JK Rowling didn’t study in Oxford and didn’t write the books in Oxford. However, Oxford was a great source of inspiration in creating the magic world of Hogwarts; latin, the black gowns, the rivalries between houses and students crystallised by the relationship of Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter, the conflicts between muggles and wizards, the dedication of the teachers, the pride and sense of honour of the students toward their house are directly inspired by the history of the university of Oxford.
This tour is a great opportunity to learn about this history and to dive deeper into the history of magic and witchcraft, learning about superstitious practices and beliefs of the middle ages and Renaissance. You will also learn about the role of Alchemy in the quest of the philosopher’s stone, the sociological context of the witch hunt in the 17th century and how Harry Potter had shined a light on remaining magical beliefs.
The tour will start in Broad street, toward Exeter, JK Rowling is an honorary fellow of the college, it’s also the filming location of A Discovery of witches, a new TV serie about an historian of Alchemy who fall in love with a vampire and realises she is a powerful witch, it is based on a trilogy written by a teacher of Oxford. You will then go to Divinity School, where scenes of the first and fourth movie were filmed. You will walk along Christ-Church meadow, visit the college, the staircase was used in the Philosopher’s stone and the dining hall, the direct inspiration for the Great hall of Harry Potter created in the Warner Bros studio near London.
You will go back to the city center, stop at Blackwell book shop where JK Rowling launched her first 2 books and finish the tour at New College where many scenes from the Goblet of fire were filmed.

Duration

5 hours

What’s included

– Guiding Services