Things to do in South East England, England: The Best Libraries

The world-famous Bodleian Libraries is a must-see cultural destination in the heart of Oxford. It founded by Sir Thomas Bodley and officially opened in 1602. Since then the Bodleian libraries has grown to be the largest academic library system in the UK. In its reading rooms generations of famous scholars have studied through the ages, amongst them monarchs, Nobel Prize winners, British Prime Ministers and writers including Oscar Wilde, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. At the site, you can explore historic spaces that you might recognise from popular films and TV series such as Harry Potter and A Discovery of Witches. We also offer free, inspiring exhibitions featuring the libraries’ rich collections, two unique gift shops and a lovely café.

This distinctive circular building is a beautiful piece of classical architecture and one of Oxford’s most iconic sights. 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 (the word means simply ‘room’) was built 1737 – 1749 and designed by the leading architect James Gibbs.

A cultural centre in the heart of Winchester with 3 galleries, hireable spaces, performances, music, comedy, a public library, cafe, wifi and public access computers and printing.

The Weston Library offers free, inspiring exhibitions featuring the libraries’ rich collections, a unique gift shop and a lovely café set against the backdrop of the floating book stacks in its atrium, Blackwell Hall. Formerly known as the New Bodleian, the recently refurbished building is the home of the Bodleian Libraries special collections, it is also a busy working library that houses several reading rooms, a research centre, a conservation studio and much more.

Newbury Library is a well-used community venue in the heart of town. It provides free access to reading, information, advice, learning, culture and health resources, both to anyone visiting the building and via its online services. People can join the library and borrow items for free and members can use the e-library and a range of online resources 24/7. Non-members can use the free WiFi and PCs; photocopying, scanning and printing facilities are available, for which there is a charge. There are meeting rooms available to hire. Exhibitions, events and activities for all ages take place throughout the year, many of them free of charge.

Built in 1857, the Oxford Union Library was the Union's original debating chamber. It is a fine example of Victorian architecture and is richly decorated by members of the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood, including a ceiling by William Morris, murals by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Edward Burne-Jones and more. There are around 46,000 books in the collection, ranging over a variety of topics, with the majority being available to borrow by members. Today the library remains at the heart of the Union and is well used (and well loved!) by current members. Individuals are welcome to visit during open hours, however groups of 5 or more must be booked in advance either via email or phone. Please also get in touch if you have an access queries.