Visitor Information
Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday: 2pm – 5pm
- Saturday: 10am – 5pm
- Sunday: noon – 5pm
Last admission: 4.30pm.
The college may be closed on certain days due to internal events taking place.
The College will be closed to visitors and University card holders on the the following dates:
- Monday 12 - Friday 16 January
The College reserves the right to close at short notice if necessary. Visitors are advised to contact us in advance for up-to-date information relating to tours on specific dates.
Admission Fees
**Due to refurbishment works taking place within the College until February 2026, the entry fees have been reduced.
Adults: £5.00 (reduced to £4.00)
Concessions: £3.00 (reduced to £2.00) (ages 65+ and children aged 13-17)
Card payments only at the Lodge. No cash payments.
Free Entry
Admission is free for:
- Merton College alumni (see the Coming back to College page for additional information)
- Members of the University of Oxford (with up to 3 guests) upon presentation of a valid University card (blue stripe) or alumni card
- Accompanied children aged 12 and under
- Prospective students
Assistance dogs are welcome.
Tours
Access
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
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.
Accessibility
See our entry in the University Access Guide for detailed access information. Please note that not all areas listed are open to visitors.
Wi-Fi for 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.
Travel Information
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.
Defibrillators
The College has four defibrillators located at:
- Entrance to the College Bar (near the Games Room)
- B Block at Holywell site (facing the quad)
- Mure Arch (adjacent to Mure Room entrance)
- 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.
Flying of Flags and Ringing of Bells
Flags will be flown atop the Lodge of Merton and bells rung on special dates to show our respect for individuals, customs, and values. Except in the event of the death of a Fellow, or unless otherwise noted, flags are not flown for longer than a day.