Oxford: C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien Guided Walking Tour

Oxford’s literary legacy is inextricably linked to the lives and works of two of the most celebrated authors of the 20th century – C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. This guided walking tour invites visitors to explore the city’s hallowed halls and discover the profound impact these influential figures had on the city’s cultural landscape. From the storied colleges they called home to the historic churches that shaped their spiritual journeys, this immersive experience promises to transport you into the heart of Oxford’s literary and religious heritage. Prepare to uncover a world where imagination and faith converge, leaving an indelible mark on the minds of all who venture forth.

Key Points

• This 2.5-hour guided walking tour explores the literary and religious connections in Oxford, focusing on the lives and works of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.
• Highlights include visits to Magdalen College (C.S. Lewis) and Exeter College (J.R.R. Tolkien), as well as the University Church of St Mary the Virgin.
• The tour provides insights into the Christian history of Oxford, including the stories of the Oxford Martyrs.
• Tour options include private or small group, and the tour is wheelchair accessible.
• Entry fees to Magdalen College and Exeter College are included in the tour cost.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Details

The tour lasts for 2.5 hours and is led by a live guide, making it accessible to wheelchair users.

Private or small group tours are also available.

Highlights of the tour include visiting the interior of C.S. Lewis’s Magdalen College, with a £10 entry ticket included, and seeing J.R.R. Tolkien’s Exeter College when it’s open, with a £3 entry ticket.

Plus, the tour explores the Christian history of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, where both Lewis and Cardinal Newman preached.

The tour provides a comprehensive look at the literary and religious connections that Oxford holds for fans of these renowned authors.

Highlights

Visitors on the tour can explore the Christian history of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, where both C.S. Lewis and Cardinal Newman once preached. The tour also includes a visit to C.S. Lewis’s Magdalen College, with a £10 entry ticket included, and the opportunity to see J.R.R. Tolkien’s Exeter College when it’s open, with a £3 entry ticket. Plus, the tour highlights the stories of the Oxford Martyrs, offering a deeper understanding of the region’s Christian heritage.

Highlight	Details	Ticket Price
Magdalen College	Visit C.S. Lewis’s college	£10
Exeter College	See J.R.R. Tolkien’s college	£3
University Church of St Mary the Virgin	Where Lewis and Newman preached	N/A

Tour Itinerary

The tour begins at Magdalen College on Broad Street, where participants can explore C.S. Lewis’s former stomping grounds for the first hour.

From there, the group moves on to the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, the site where both Lewis and Cardinal Newman once delivered sermons.

Along the way, the knowledgeable guide shares insights into the Christian history of Oxford, including the stories of the Oxford Martyrs.

The tour wraps up at the University Church, giving participants the chance to soak in the rich spiritual legacy of this iconic location.

With a mix of guided visits and free exploration, the tour offers a comprehensive look at the lives and legacies of two of Oxford’s most celebrated literary figures.

Inclusions

With the tour, participants receive a guided experience from a knowledgeable guide throughout the 2.5-hour duration.

Plus, the tour includes entry fees to both Magdalen College (£10 per person) and Exeter College (£3 per person when open), providing access to these historic sites.

An optional pub or refreshment stop is also available during the tour.

The tour guide leads visitors through the highlights, including a visit inside CS Lewis’s Magdalen College and JRR Tolkien’s Exeter College, when open.

Participants can also explore St Mary’s University Church where notable figures like CS Lewis and Cardinal Newman preached.

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Important Information

Children may join the tour, but no child pricing is offered. Exeter College closures can be unpredictable, and Magdalen College may also be closed on certain dates, resulting in the entry fee being removed from the tour.

Important Information
Children on Tour	✔
Exeter College	❔
Magdalen College	❔
Entry Fees Included	✔	✖
Pub/Refreshment Stop	✔

Guests should be aware of these potential variations when booking the tour. The tour provider give you the best experience possible, but some aspects may be beyond their control.

Visiting Magdalen College

Visiting Magdalen College, one of the highlights of the tour, allows participants to step inside the academic halls where C.S. Lewis studied and taught. The entry ticket, included in the tour price, grants access to this historic college, providing an immersive experience into the life and work of the renowned author.

Visitors can explore the college’s stunning architecture, discover the inspirations behind Lewis’ literary masterpieces, and gain a deeper understanding of his time in Oxford. The guided tour ensures a comprehensive and engaging exploration of this significant site, bringing the world of Narnia and Lewis’ other beloved works to life in a meaningful and memorable way.

Visiting Exeter College

The tour also includes visiting J.R.R. Tolkien’s Exeter College, where the renowned author studied and later taught. Participants can explore the college’s historic buildings and learn about Tolkien’s time there, gaining insight into the inspirations and influences that shaped his beloved works such as The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

Exeter College is a highlight of the tour, providing a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of one of the most celebrated fantasy writers of all time. While the college’s opening hours can be unpredictable, the tour guide will do their best to ensure visitors have the chance to experience this important literary landmark.

The entry fee of £3 per person is included in the tour price.

Exploring Christian History

The tour also explores Oxford’s rich Christian history, including visits to sites where influential religious figures like C.S. Lewis and Cardinal Newman once preached. Guests will go inside St Mary’s University Church, where these renowned thinkers delivered sermons.

Plus, the tour delves into the story of the Oxford Martyrs, who were tried and executed for their Protestant beliefs during the Reformation. This provides a fascinating glimpse into the city’s complex religious past.

Throughout the experience, the knowledgeable guide shares insights and anecdotes that bring these historical events and figures to life. For those interested in the spiritual heritage of Oxford, this portion of the tour offers a compelling and enlightening perspective.

Recap

This guided walking tour provides a fascinating glimpse into the literary and religious heritage of Oxford.

Visitors can explore the colleges that nurtured the talents of acclaimed authors C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, and learn about the city’s rich Christian history.

With an expert guide, travelers can enjoy the inspiring stories and influential figures that have shaped Oxford’s literary landscape.

You can check if your dates are available here: