Balliol College

An historic Oxford college where delegates will enjoy the welcome meal in its iconic hall, reminiscent of Harry Potter’s Great Hall.

Balliol College, on Broad Street in central Oxford, is one of the university’s oldest and most distinguished colleges, founded in the 13th century. Renowned for its academic legacy and striking architecture, the college embodies the heritage and charm of Oxford University. Over the centuries, Balliol has been home to many notable figures, including Prime Ministers such as Harold Macmillan and Boris Johnson, writer Aldous Huxley, economist Adam Smith, and a host of political and cultural leaders from around the world.

As a welcome to the UK and BGC 2025, Balliol will host the welcome meal in its grand dining hall — a space often likened to the Great Hall from the Harry Potter films for its quintessentially British character. Delegates will be able to breathe in the atmosphere and traditions of a college that has shaped centuries of scholarship in Oxford.

Balliol offers an inspiring and memorable start, combining history, culture, and a warm welcome to set the tone for the days ahead.