Discover Oxford, England: Top Movies, TV Series, and Books Set There

Oxford, England, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and prestigious university. However, another aspect that often goes unnoticed is its contribution to literature, film, and television. This article will take you on an exciting journey through the famous films shot in Oxford, iconic TV shows set in Oxford, and well-known books that use this historic city as their backdrop. We’ll also give you a comprehensive guide on exploring Oxford’s filming locations, where to stay and eat, and useful travel tips for your trip to this cinematic city.

Famous Films Shot in Oxford

Oxford’s beautiful landscapes and historic buildings have provided the perfect backdrop for numerous renowned films. Here are some of the most famous films shot in Oxford:

1. Harry Potter Series (2001-2011): Various scenes from the Harry Potter series were filmed in Oxford. The famous dining hall of Hogwarts was inspired by the Great Hall of Christ Church, a constituent college of the University of Oxford.
2. The Golden Compass (2007): Based on Philip Pullman’s fantasy novel, the movie features several scenes shot in Oxford University’s Exeter College.
3. X-Men: First Class (2011): The movie features Oxford University, where Charles Xavier (Professor X) is shown attending.
4. The Theory of Everything (2014): The biographical film about physicist Stephen Hawking features several scenes shot in Oxford, where Hawking studied.
5. Alice in Wonderland (2010): Lewis Carroll, the author of the original book, was a lecturer at Christ Church College in Oxford. Some scenes from Tim Burton’s adaptation were filmed in the college’s spectacular dining hall.
6. The Italian Job (1969): The iconic car chase scene in this classic film was shot in the heart of Oxford.
7. An Education (2009): This coming-of-age drama features several scenes shot in Oxford, where the protagonist aspires to study.
8. Shadowlands (1993): This biographical film about author C.S. Lewis captures the beauty of Oxford where Lewis taught.
9. Testament of Youth (2014): This World War I drama filmed several scenes in Merton College, Oxford.
10. The History Boys (2006): The movie features the protagonists visiting the city for their university interviews.

TV Shows Set in Oxford

In addition to films, Oxford has been the setting for several popular TV shows. Here are some of the most notable ones:

1. Inspector Morse (1987-2000): This detective drama is set in the heart of Oxford, with many iconic locations featuring prominently in the series.
2. Lewis (2006-2015): A spin-off of Inspector Morse, this detective series is also set in Oxford and showcases many of its historic landmarks.
3. Endeavour (2012-present): This is a prequel to Inspector Morse and is set in the 1960s Oxford.
4. A Discovery of Witches (2018-present): This supernatural drama series is set in the University of Oxford, specifically in the Bodleian Library.
5. Brideshead Revisited (1981): This classic series, based on Evelyn Waugh’s novel, features numerous scenes shot in the University of Oxford.

Animated Films Set in Oxford

While not as common as live-action films, there have been a few animated films set in Oxford, many of which were inspired by the city’s literary heritage:

1. Alice in Wonderland (1951 & 2010): Both the animated and live-action versions of Lewis Carroll’s novel feature scenes set in Christ Church College, Oxford, where Carroll was a mathematics tutor.
2. The Water Babies (1978): This British animated film is based on a children’s novel by Charles Kingsley, a former student of Oxford.
3. His Dark Materials (2019-present): This animated series, based on Philip Pullman’s trilogy, includes several scenes set in an alternate version of Oxford.

Famous Books Set in Oxford

Oxford’s rich history and cultural significance have made it a popular setting for numerous literary works. Here, we present three classic and three contemporary books set in this university town:

Classic Books

1. “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll: Carroll was inspired to write this classic children’s book by his surroundings at Christ Church College, Oxford.
2. “Brideshead Revisited” by Evelyn Waugh: This novel is set in Oxford University and explores the themes of faith and aristocracy in post-war Britain.
3. “The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis: Although not directly set in Oxford, Lewis was a professor at Oxford University and it’s believed that several elements of the series were inspired by the city.

Contemporary Books

1. “His Dark Materials” by Philip Pullman: This fantasy trilogy is partially set in an alternate version of Oxford.
2. “The Children of Men” by P.D. James: This dystopian novel features several scenes set in Oxford in a future where humans have become infertile.
3. “The Bone Clocks” by David Mitchell: Mitchell’s ambitious novel spans multiple decades and settings, including the University of Oxford.

Exploring Oxford’s Filming Locations – Where to Go

To fully immerse yourself in Oxford’s rich cinematic and literary history, there are several key locations you must visit:

1. Christ Church College: Visit the Great Hall, which inspired the Hogwarts dining hall in the Harry Potter series.
2. Bodleian Library: Used as the Hogwarts library in the Harry Potter series, and in the series ‘A Discovery of Witches’.
3. Radcliffe Camera: This iconic building has been featured in many films and TV shows, including ‘The Golden Compass’ and ‘Inspector Morse’.
4. New College: Visit the cloisters in New College, which were used in ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’.
5. Bridge of Sighs: This famous Oxford landmark was featured in the film ‘The History Boys’.
6. Exeter College: Scenes from ‘The Golden Compass’ were filmed in this college’s beautiful quadrangle.
7. The White Horse Tavern: This historic pub was featured in ‘Inspector Morse’ and its spin-offs.
8. The Covered Market: Featured in ‘The Italian Job’, this market offers a variety of shops and eateries.
9. Merton College: Visit the college where ‘Testament of Youth’ was filmed.

