Try and get a look at the college gardens, too — this is where Lewis Carroll was inspired to write Alice in Wonderland
The University of Oxford is among the oldest universities in the English-speaking world. Some evidence suggests it was founded as long ago as 1096. The university is made up of 38 distinct colleges, among them Christchurch College, known colloquially as “the house”. Don’t be fooled, though: that makes it sound plain and ordinary, when it is nothing of the sort.
Christ Church actually encompasses Oxford’s cathedral. This stunning building is visited by thousands every year, whether for worship or simply to enjoy the profound calm and sense of history within its walls. The Cathedral is also home to a world famous, 500 year old choir. They sing daily services in the Cathedral, so it’s certainly worth trying to hear them while you are there.
The Great Hall Christchurch has been propelled into the public eye by its starring role in the Harry Potter films. In particular the the Renaissance magnificence of its Great Hall was what inspired the makers of the films. The sight of the hall, with its long, lamplit banquet tables, stern portraits and the elevated dons’ ‘high table’ at the end, is sure to bring back some fond memories.
Alumni, illuminati
Christchurch is one of the largest colleges of the university, with approximately 110 professors and 650 students. The students are all bright young things, but some of the alumni certainly stand out. John Locke, Robert Hooke, John Wesley, William Gladstone, W.H. Auden, Lewis Carroll and Rowan Williams are among them. And you may have heard of someone called Albert Einstein, who studied there in the 1930s.
Inspiration for hundreds of novels, and the romantic setting for many TV shows and movies, including, of course, several of the Harry Potter films. Experience the magic of Oxford and the Harry Potter filming locations with your private guide and driver on this enchanting day trip from London.
On your private tour, you will:
Oxford, the city of dreaming spires, one of the most beautiful, eminent and historic cities in the world is your destination for the day.
You’ll be picked up in central London from a location of your choice, by your private guide – a passionate historian, Harry Potter fanatic, and qualified private guide and Black Cab driver! You’ll enjoy a scenic drive to Oxford where you’ll spend the day wandering around the enchanting colleges, streets, markets, and gardens of this magical city.
Birthplace of Alice in Wonderland, Narnia and Middle Earth, and more recently His Dark Materials, Oxford was used as the location for some of the most memorable scenes in the Harry Potter movies – including everyone’s favourite dining room – the Grand Hall of Hogwarts!
Not only will you step into the movie scenes at Christ Church and New College (founded in 1379 – it’s no longer that new!), but your privately guided tour will take you all over the city. You’ll pass by all the must-see landmarks including the Bridge of Sighs, Carfax Tower, the Radcliffe Camera, the entrance to Narnia, the Sheldonian Theatre (which hides an elusive Potter secret!) and Tom’s Tower.
You’ll see many of Oxford’s beautiful colleges from the outside, where some of the greatest luminaries have studied and you will also enjoy some peaceful green space as you wander along the River Isis, through Christchurch Meadow and the Botanical Garden.
You’ll walk past the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Oxford Castle and Prison – the partly ruined Norman medieval stronghold dating back to the 11th century, the Ashmolean Museum of Art, Archaeology and Antiquities, and the Martyrs Memorial where you’ll uncover some grim Tudor History, and the Covered Market – a delicious place for street food where you’ll learn about the Town/Gown riots!
After a day spent absorbing the magic of Oxford, you’ll then enjoy a peaceful drive back to Muggle London.
DISCLAIMER: This tour is an unlicensed and unauthorised tour of sites featured in the film series 'Harry Potter' based on the eponymous novels by author J. K. Rowling, produced and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. Travel Curious Ltd. and this tour does not have any association with, or connection to, the film series 'Harry Potter', the author J. K. Rowling, and Warner Bros. Pictures.
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