Visitor information

Guided tours, led by trained Merton guides, typically last 30-40 minutes. These tours cover the main quadrangles and gardens, including Fellows’ Garden, and offer insights into the College’s history and current life. Tours can be customized based on group interests, such as J R R Tolkien.  

To arrange a special group tour, please contact us at least 14 days in advance. Special tours are usually unavailable before 11am or on Sundays. 

Groups wishing to enquire about a guided visit to the College should make a request via the group tour request form.   

Pre-booking for a group of 15 people or below is not required unless they want to secure a specific time or pay via invoice.  

For groups of 15 or fewer, pre-booking is not required unless a specific time is desired, or payment is needed via invoice. A maximum of three groups can tour the College at once. Larger groups will be divided, with one designated adult leading each subgroup. All visitors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Self-guided tours are limited to the four quadrangles and the Chapel. See Admission Fees for pricing.  

Prospective applicants are welcome to visit for free from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Sunday. Please check in at the Lodge. For more information or to arrange a visit, contact the Schools Liaison & Access Officer.

Visit the Open Days page for details on special events for prospective students and school groups. 

The admission fees includes a brochure with a map of the College. Visitors can access the four quads and the College Chapel.  

The College War Memorial, located under the Fitzjames Arch between Front and Fellows' Quads, commemorates 109 Mertonians who lost their lives in the World Wars. Visitors can borrow an information folder about the Mertonians commemorated on the College War Memorial at the Lodge.  

Please note that the Hall, Fellows Garden, and residential areas are typically closed to all visitors, including alumni.   

Commercial visits must be pre-approved. Please email the Web & Media Officer  at least one week in advance to submit your request. View Filming & Photography for further guidance. 

See our entry in the University Access Guide for detailed access information. Please note that not all areas listed are open to visitors. 

Visitors can access Wi-Fi via The Cloud, a public network provided by Sky UK. For connection instructions, see Instructions on accessing The Cloud at Merton College (also available in PDF format)

The eduroam network is available for guests with access to this system, using the same login process as at your home institution. 

Merton College is located in central Oxford on Merton Street, which is just off the High Street. Oxford is well-connected to London (under 60 miles) by train and coach, with regular services from Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted airports.

Oxford is a pedestrian-friendly city, with many one-way streets and limited parking. If driving, we recommend entering from the east of the High Street and turning left into Merton Street at the Eastgate Hotel. Alternatively, Oxford has six Park and Ride services that provide easy access to the city centre. 

The College has four defibrillators located at:

1. Entrance to the College Bar (near the Games Room) 
2. B Block at Holywell site (facing the quad) 
3. Mure Arch (adjacent to Mure Room entrance) 
4. Sports Pavilion (near the Groundman’s office)

In case of emergency, call 999 to obtain access codes and instructions. All defibrillators have step by step vocal instructions. 

In 2024, flags will be flown atop the Lodge of Merton and bells rung on the following dates, with potential additions subject to the approval of the College's Governing Body. Except in the event of the death of a Fellow, or unless otherwise noted, flags are not flown for longer than a day. 

Explore Merton College in 360 degrees through our interactive Virtual Tour —the next best thing to visiting in person.