Oxford Inspires

Did you know that it was right here in Oxfordshire that the Adventures of Alice in Wonderland originated?

The journey began one afternoon in July 1862 at Folly Bridge, Oxford. From there the Reverend Charles Dodgson, an Oxford don, took a girl called Alice Liddell and her two sisters on a rowing picnic up the River Thames to the village of Godtsow.

Discover Alice in Oxford...

To while away the time he told them the tale of a girl called Alice who goes looking for an adventure. The story was loved so much by 10 year-old Alice that she asked him to write it down.

The result saw the creation of the epic tales of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. They was first published in 1865 under the pen name Lewis Carroll and have gone on to be a favourite with generations throughout the globe.

The Oxford of Alice in Wonderland...

With Alice's origins right here on our doorstep, BBC Oxford's Clare Beamond has been on a trail unearthing the tangible links between Oxford and Alice's Adventures. Click on the links below to hear her very own adventures...

The Queen of Hearts

Video Nation

Watch the video that Gilly McMullin has filmed which takes a brief look into the life of Alice Liddell, the real life inspiration of Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, both penned by one of Oxford's best known writers, Lewis Carroll (real name Charles Lutwidge Dodgson).

Check out her video to see some of the places and people still tied to this great local legacy.

Alice's Day

The magic of Alice's adventures was celebrated in the form of the very first Alice's Day right here in Oxford. People could create their own adventures by following a special trail across the city stopping off along the way to try 'Eat me tarts', watch street theatre, meet the Queen of Hearts and discover hidden treasures from Lewis Carroll's life in Oxford.