Oxford really exudes Harry Potter atmosphere.
Here are some of Oxford's most iconic Harry Potter film locations.
Harry Potter in Oxford: article summary
Christ Church College's ornate staircase
Taking us back to the first Harry Potter films, this famous staircase appears in many Harry Potter scenes.
Harry, Hermione, Ron and others are heading up the stairs to meet Professor McGonagall.
In the second film, after Harry and Ron miss the Hogwarts Express train, the duo climb these stairs to find Argus Filch.
The staircase is also where a flashback scene shows Tom Jedusor talking to Dumbledore in "Chamber of Secrets".
Harry Potter in Oxford: discover the university cloister
Christ Church was founded as a monastery in the 8th century. Cloisters were common in monasteries. They offered a sheltered space allowing monks to wander undisturbed.
Christ Church's cloisters are spectacular, with Gothic architecture and intricate design details.
These cloisters can be seen in "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone". like a corridor at Hogwarts where Harry sees his father's trophy.
The large dining room
Although no filming took place here, Christ Church's dining room served as inspiration.
Photographs of the room were used to create a set in the London studios. It's easy to see the similarities.
High ceilings, long dining tables with a head table at the front, and the elaborate windows create a Great Hall atmosphere.
The only thing missing? Floating candles, an enchanted ceiling and a row of magical teachers.
Harry Potter in Oxford: the courtyard of New College
In "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire", the cloisters and courtyard of New College are seen as Harry makes his way through a crowd of other students.
In the courtyard of New College, Harry tells Cedric Diggory that the first thing they'll have to do in the Three Wizards' Tournament is defeat the dragons.
The tree where Malfoy taunts Harry is also in the courtyard.
The exterior of Divinity School
The Divinity School appears in numerous scenes in the first four Harry Potter films.
In the first film, it served as an infirmary at Hogwarts, where Harry recovers after his first confrontation with Voldemort.
The school also appears in "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban", when Harry and Hermione use the time-reversal device to save the hippogriff and Sirius Black.
We see it again in "Goblet of Fire" when Professor McGonagall teaches Ron how to dance for the ball.
Harry Potter in Oxford: the Duke Humphrey Library
With countless shelves of dated books and manuscripts, Duke Humfrey's library was the ideal location for a scene from "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone".
When Harry is looking for answers in the restricted section of the Hogwarts library, he uses his invisibility cloak to walk around.
Once you've seen the various locations that inspired the saga's films, I recommend a visit to the park dedicated to Harry Potter. You can then discover the film sets and immerse yourself completely in the magician's world.
What to do in London in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special London guide.
It's free and in PDF format.
All you have to do is tell me below which e-mail address you'd like to receive it at.
EDIT: you can't enter your email?
Take the quiz at the top of this article and you'll be able to register your email address to receive the special London guide!
Leave a Reply