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

Oxford, England
Duration1h 15m - 1h 45m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

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

What to expect

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

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.

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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$14.99 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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