For a Christmas party with architectural drama, the Divinity School at the Bodleian Libraries in Oxford is hard to rival. Set within Oxford’s historic Old Bodleian Library, this 15th-century Gothic hall is the University’s oldest teaching and examination room, offering an extraordinary backdrop for festive dinners, drinks receptions and large-scale celebrations with a capacity of up to 400 people.
For history buffs, this is a dream setting. The wider Bodleian Library first opened to scholars in 1602 and today forms part of one of the world’s great library collections, with more than 13 million printed items across the Bodleian Libraries. It goes without saying that hosting a Christmas party here will be one to remember.
The Divinity School itself can accommodate up to 120 guests for dinner, with evening hire available from 5pm to 11pm. For a more drinks-led celebration, capacity rises to 200 standing, with receptions running from 5pm to 10pm. The scale makes it particularly well suited to company Christmas parties, client entertaining and larger festive dinners.
Hire of the Divinity School also includes use of Convocation House and Chancellor’s Court, allowing the event to extend beyond a single room. Convocation House dates from the 17th century and features fixed tiered wooden seating, strong natural acoustics and an impressive historic interior. Next door, Chancellor’s Court - which was once the University’s courtroom - can serve as a private entrance or catering area, helping create a more seamless flow between arrival, drinks and dinner.
For even larger events within the Bodleian Libraries, the modern Weston Library provides further options. Blackwell Hall can seat up to 250 guests or host 400 for a standing reception, while its colonnade overlooking Broad Street gives it a very different, more contemporary feel. The Sir Victor Blank Lecture Theatre is also available for presentations and seated events, ideal for getting together at the end of the year and discussing successes and learning ahead of the next.