Oxford University and the Movies

Oxford University is an excellent center for learning and an excellent setting for a movie. Some of the famous movies filmed there include Chariots of Fire, The Golden Compass, and scenes from Harry Potter (inspired by places at Christ Church College).

The last time I was at Oxford, a film crew was going to be filming for The Golden Compass, according to a sign on a gate. As my group looked around, sure enough, we saw movie staff putting together props and some extras in their costumes. Unfortunately, we didn’t see Nicole Kidman.  

Just on down the road from that scene, we went into the building housing the dining hall at Christ Church College. As we looked up, we realized we were standing on the stairs at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Harry Potter movies. Not only that, but the dining hall was the inspiration for the dining hall at Hogwarts. It was great fun to watch the movies after returning home and be able to say, “I was there!”


By Carla Hedstrom
Meaningful Meanderings Blog