Oxford: Discover the World of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien on a Walking Tour
4.8
22 Ratings
Oxfordshire
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Take a look at Exeter College from the exterior, the institution where Tolkien resided and learned
- Observe the notable Libraries such as the Weston Library, home to some original writings of Tolkien and CS Lewis, from the outside
- The location where C.S. Lewis delivered a number of his wartime speeches
- Stroll around this well-known establishment and when you pass Radcliffe Square, keep your eyes peeled for the renowned lamp posts and Mr Tufnell’s sculpture
- View from the exterior where JRR Tolkien was employed
- Keep an eye out for the Eagle &Child and Lamb & Flag Pubs, the gathering spots of the Inklings
- Admire this magnificent edifice that houses collections that have sparked inspiration in numerous authors across eras
What's Included
- Expert-led walking tour
Additional Information
Exploring Oxford by foot is undeniably an optimal way to experience it, particularly if you appreciate the works of renowned writers who were part of The Inklings, based in Oxford. Participate in an informative 2-hour tour dedicated to CS Lewis and Tolkien, revealing intriguing details of these writers’ lives and their bodies of work. Both Lewis and Tolkien, esteemed for the Narnia series and The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy respectively, are alumni of Oxford University. The tour will take you past Exeter College, Tolkien’s alma mater, and the University Church where Lewis shared his thoughts during WW2. You’ll also learn about the colleges where these legendary figures taught. The tour also passes by the Eagle & Child pub, a common meeting place for The Inklings to discuss their writing. Uncover more about their distinctive writing techniques and their far-reaching impact. Without a doubt, this journey through time will present you a snapshot of Oxford during the early 20th century, or even before. Known as the City of Dreaming Spires, the city’s architectural beauty is still breathtaking and commendable today!
- Strollers and buggies may need to be left at the Porter’s Lodge during the college visit
- Wheelchair accessible college visits can be arranged if customers contact us in advance on 01865 686 441 please
Location
23-25 Broad St
Broad Street
Outside entrance Cool Britannia Gift Shop on corner of Broad St and Turl St, OX1 3DH What3Words ///visit.blues.text
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(22 Ratings)
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Sherpa35624981955
Apr 22, 2024
Just go for it! - For fans or non fans: Just Do it! It was a marvelous experience traveling through history of the writers and the city as well! I strongly recomend this tour. Our Guide Beca was amazing and guided us gently.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
645raifec
Apr 22, 2024
Must-do for Lewis/Tolkien fans - The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic, which made the whole experience incredibly enjoyable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bubblyhead
Mar 31, 2024
Walking tour cs Lewis/jr tolkein. - BECCA was amazing so pleased we had a guide with personality and a sense of humour who so knowdlegabke about the local area.
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Corentins363
Mar 19, 2024
Tolkien & Lewis Tour - We had a wonderful time following Jonathan around Oxford and listening his many stories about Tolkien and Lewis, but also about the city's history. It was the perfect introduction to Oxford, and afterwards we could walk everywhere without getting lost.
Our guide was the perfect combination of erudite and friendly. He made evey one feel comfortable and as a result our group of strangers felt strangely familiar. Thank you for this delightful visit !
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Tonip966
Mar 3, 2024
Fantastic Walking Tour of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien - A fantastic walking tour - Jonathan Self was a superb tour guide - personable, knowledgeable, enthusiastic- he brought the story of Lewis' and Tolkiens' friendship to life. Thoroughly recommend this tour to everyone - just brilliant!
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Campuspoint
Feb 23, 2024
Inredible experience in Oxford! - Jonathan was amazing! Incredibly knowledgeable and very fun. Our tour was focused on Tolkien and Lewis and traced their footsteps in Oxford. Along the way, Jonathan was able to answer all of our other questions about Oxford as well! Incredible experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mattf425
Dec 7, 2023
A Wonderful Trip Through Oxford and Time - Our guide, Jonathan Self, gave us a wonderful and witty walk through Oxford. He took special care to point out all of the various sites frequented by Tolkien and Lewis, while explaining the history of their long and sometimes fraught friendship. He was always delightful and charming, despite the cold that fell with the dusk during our walk, giving us an insider's look at many of the incredible colleges.
On top of all that, Jonathan is a talented photographer who offered to take our picture at special moments in the tour, and we were delighted with the results. If you have the chance, be sure to sign up for this tour. You will treasure it.
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Emgee100
Oct 20, 2023
Lively and fun - What an excellent tour, arranged for a local group. Our guide, Jonathan Self, gave a helpful introduction to the university and then guided a walk around the city pointing out buildings, colleges and pubs connected to Tolkien and CS Lewis. By city walls, in small alleys and back streets, information was woven with fact and anecdote and was lively and fun. Thoroughly recommend!
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A-a-hughes15
Oct 9, 2023
A Sunday Wander - We had a fabulous time on our walking tour with our guide, Jonathan Self! Our tour was a small group tour of JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis' Oxford, with a heavy focus on Tolkien, and we could not have had a more exciting visit nor a more beautiful day to walk around such a storied campus.
Jon was lovely, a lot of fun to talk to and has a vast knowledge of Oxford. To start, Jonathan gave us an overview of the university, the authors, the Oxford times in which they lived as well as an overview of modern-day Oxford student life. We visited three colleges, two with connections to the authors and the third with connections to Harry Potter, which Jon suggested extempore as we mentioned our affinity for the series. We all appreciated this enormously and loved diving in to the magic that can only be found at Oxford. It was a special visit and a highlight of our trip we won't soon forget! Thank you Jon!
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Richardc4532
Jul 2, 2023
J R R Tolkien/C.S Lewis tour - Rob Walters, our guide, was fantastic. Very informative and fun. We’ll be booking him again. He mentioned he’s an author too!
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