Discover what inspired and influenced C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien on this more intellectually paced walking tour aimed at adults. See inside Lewis's Magdalen College and, when open, Tolkien's Exeter College while finding out more about the city.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 2 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
- Wheelchair accessible
- Private group available
Experience
Highlights
- Admire the medieval buildings and deer park inside C.S.Lewis' Magdalen College
- Discover pre-Raphaelite art and an exquisite garden inside J.R.R. Tolkien's Exeter College (when open)
- Hear about Oxford University life and see most of the iconic sights on the route
- Go inside St Marys University Church where C.S. Lewis and Cardinal Newman preached
- Explore Christian history, such as the Oxford Martyrs, on a tour especially popular with Christians
Full description
Find out more about the Inklings, an informal literary discussion group associated with the University of Oxford, while getting an introduction to the city's history and university life. See inspiring sights related to C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien on a 2-2.5-hour tour of the sights where they worked and relaxed, including the pubs they enjoyed.
At Magdalen, discover a beautiful medieval hall, chapel, and quadrangle as well as lovely gardens and a deer park. Walk in the footsteps of C.S. Lewis and his friends along the famous Addison's path where they strolled on many midsummer evenings to discuss their ideas. When open, peek inside Tolkien's Exeter College which hosts pre Raphaelite art and an exquisite garden too.
As well as the colleges, your knowledgeable guide will take you on a route through the city of Oxford to take in many famous sights. Visit inside St. Mary's University Church where C.S. Lewis developed his ideas through sermons. Hear about the likes of Cardinal Newman who preached there too, and learn about the Oxford Martyrs — Latimer, Ridley, and Cranmer — from the time of 'Bloody Mary'.
You can either book individual tickets (minimum 2 adults) for the public tour on Sundays at 2:30 PM or you can book a private group tour that runs daily in the afternoons at 12 PM or 2:30 PM. A pub/refereshment stop is optional on the tour. Many people who book this tour happen to be theology alumni but the guides are not necessarily themselves religious people.
Includes
- Knowledgeable guide
- Food or drink
- Any optional gratuities
- Entry to Magdalen College for private groups larger than 2 people (£7 per person)
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
Meet your guide wearing a red "iloveoxford" lanyard outside Oxford Visitor Information Centre, next to the local partner's bike trailer advertising signage.
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
Know before you go
- Due to Covid-19, only Magdalen College is currently open to the public
- Until the rest of the colleges re-open, this tour will not include entry inside colleges but you'll see and hear lots about the Inklings and about Oxford sights
- It's not yet known when Magdalen college will re-open to visitors but until such time as it does re-open, the tour is running at discounted rate as its entry is not included
- There is the possibility that Exeter college may re-open but not until late June
- Children may join this tour but there is no child pricing as this tour is aimed at an adult, intellectual audience to discuss the writing and ideas of Lewis and Tolkien, with a focus on Lewis's religious ideas
- Entry fee worth £7 to Magdalen College is included for public tour tickets or for private groups up to 2 persons only. Any private groups larger than 2 persons will need to pay £7 extra per person on arrival
