
Philip Pullman’s Oxford: How the City Inspired His Dark Materials and Other Work
Discover Oxford’s formative role in Pullman and how the city inspired the fictional setting of Jordan College in His Dark Materials.
Articles About Oxford:
Oxford has been a prominent setting in both literature and movies for many years. In fact, its stunning architecture, rich history, and academic atmosphere have made it an attractive backdrop for various works of fiction and cinema, including The Golden Compass, His Dark Materials, Good Omens, and A Discovery of Witches.
In this section, I invite you to explore literature landmarks and filming locations in Oxford and its surrounding areas. Delve into the world of Harry Potter, Tolkien, Lewis, Carrol, and many more.
Oxford’s timeless charm, academic aura, and architectural beauty continue to captivate both writers and filmmakers, making it a frequent and captivating setting in literature and cinema. To make things a little easier to explore, I’ve turned each of them into a separate article with images, maps, and how to visit these famous locations.

Discover Oxford’s formative role in Pullman and how the city inspired the fictional setting of Jordan College in His Dark Materials.

A guide for Slytherins who want to experience Oxford in their own way. Here are the top things this Hogwarts house might enjoy and why.

C. S. Lewis attended Oxford University in 1917. Find out more about his work and his relationship and rivalry with Tolkien.

Tolkien, creator of the Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, taught English Language at Merton College in Oxford.

A detailed guide to visiting Harry Potter’s Hospital Wing or Infirmary, Oxford. Opening times, tickets, and all the must-see details.

A guide for Ravenclaws who want to experience Oxford in their own way. Here are the top things this Hogwarts house might enjoy and why.

There are several excellent books that take place in Oxford and its surroundings. Here are my favourite picks and why you should read them.

The ultimate guide about Alice in Wonderland locations at Oxford, including Lewis Carroll’s favourite spots and the places that inspired him.

Lacock Abbey was a major filming location for the Harry Potter movies. Here’s everything you need to see and how to get there from Oxford.

From J.R.R. Tolkien to C.S. Lewis, explore the rich literary legacy of Oxford’s famed Inklings group in this detailed article.

Many movies and TV series were filmed in Oxford. Explore the list of films, the locations used, and how you can visit them today.

A detailed guide to visiting Harry Potter’s The Great Hall in Christ Church, Oxford. Opening times, tickets, and all the must-see details.

Discover all the Oxford places mentioned in the Discovery of Witches books, as well as filming locations used for the hit TV series.

Delve into the heart of one of the most iconic detective series set against the backdrop of the historic city of Oxford.

A thorough guide explaining how to visit the Warner Bros Studios (where the Harry Potter movies were filmed) from Oxford.

A guide for Hufflepuffs who want to experience Oxford in their own way. Here are the top things this Hogwarts house might enjoy and why.

A lot of Harry Potter scenes were filmed in Oxford. Explore the exact locations, what they were used for, and how to visit them.

The celebrated playwright, poet, and novelist attended Oxford University. Explore the historic sites that shaped Wilde’s academic years.

A guide for Gryffindors who want to experience Oxford in their own way. Here are the top things this Hogwarts house might enjoy and why.

Remember the scene where Mad-Eye Moody turns Malfoy into a cute white ferret? This famous tree can be found in Oxford’s New College.

A detailed guide to visiting Harry Potter’s Staircase in Christ Church, Oxford. Tickets, opening times, and all the must-see details.
Our collection of articles with ideas for things to do and see, the history of this incredible city, the University, its museums, literature and movie inspirations, filming locations, and much more.

A short walk around the south of Oxford, exploring the River Thames, the rowing boathouses, and Grandpont, a 13th century Suburb.

Are you curious about how rowing works in Oxford? Here are all the essentials about this quintessential Oxfordian activity.

Are you wondering what Oxford is like in January? Learn more about this cold month, which is still filled with various events and activities.

The University of Oxford’s academic year for 2026-2032 is structured into three terms. Learn more about them in this guide.

If you’re over 21 years old when you start your Oxford course, you will be considered a mature applicant. The process is a little complex.

If you’re visiting Oxford and like history, you should definitely consider visiting this 3,000-year-old white horse hill figure in Uffington!

The Grey Lady is one of Oxford’s most famous ghost stories, particularly associated with University College. Here’s why.

Discover the hauntingly beautiful streets of one of England’s oldest cities at your own pace with this self-guided ghost tour of Oxford.

Oxford United Football Club is a professional football club based in Oxford, England. Learn more about its history and games.

Are you considering buying a SIM card for when you arrive at or visit Oxford? Here’s a super-easy way to get one in advance.