The lavish adaptation of Philip Pullman’s fantasy about a girl and her animal daemon crossing between worlds was filmed largely in Wales – where the studios and streets of Cardiff built a steampunk parallel Oxford.
Where was His Dark Materials filmed?
His Dark Materials was filmed largely in Cardiff, Wales – at Wolf Studios and around the city – with scenes in Oxford and Bristol.
Every His Dark Materials location, explained
1
The studios – Cardiff
Much of the series was built at Wolf Studios Wales in Cardiff.
2
Parallel Oxford – Cardiff and Oxford
Lyra’s Oxford used Cardiff streets, with some scenes in the real Oxford.
3
Trollesund and the North – Wales
The northern town of Trollesund used Cwmbran and Welsh locations.
4
Bristol – the chase
Some scenes used Bristol, England.
Planning a visit
Cardiff, Wales – the series’ real home – is a vibrant, accessible city and a hub of British television.
His Dark Materials Fun Facts
1
Filmed in Cardiff The fantasy was built largely at Wolf Studios Wales in Cardiff.
2
A parallel Oxford Lyra’s steampunk Oxford was built from Cardiff and the real Oxford.
3
Based on Pullman It adapts Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials novels.
4
Daemons Every human has an animal companion called a daemon.
5
A BBC-HBO series It was a co-production between the BBC and HBO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was His Dark Materials filmed?
Largely in Cardiff, Wales – at Wolf Studios and around the city – with scenes in Oxford and Bristol.
Is it set in Oxford?
In a parallel version of Oxford, filmed mostly in Cardiff.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – Cardiff and Oxford are accessible.
Is it based on books?
Yes – Philip Pullman’s novels.
Who stars in it?
Dafne Keen as Lyra.
