Explore the real-world places that appear in Lyra's Oxford by Philip Pullman. Each location on the map shows what happens there in the novel, the real history of the place, and what's there today. Featured locations include Jordan College, The Botanic Garden, The Covered Market, Port Meadow, The Gyptian Boats at Dockside and 6 more.
Lyra's home college in Oxford
Lyra roams the college with Pantalaimon, and the Master, the Librarian and the Scholars appear in the stories. In the tale of the college's Retiring Room, Lyra and her friends encounter the odd politics of the Scholars.
Jordan College is the grandest and richest college in Oxford, filled with ancient treasures and secrets. Its scholars study experimental theology and guard the city's oldest traditions.
Jordan College is Lyra's anchor to home and the place that shaped her. It represents the scholarly world she must leave behind.
Ancient garden of strange plants
Lyra and her friends visit the garden and hear tales of rare plants. The gardeners warn of the dangers of certain species.
The garden holds specimens collected from across many worlds, some thought to have strange properties. Scholars have long debated the origins of its oldest trees.
The garden shows the wonder and mystery of nature in Lyra's world. It hints at how deeply science and magic are intertwined.
Bustling market in central Oxford
Lyra and Pantalaimon wander through stalls of fruit, spices and curios. They meet traders who pass along rumors and gossip.
The market has operated for centuries, trading goods from all over the land. Its stalls are full of secrets whispered between merchants.
The market reveals Lyra's love of everyday life and street adventure. It contrasts with the scholars' quiet corridors.
Wide meadow beside the river
The Gyptians moor their boats near here, and Lyra visits their families and friends. Ma Costa and John Faa are woven into the community stories.
The meadow has been common land for generations, a place of gathering for travelers and waterfolk. The gyptians hold it as a meeting place.
Port Meadow ties Lyra to the Gyptians who later help her. It is the stage for community and loyalty.
Moorings of the canal-boat families
The Gyptians tell stories to children and trade news about the waterways. Lyra feels at home among them, sharing tales and meals.
The Gyptians have traveled England's waterways for centuries, living on boats and keeping their own laws. They honor their kings and their ancient pledge to protect their children.
The Gyptians offer Lyra a family beyond the college. They demonstrate courage and solidarity.
Misty marshland to the north-east
In a story of a haunted boat, Lyra hears of eerie lights over the marshes. The tale warns of lost travelers and strange spirits.
The Fens were drained and flooded again over centuries, leaving a land of ghost stories. Marsh folk speak of lights that lure travelers astray.
The Fens embody the uncanny edge of Lyra's world. They reflect themes of danger beneath the familiar.
Ancient woodland west of Oxford
Children whisper about woodland spirits and hidden folk. Lyra and her friends dare each other to enter the woods at dusk.
The woods are thick with old oaks and rumored to hold fairy rings. Folk tales say the woods remember those who walk them.
The woods reflect childhood imagination and the line between the known and unknown.
Rolling chalk hills to the south-east
Travelers on the London road cross these hills, and Lyra hears warnings of highwaymen. Stories tell of mysterious lights from the heights.
The hills have long been a route for drovers and smugglers. Old legends speak of beacons lit upon their crests.
The hills mark the boundary between Oxford and the wider world. They represent the journey outward.
Open sheep country to the west
Lyra hears of farmers and shepherds whose lives follow the seasons. Travelers pass through and bring news to the college.
The downs have been farmed since ancient times, and their stone villages hold old customs. Wool brought wealth to the region.
The downs show the quiet rural life outside Oxford's walls, a world Lyra only glimpses.
River crossing south of the city
Lyra and her friends watch boats pass beneath the bridge and trade stories with boatmen. It is where tales of river trouble are first told.
The bridge has stood for centuries as a gateway for river traffic. Scholars say a mysterious tower once stood nearby.
The bridge links the city and the waterways, representing Lyra's ties to both the scholars and the gyptians.
Highway to the capital
Carriages and travelers pass along the road, bringing visitors and rumors to Oxford. Lyra hears of dangers faced by those who travel at night.
The road has linked Oxford to London since medieval times, and tales of robbers and ghosts follow it.
The road is a symbol of the wider world beyond Lyra's home, leading to her future adventures.
More by Philip Pullman: All Philip Pullman books