'His Dark Materials’ Self-Guided Tour: A Guide to Lyra’s Oxford

1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

Oxford is a city where real and fictional worlds collide in Philip Pullman’s beloved fantasy series.

On this self-guided audio tour, you'll explore the real Oxford locations that inspired Jordan College, discover filming spots from The Golden Compass and BBC’s His Dark Materials adaptation, and step into scenes straight from the pages of Pullman’s novels. From ancient college quadrangles to atmospheric lanes, you’ll experience Oxford through the eyes of Lyra Belacqua and her daemon Pan.

The tour starts at Exeter College on Broad Street, the real-world inspiration for Lyra’s Jordan College. You’ll pass through the Covered Market where Roger would buy vegetables for Jordan College kitchens.

You’ll also visit the magnificent Bodleian Library where the alethiometer is kept in Lyra’s world, and pass under the photogenic Hertford Bridge where Lyra and Roger were filmed fleeing from Gyptian children. You’ll see where many scenes from the adaptations were filmed.

What's Included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
App for Android and iOS
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Smartphone and headphones

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Broad Street

This tour starts in front of Exeter College on Broad Street. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

The tour ends at the Oxford Botanic Garden.

Itinerary

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes (approximately)
  • Exeter College (Pass by)

    You’ll pass by Exeter College, one of Oxford’s historic colleges, admired for its grand quadrangle and classical architecture. Please note that entry to the college is not included in this tour.

    Admission ticket free
  • Bodleian Library (Pass by)

    You’ll pass by the Bodleian Library, one of Europe’s oldest libraries and a centre of scholarship for centuries. Please note that entry to the library is not included in this tour.

    Admission ticket free
  • History of Science Museum (Pass by)

    You’ll pass by the History of Science Museum, home to collections that trace the development of scientific thought and discovery. Please note that entry to the museum is not included in this tour.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    You’ll pass by the Hertford Bridge, often called the Bridge of Sighs, linking two parts of Hertford College above New College Lane. Please note that entry to any buildings associated with the bridge is not included in this tour.

    Admission ticket free
  • Radcliffe Camera (Pass by)

    You’ll pass by the Radcliffe Camera, one of Oxford’s most recognisable landmarks, admired for its circular design and domed roof. Please note that entry to the building is not included in this tour.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by VoiceMap Audio Tours

Tags

Private Sightseeing Tours
Audio Guides
Movie Tours
Art Tours
Walking Tours
Literary Tours
TV Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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