CS Lewis & Tolkien Tour with Magdalen Entry Public tour 10.45am

Oxford , United Kingdom

CS Lewis & Tolkien Tour with Magdalen Entry Public tour 10.45am

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(8 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This public tour is brand new to be listed here on viator but we have been successfully running this tour with excellent reviews for private groups for several years here with over 46 recommendations .

This tour typically lasts 2 hours to 2.5 hours and it includes entry to Magdalen college, where CS Lewis taught. If Magdalen is ever closed, we will inform you & offer refund or reschedule date or proceed with a visit to an alternative such as Exeter college, where Tolkien studied.

This tour introduces both these famous writers and their lives here in Oxford plus offers insights into what life is like as an Oxford academic.

Magdalen entry fee worth £10 per person is included.

NOTICE: any known closures for Magdalen college will be published under the What's Excluded section.

Please note that Magdalen only permits entry to up to 10 persons with guide before we must instead pre book with Magdalen. Thus, if you book at very short notice, you may instead be asked to do private tour.

Available options

Public 11.45

Public tour at 11.45: Minimum 3 adults to book

What's included

Please check 'Exclusions' below for dates of any partial closures eg the hall

Tour is led by award winning guides with hundreds of existing 5 star ratings for this tour!

Your ticket includes entry worth £10 to Magdalen college to see the hall, chapel, gardens, quad.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We pass by & mention such famous sights

Stop 2

We pass by & mention such famous sights

Stop 3

Stop 5 Pass by

Stop 7 Pass by

Stop 8 Pass by

The tour introduces most major tourist sights and colleges on our route as we introduce specifically focused tour about CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien's work and their membership of the Inklings Writers club here in Oxford.

On any dates that Magdalen college may be closed, we will instead visit inside Exeter college, worth £5 entry fee.

Exeter college is where Tolkien studied.

Stop 13 Pass by

The tour introduces most major tourist sights and colleges on our route as we introduce specifically focused tour about CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien's work and their membership of the Inklings Writers club here in Oxford.

We often stop at the entrance of exquisite Lincoln college to look at the entry area to the quadrangle and to spot the statue of John Wesley, who studied here, as did the writer of 'Dr Seuss' stories too.

Stop 15

We spend one hour average inside Magdalen college on this tour and this is where CS Lewis taught. It has a medieval hall, a canteen where we can stop for a coffee to enjoy the punting boats passing us by outside. There is a deer park and Addisons walk, which is where CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien walked and talked. Plus there is a medieval hall and chapel plus impressive main quadrangle and the tower.

The entry fee to Magdalen worth £10 is paid for you by the guide.

We visit inside and outside here to introduce where CS Lewis preached and developed many of his books from sermons here. We also will see the Mr Tumnis and Aslan lookalike figures outside the church which are alleged to have inspired CS Lewis to write, 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'.

We often also end the tour at this location.

We often pass down the lane to see this famous pub or to see the Eagle and Child pub where the Inklings met over a drink to discuss their writing and life.

What's not included

Magdalen is closed Sep 26 & Oct 5 of 2025. On these dates, the tour will visit alternative college.

Magdalen is usually closed for Xmas about Dec 22 to Dec 31- no entry possible on those dates!

On any dates that Magdalen is closed, we'll replace entry with Tolkien's Exeter college

This tour is not aimed at young children but if you wish to bring children, please inform us before

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please arrive 5 minutes early for your tour at our meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet your guide wearing red lanyard. Meeting next to our black sign, OUTSIDE Oxford Tourist info centre, 15 Broad street, OX1 3AS. This is also next to the Oxfam shop which has a green sign above its shop.

Important notes

These tours

MUST START ON TIME as wherever possible, we pre purchase entry tickets for fixed entry times at Christchurch. If you arrive after the tour has started, you will unfortunately therefore lose your booking.

Please arrive 5 minutes early for your tour at our meeting point. If you arrive more than 5 minutes later than the scheduled tour, then you will likely forfeit and lose your booking as it interrupts the guide and other customers, if we are trying to find you after a guide has started and left the meeting point.

IMPORTANT NOTICE IN CASE OF UNFORESEEN PARTIAL OF FULL CLOSURES:

NB if we might offer you a Saturday morning tour to Christchurch, then while we can visit the HP film sites at Christchurch, we cannot usually show you the dining hall, as it is closed at this time.

