Exeter College Chapel
Exeter College Chapel is a Grade II* listed chapel within the grounds of Exeter College, part of the University of Oxford. It has undergone multiple renovations since its first iteration in 1623, with a complete demolition of the original chapel, and complete redesign in the French Gothic style by Sir George Gilbert Scott.
The current chapel, inspired by La Sainte-Chappelle in Paris, was consecrated in 1859. Further restoration work took place in 2007, when cleaning work revealed new features in the ceiling. Newly carved grotesques and gablets were also installed, and recently the windows have also undergone restoration.
The present organ in the chapel was completed in 1994 by J.W. Walker & Son Ltd, and retains Scott’s original case design, with the overall style based on the work of Aristide Cavaillé-Coll. It was described by Olivier Latry as being “A French organ speaking with an English accent”. It is used in weekly recitals, as well as accompanying the renowned chapel choir.
Music at Oxford hires Exeter College Chapel for concerts; if you wish to find out more about hiring the venue, please see the venue information section and contact the venue directly.
Venue Information
Exeter College Chapel
Turl Street
Oxford
OX1 3DP
01865 279600
www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/about/chapel
Get directions
How to get here
By Car
Please note that parking is extremely difficult anywhere in the city centre and there is no parking available at the College. Many roads in the centre are barred to vehicles. Visitors travelling by car are encouraged to use the Park and Ride buses. There is further information about car parking in Oxford on the City Council website. Please be aware that the Oxford Zero Emissions Zone is in force, you can find out more by clicking on the link.
By Bus/Coach
There are a number of local buses connecting various parts of Oxford and the surrounding towns and villages to the city centre. Please check the Stagecoach and Oxford Bus Company’s journey planners to find a route that serves your travel needs. Oxford is also easy to reach from London by coach. The Oxford Tube runs up to every 10 minutes and National Express buses leave Marylebone every 20 minutes (approx.) to Oxford bus station.
By Train
A direct service operates between both London Marylebone and London Paddington to Oxford station. Oxford station has direct rail services from many locations including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Hereford, Worcester, Newcastle and York. For details and to plan your journey, see the National Rail Enquiries website. Exeter College is a 15 minute walk or a 7 minute taxi journey from Oxford Station.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the venue have a bar?
This venue does not have a bar.
Where is the box office located?
Our pop-up box office is situated at the the main entrance of the Chapel.
When will the box office at the venue be open?
We open our pop-up box office half-an-hour before the start of the concert. The box office is open for collections of pre-bought tickets, ticket enquiries and purchasing tickets on the door. If you have chosen to have your tickets delivered to your email or postal address, please make sure you bring your ticket with you. We are happy to accept tickets shown on a mobile phone.
Where can I find the toilets?
Toilets are available within the Exeter College site. Accessible toilets can be found in the Rector’s Lodgings and the Library, both on the Turl Street site.
I have additional access needs, which entrance should I use?
The main entrance on Turl Street is step-free during the day. There is a bell push for assistance out of hours.
Access to the chapel is via steps or using a steep portable ramp. Access to the aisle is via a portable ramp. The lowest row of pews can be reached via level access.
Where can I find more access information about the venue?
A full access guide for Exeter College can be found on their website.
Is the venue heated?
The Chapel is heated.