Oxford's literary legends and landmarks: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of literary legends and landmarks with Oxford's self-guided audio tour. This affordable and flexible walking tour allows you to explore at your own pace, without the constraints of a tour group. From the spots that inspired beloved authors like Lewis Carroll, CS Lewis, and JRR Tolkien, to the filming locations for Harry Potter and HBO's His Dark Materials, this tour will take you on a captivating journey through Oxford's rich literary history.

What to expect?

During this self-guided audio tour, you can anticipate a captivating experience that spans 90 to 120 minutes. The tour starts in front of Carfax Tower, where you'll begin your literary adventure through the city center. Along the way, you'll discover fascinating anecdotes about Oxford's renowned authors and their literary masterpieces. From Pembroke College, where JRR Tolkien wrote The Hobbit, to Alice's Shop, where the real-life Alice in Wonderland made her purchases, each stop on this tour unveils hidden gems of inspiration. Immerse yourself in the fantastical world of Christ Church's Wonderland stained-glass windows and unravel the secrets of Merton College, home to the real Alice. The tour also explores the connections between CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien at the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, and delves into the enchanting realm of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials at Radcliffe Camera and the Bodleian Library. Lastly, you'll pass by Clarendon Building, where Harry Potter honed his magical skills, and Exeter College, where JRR Tolkien left his mark. The tour concludes in front of the Eagle and Child pub, known as the meeting place of the Inklings, a literary club of the early to mid-1900s.

Who is this for?

This self-guided audio tour is perfect for all literature enthusiasts, from casual readers to die-hard fans. Whether you're a local looking to explore the literary history of your city or a traveler seeking a unique cultural experience, this tour caters to all. Families, groups of friends, and solo adventurers can all embark on this tour, as it offers complete control over when you start and finish. With unlimited use before and after your booking date, you can explore the wonders of Oxford's literary landmarks at your convenience.

Why book this?

Book this self-guided audio tour to unlock the magical world of Oxford's literary legends. Unlike traditional guided tours, this experience allows you to wander at your own pace and dive deeper into the stories and settings that inspired some of the greatest works of literature. With the flexibility to start, pause, or restart the tour whenever you want, you'll have the freedom to fully immerse yourself in each location. The VoiceMap app, accompanied by automatic GPS playback and turn-by-turn directions, ensures a seamless and hassle-free journey. Plus, with the virtual tour option, you can even explore these literary landmarks from the comfort of your own home. Uncover the secrets and inspirations behind Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, CS Lewis' Narnia, JRR Tolkien's Middle-earth, and the magical world of Harry Potter and His Dark Materials. This self-guided audio tour promises to be an unforgettable literary adventure.

Good to know

Before embarking on this tour, make sure to install the VoiceMap app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. The app will guide you to the starting point, Carfax Tower, where your literary journey begins. The tour lasts approximately 90 to 120 minutes, but feel free to linger at any of the stops along the way. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading the app. Remember, this tour is available for unlimited use both before and after your booking date, allowing you to revisit these literary landmarks at any time. Don't miss the chance to delve into the captivating world of Oxford's literary heritage with this self-guided audio tour.

Reviews

Travelers who have embarked on this self-guided audio tour have been captivated by the richness of Oxford's literary history and the immersive storytelling provided by the VoiceMap app. Visitors praised the flexibility of the tour, as it allowed them to explore at their own pace and dig deeper into the enchanting stories behind each location. Many were delighted by the connections made between the city and famous authors like Lewis Carroll, CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien, and Philip Pullman. The ease of use of the app, accompanied by automatic GPS playback and turn-by-turn directions, received high praise from travelers. Overall, individuals who have experienced this self-guided audio tour were left with a newfound appreciation for Oxford's literary gems and a desire to dive further into the world of literature.