to enter, but for the general tourist, the focus remains on its external beauty and historical significance as part of the broader university landscape.

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