We do publish known Christchurch closures on this website page & we will advise of any closures at the time of booking or before the tour but occasionally some closures are last minute. In this event, our policy is either the guide can substitute entry for Christchurch to another college such as eg New college (also a Hogwarts film site). Alternatively, you may opt to reschedule your tour onto another date or to instead join one of our other tours running the same date such as the Oxford cycle tour of food tour (which cost approximately same).

REFUNDS POLICY:

If you opt to book a foreign language private group tour, this may be possible if you give us adequate advance notice of at least 24 hours. If we cannot offer a tour in a foreign language, then you will be refunded or invited to join the tour in English with any cost difference refunded.

Christchurch Dining hall only is closed on following dates 2020 (the tour will go ahead as the hall is NOT the film site anyway):

April 24
May 9
Oct 4 + Oct 9

While very rare, the film sites are private university and college venues, on very rare occasions they may suddenly close to the public without any advance notice!

About Oxford

Oxford is a historic university city renowned for its prestigious academic institutions and stunning architecture. With a rich history dating back to the 9th century, it offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern vibrancy, making it a compelling destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

University of Oxford

One of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities, the University of Oxford is a must-visit for its historic colleges, libraries, and museums.

Historical/Cultural Half day to full day Free to £15 for guided tours

Bodleian Library

One of the oldest libraries in Europe, the Bodleian Library is a stunning example of architectural grandeur and historical significance.

Historical/Cultural 1 to 2 hours Free (some exhibitions may have a fee)

Ashmolean Museum

The Ashmolean Museum is the UK's oldest public museum, housing an extensive collection of art and antiquities from around the world.

Museum 1 to 3 hours Free (some special exhibitions may have a fee)

Christ Church College

One of the most famous colleges at the University of Oxford, Christ Church College is known for its stunning architecture and historic significance.

Historical/Cultural 1 to 2 hours £12 for a guided tour

Oxford Botanic Garden

The oldest botanic garden in the UK, Oxford Botanic Garden is a beautiful and peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.

Nature 1 to 2 hours £7.50

Must-Try Local Dishes

Oxfordshire Sausages

Made from locally sourced pork and seasoned with herbs, these sausages are a staple of Oxfordshire cuisine.

Main Course Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Punting Lunch

A traditional Oxford experience, a punting lunch typically includes sandwiches, pastries, and drinks enjoyed while gliding along the River Cherwell.

Lunch Various options available, including vegetarian and vegan choices.

Oxfordshire Cheese

Locally produced cheeses, such as Cotswold cheese, are a must-try for cheese lovers.

Snack/Dessert Contains dairy, not suitable for vegans.

Popular Activities

Punting on the River Cherwell Cycling tours Hiking in the Cotswolds Visiting the Oxford Botanic Garden Punting with a picnic Enjoying a spa day Guided tours of Oxford's colleges and museums Attending theater performances

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest and driest period, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is lively with various events and festivals.

15°C to 22°C 59°F to 72°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Oxford is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps.

Getting there

By air

London Heathrow Airport • 60 miles (97 km)
London Luton Airport • 50 miles (80 km)

By train

Oxford Railway Station

By bus

Oxford Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus network in Oxford is comprehensive and affordable, covering most parts of the city. Buses are a convenient way to get around, especially for tourists.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center North Oxford Jericho Cowley Road

Day trips

Blenheim Palace

8 miles (13 km) • Half day to full day

A stunning baroque palace and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and offers beautiful gardens and parkland.

The Cotswolds

20 miles (32 km) • Full day

A picturesque region known for its charming villages, rolling hills, and historic sites, the Cotswolds offers a quintessential English countryside experience.

Stratford-upon-Avon

60 miles (97 km) • Full day

The birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is a charming town with historic sites, theaters, and beautiful gardens.

Festivals

Oxford Literary Festival • March Oxfordshire Artweeks • May and June Oxford Pride • September

Pro tips

Visit the Bodleian Library and other historic sites early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Book guided tours of Oxford's colleges in advance, especially during peak season.
Explore the city's vibrant food scene by visiting local markets and independent restaurants.
Take a punting tour on the River Cherwell for a unique and relaxing experience.
Use the park-and-ride facilities to avoid traffic and parking challenges in the city center.