You have heard the saying, “all roads lead to Rome.” Well, I believe a more updated version of this would be “all Fandoms lead to England.” I mean, come on: Harry Potter, Doctor Who, Sherlock Holmes, Jane Austen, Tolkien, Shakespeare? Should I keep going? I can keep going. Anyway, the point is, chances are that something you are interested in takes place (or was created) in England.
Now, London is my favorite city in the world, and will have many posts dedicated to it, but today in Geek Travel, I’m here discuss why Oxford should be at the top of the travel list for any bookworm, historian, or really, just anyone with a brain.
I’m sure I don’t need to give a lengthy history or description of Oxford to any readers here, so I will summarize. Oxford is a city centered around the university that was first established there in the 12th century. Since it’s inception, the university has maintained its reputation as one of the most prestigious universities in the world. It also boasts a lengthy list of notable attendees including Lewis Carroll, C.S Lewis, J.R.R Tolkien, Stephen Hawking, Sir Christopher Wren, and Sir Walter Raleigh, among many, many others.
My time in Oxford was regrettably short, only one day. I could easily have spent a week enjoying the sites, history, and fairy-tale setting, but because it is just a train ride away, it is the perfect day trip from London.
I started my day in Oxford with a walking tour, to hear some of the history and get acquainted with the city. After, I was free to go back and explore at my leisure. If visiting Harry Potter film sites are your priority, an Oxford tour can help to provide you access to multiple sites for one fee.
Many fandoms overlap in Oxford. For example, if the bookworm in you makes seeing the Bodleian Library the priority, you’ll be getting to see Harry Potter film sites too because there are some at the library. You want to see Christ Church College because of the Harry Potter film sites? Well, during your time at Christ Church you can also see where Lewis Carroll drew inspiration for Alice in Wonderland. This principle holds true across Oxford. That is to say, while visiting, you should have no problem seeing all that interests you.
My biggest regret from this trip, however, was not having time to take a proper tour of the Bodleian Library (don’t ever let a travel companion talk you out of something you love). The library (in its current form) dates back to 1602 and is the second biggest library in Britain. If an ancient library isn’t tempting enough for you, two other popular Oxford landmarks are connected to it: The Divinity School and Radcliffe Camera. Many of you will recognize the Divinity School as the Infirmary from the Harry Potter films. The most noticeable feature being the intricate door where Harry and Hermione tell Dumbledore they saved Buckbeak in the third movie.
The highlight of Oxford, for me, was the connection to C.S Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. While you are near the Radcliffe Camera, take a trip to Narnia. St. Mary’s Passage sits just past the Camera and is said to have been Lewis’ inspiration for his magical realm. Seeing it for yourself, it’s not hard to believe that claim.
From afar, you notice what appears to be an old wooden door. However, when you get closer you realize it is decorated by an intricately carved lion and two golden fauns. Anyone familiar with the books will instantly spot Mr. Tumnus and Aslan. Whether or not this is truly where Narnia came from, it is impossible not to be swept away by the magic of the place. Furthermore, no self-respecting bookworm should ever pass up the chance to look for Narnia!
If you fall more on the Tolkien side of the fandoms, you are not alone. Some fans of Tolkien choose to spend their time in Oxford by making a pilgrimage to sites connected with his life and death. First, start with a walk to his house on Northmoor Road, where he and his wife, Edith, lived for almost 20 years. Since the beautiful house is a protected site, it is not open to visitors and can only be viewed from the outside.
Next, you can pay your respects to Tolkien at Wolvercote Cemetery where both he and his wife are buried. There you will find a simple, unassuming headstone marking his resting place. Enthusiasts of his work, however, will swoon at the additional names listed: Luthien and Beren, a pair of lovers mentioned throughout many of his works, and a testament to the eternal love he had for his wife.
Finally, end your day like a Hobbit. In short, you need good food and good drinks. Look no further than The Eagle & Child: a favorite pub of Lewis, Tolkien, and other members of the Inklings. Grab a pint and sit where some of the most celebrated authors met to socialize and discuss various books they were reading or their own current projects.
It is possible to sit in the exact spot where Tolkien discussed his ideas for Lord of the Rings with his friends. It remains one of my favorite pubs in England, for both the charming atmosphere and incredible history. Full disclosure, this pub was top of my Oxford agenda. I went on my tour and booked it straight to the pub.
Oxford is a breathtaking “city of dreaming spires.” It is a juxtaposition of frenzied activity and ancient calm. Perhaps it is because so many stories were born here that you feel as though you are in a living, breathing book. One day in Oxford is not nearly enough to scratch the surface of what it has to offer. So, next time you find yourself in England, do yourself a favor place Oxford at the top of your travel plans.
An Additional List of the Harry Potter Film Sites
Many locations throughout Oxford were used in the filming of Harry Potter. Consequently, there was not enough room to discuss them all. So, here is a basic list to help research and build your Oxford itineraries.
- Bodley Tower Hall Staircase; the grand staircase where we first meet McGonagall in Sorcerer’s Stone. Christ Church College.
- Dining Hall; inspiration for Great Hall. Christ Church College.
- Christ Church Cloisters; various external Hogwarts hallways
- New College Cloisters; various external Hogwarts hallways.
- New Church Quad; this is where Malfoy gets transformed into a ferret in Goblet of Fire.
- Divinity School; the Infirmary. Attached to Bodleian Library.
- Duke Humfrey’s Library; the Restricted Section from Sorcerer’s Stone. Bodleian Library.
*Oxford is (obviously) a functioning university. Therefore, admission to visit a college doesn’t necessarily guarantee access to these sites*
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