This 2-hour self-guided audio tour of Oxford aims to unravel the city's influence on some of the most cherished fantasy fiction. The journey begins at Carfax Tower, meanders through the city centre, skirts college quadrangles, strolls along the Broad Walk, and concludes at the Eagle and Child pub. This legendary establishment was a favourite haunt of CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien, and the informal literary group known as the Inklings.
En route, you'll pause outside Pembroke College where Tolkien penned The Hobbit, peruse Alice's Shop where the real-life Alice Liddell purchased her barley sugar, and admire the eight character-filled stained-glass windows at Christ Church. You'll traverse the passageway by the University Church of St Mary the Virgin that sparked Narnia's creation, explore the Divinity School library - a filming location for Harry Potter's magical lessons, and discover the oak tree that witnessed Draco Malfoy's transformation into a ferret. The tour also traces the steps of Lyra and Will from His Dark Materials around Radcliffe Square and the Bodleian Library.
Your guides for this adventure are Jeremy Allen and Graeme Fry, presenters and producers of the Oxford Lives podcast. As long-time residents, they possess a profound affection for the city's concealed tales and renowned denizens. As you stroll, GPS triggers each audio track automatically, ensuring the tour operates fully offline once downloaded.
Audio-guided tour