10.Ashmolean Museum: The world’s first university museum has been a filming location for several TV shows, including ‘Lewis’.

Where to Sleep in Oxford

There are plenty of accommodation options in Oxford, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here are three suggestions for each category:

Luxury

1. Old Bank Hotel: This luxury hotel offers stylish rooms and is located in the heart of the city, close to several filming locations.
2. The Randolph Hotel: Featured in ‘Inspector Morse’, this five-star hotel offers luxury and a taste of Oxford’s cinematic history.
3. Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons: Located just outside Oxford, this luxury hotel offers a two Michelin-starred restaurant and beautiful surroundings.

Budget

1. Oxford Backpackers Hostel: This budget-friendly option offers dormitory-style rooms and is located close to the city centre.
2. YHA Oxford: This youth hostel offers affordable private rooms and dormitories, and is located close to the train station.
3. Central Backpackers: Located in the heart of Oxford, this hostel offers budget-friendly accommodations and a cozy environment.

Where to Eat in Oxford

From fine dining to budget-friendly options, Oxford offers a variety of culinary delights. Here are three suggestions for each category:

Luxury

1. Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons: This two Michelin-starred restaurant offers exquisite French cuisine in a beautiful manor house setting.
2. The Cherwell Boathouse: Enjoy fine dining with a view at this restaurant located by the river.
3. The Old Parsonage: This historic restaurant offers a mix of British and Mediterranean cuisine, and also features in the series ‘Lewis’.

Budget

1. The Covered Market: This historic market offers a variety of budget-friendly eateries serving everything from sandwiches to pastries.
2. Kazbar: Enjoy delicious and affordable tapas at this Spanish and North African inspired restaurant.
3. Pieminister: This restaurant offers a variety of delicious and affordable pies, perfect for a quick lunch.

Detailed Itinerary Day by Day

Here’s a suggested itinerary to help you explore Oxford’s cinematic locations:

Day 1: Central Oxford

1. Start your day at  Christ Church College  and explore the Great Hall and the beautiful meadows.
2. Visit  Bodleian Library, featured in the Harry Potter series and ‘A Discovery of Witches’.
3. Explore  Radcliffe Camera, one of Oxford’s most iconic landmarks.
4. After lunch, visit  New College  and explore the Cloisters.
5. End your day with a pint at the  White Horse Tavern, a regular location in ‘Inspector Morse’.

Day 2: Oxford University and Beyond

1. Start your day at  Exeter College, which was featured in ‘The Golden Compass’.
2. Visit  Merton College, where ‘Testament of Youth’ was filmed.
3. After lunch, explore  The Ashmolean Museum, the world’s first university museum.
4. Head to  The Covered Market  for some shopping and a snack.
5. End your day with a visit to  The Bridge of Sighs, another iconic Oxford landmark.

Day 3: Outskirts of Oxford

1. Start your day with a trip to  Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons  for a luxurious brunch.
2. Head to  Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and filming location for films like ‘Hamlet’ and ‘The Avengers: Age of Ultron’.
3. After lunch, visit the  Oxford Botanic Garden, which features in ‘His Dark Materials’.
4. End your day with a leisurely punt down the  Cherwell River, which has been featured in several films and TV shows.

Local Legends and Curiosities about Oxford’s Film Industry

Oxford’s film industry is full of fascinating legends and curiosities. For example, the dining hall at Christ Church College was the inspiration for Hogwarts’ Great Hall in the Harry Potter series. The staircase leading to the hall was also used in the first film for the scene where the new students enter Hogwarts.

Another curiosity is that the famous car chase in ‘The Italian Job’ was filmed in the narrow streets of central Oxford, a feat that would be impossible to recreate today due to traffic restrictions.

It’s also worth noting that many authors who have set their works in Oxford have studied or taught at the university, including C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Lewis Carroll, adding a layer of authenticity to their descriptions of the city.

Hidden Gems in Oxford

While Oxford’s famous landmarks are well worth a visit, the city also offers several lesser-known spots that have featured in films and books:

1. Jericho: This trendy neighborhood was the setting for the series ‘Inspector Morse’. Check out Walton Street, which is lined with quirky shops and restaurants.
2. Port Meadow: This ancient grazing land has appeared in several TV shows and offers a peaceful escape from the city.
3. The Perch: Located on the edge of Port Meadow, this 17th-century country pub has been featured in ‘Inspector Morse’ and provides a perfect spot for a relaxed lunch.
4. The Eagle and Child: This historic pub was a favorite of authors like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, who would meet here to discuss their works.
5. The Sheldonian Theatre: This beautiful theatre, designed by Christopher Wren, has been featured in several films and offers stunning views of the city from its cupola.

In conclusion, with its rich cinematic and literary history, stunning architecture, and beautiful surroundings, Oxford offers a unique travel experience for film, TV, and book lovers. Whether you’re exploring famous filming locations, dining at historic pubs, or discovering hidden gems, you’re sure to fall in love with this cinematic city.