Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Libraries

Bodleian Library

Oxford, United Kingdom

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST LIBRARIES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 56 2026
Bodleian Library

Bodleian Library is the main research library of the University of Oxford, a collection of historic buildings whose core dates from the 17th century. Visitors see the Divinity School vaulting, Duke Humfrey's Library and the Old Schools Quadrangle on guided tours.

Highlights

  • Divinity School vaulted ceiling
  • Duke Humfrey's Library
  • Old Schools Quadrangle

Good to know

  • Entry only on guided tours
  • Tickets sell out quickly, book early
  • Tours last 30, 60 or 90 minutes

Also in the United Kingdom

  1. John Rylands Library N° 29 John Rylands Library Manchester Historic library
  2. Library of Birmingham N° 33 Library of Birmingham Birmingham Public library
  3. Liverpool Central Library N° 41 Liverpool Central Library Liverpool Public library