The Cloud – self-service visitor wifi
Due to concerns regarding the spread of Covid-19, the College is closed to all public access until further notice - this includes organised tours of the College and the Upper Library.
There is an entry fee of £3.00 for adults, and children over 12 years of age, which includes a brochure containing a map of the College. There is a reduced fee of £2.00 for adults aged over 65. Entry is free for:
Merton alumni;
members of the University of Oxford (with up to 3 guests) on production of a valid University card (blue stripe) or alumni card; and
accompanied children aged 12 years old and under.
Assistance dogs are welcome.
We are not be taking any further bookings for self-guided group tours until further notice.
Please note that the Hall and residential areas are normally closed to visitors.
For information about Open Days and school visits, please see our Open Days page which is designed for prospective applicants.
Prospective applicants are welcome to visit the College, between 9:00am and 6:00pm, Monday-Sunday; please enquire at the Porter's Lodge. For further information or to arrange an appointment contact the Schools Liaison & Access Officer.
For visitors and University members
Due to concerns regarding the spread of Covid-19, the College is closed to all public access until further notice - this includes organised tours of college and the Upper Library.
Monday to Friday 2:00pm - 5:00pm (or dusk if earlier) - last entry 4:30pm.
Saturday and Sunday 10:00am - 5:00pm (or dusk if earlier) - last entry 4:30pm.
The College will be closed to visitors on the following dates:
Friday 2 to Monday 5 April 2021 inclusive
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.
For detailed access information, please see our entry in the University Access Guide. However, please note that not all areas covered by the Guide are open to visitors.
Wifi for visitors
Wifi is available to visitors to the College via The Cloud, a public access WiFi service run by Sky UK.
Instructions on accessing The Cloud at Merton College (also available in PDF format)
The eduroam network is available for use by those with existing access to this system, such as visitors from other universities which also use this network. The connection method will be the same as at your home institution; please follow their connection instructions, if available.
From July to September, historical tours of the College and Old Library take place, starting at 2:00pm and 3:00pm daily (except for those days when the College is closed to visitors). Spaces are limited, so those wishing to come on the tour are advised to book with the Tour Coordinator (up to 24 hours in advance) or with the College Lodge on the day. Any remaining spaces will be made available on the door. There is a modest charge of £5.00 (£3.00 for University members) for the tour, which lasts for approximately 50 minutes. The charge includes regular admission to the College site.
Merton is located in central Oxford on Merton Street, which is just off the High Street. Oxford is less than sixty miles from London off the M40, with excellent transport links via train and coach. Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted are also served regularly by train and/or coach.
Trains to and from London, Heathrow, and other destinations, including the London Marylebone To Oxford Train
Oxford Tube bus to and from London
Coaches to and from Heathrow, Stansted and Gatwick
The Oxford Tube and X90 services from London stop on the High Street opposite Queen's Lane, which is only two to three minutes' walk from the College. Here is a Google map showing Merton College in relation to the city centre and the train station.
Oxford is an ancient, pedestrian-friendly city, with many one-way streets and limited parking. If you're travelling to Merton by car, it is best to enter the High Street from the east, turning left into Merton Street at the Eastgate Hotel. Alternatively, there are five Park and Ride services in Oxford which all serve the city centre.
Merton's location within Oxford city centre
Merton College on a map of the University of Oxford
See Merton in 360 degrees in this interactive Virtual Tour. It's the next best thing to strolling through College in person.
There is a folder of information on many of the Mertonians commemorated on the College War Memorial - visitors can borrow this at the Lodge.
Flying of Flags and Ringing of Bells
A flag will be flown from the pole atop the Lodge, and bells will be rung, on the following dates during 2021:
Flag and Bells
Throughout February LGBTQ History Month Rainbow Flag
6 February Anniversary of HM Queen Elizabeth II's Accession Union Flag
Bells rung at 19:00
16 February Shrove Tuesday Merton Flag
12 March Bodley Dinner Merton Flag
20-21 March Gaudy Weekend Merton Flag
Bells rung on Saturday at 19:25
21 April Birthday of HM Queen Elizabeth II Union Flag
23 April St George's Day Flag of St George
26-29 May Eights Week Merton Flag
2 June Anniversary of the Coronation of HM Queen Elizabeth II Union Flag
10 June Birthday of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh Union Flag
12 June Ceremonial Birthday of HM Queen Elizabeth II Union Flag
23 June Encaenia Merton Flag
26-27 June Merton Society Weekend Merton Flag
13 September Anniversary of the Foundation of Merton College Merton Flag
25-26 September Gaudy Weekend Merton Flag
4-10 October To welcome freshers and returning students Merton Flag
24 October Commemoration of Benefactors Merton Flag
14 November Remembrance Sunday Union Flag
14 November Birthday of HRH Prince Charles, Prince of Wales Union Flag
20 November 73rd anniversary of the marriage of HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh Union Flag
27 November Advent Carol Service I Bells rung at 19:00
28 November Advent Carol Service II Bells rung at 19:00
Additions to this list may be made, subject to the approval of the College's Governing Body. Except on the death of a Fellow, and where noted, flags are not flown for longer than a day.
instructions on accessing The Cloud at Merton College215.63 KB