Oxford: Discover the World of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien on a Walking Tour

Explore Oxford’s literary heritage on a 2-hour walking tour. Visit key sites of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien, and dive into their fascinating worlds.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Exeter College - You will see Exeter College (from the outside) where Tolkien lived and studied
  • Bodleian Library - From the outside see the famous Libraries including the Weston Library which houses some of Tolkien’s and CS Lewis’ orginal works
  • University Church of St. Mary the Virgin - Where C.S. Lewis preached some of his wartime…
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…

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
(38 Ratings)
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Nickyj2015
Oct 27, 2024
Many thanks for this informative trek around Oxford, Tim! - We really enjoyed this tour! Tim was friendly, relaxed, communicative and very knowledgeable about Lewis and Tolkien. He told us stories about them and walked us around Oxford to see places where the two academics had lived, studied, worked and socialised. I appreciated that Tim discussed with us at the start where we would go and told us his objectives for the tour. Five stars are well deserved and I would strongly recommend this walking tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
N2607cfroberts
Oct 19, 2024
Thank you for the tour - Our guide Ajai gave our group a very enjoyable and informative tour around the streets of Oxford. I particularly enjoyed learning of the life experiences of the author that were subsequently pulled into their work and the parting quotes our guide concluded the tour with. Due to the time of year we were unable to view the interior of a site or two so if you wish to get the full exploration of the tour I would suggest booking within the school holiday times.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tandmike2015
Oct 13, 2024
5 Star All The Way! - Our May '24 private walking tour was five star all the way! Michiel, our engaging guide took time to get to know us, our knowledge of Lewis and Tolkien, as well as our focal interests on the tour. He personalized our experience with a subtle, engaging sense of humor and his encyclopedic knowledge of the main characters and the history of Oxford. It was awe inspiring to see the same sights and walk the same paths of Lewis and Tolkien while Michiel explained aspects of their lives, their friendship and some of the local inspirations for their works . We were able to see and experience so much more and more in-depth than we could ever have on our own. This was a tour of a lifetime! M & T
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Guide64386865476
Oct 13, 2024
Just what you’re looking for! - Couldn’t be me more satisfied with our tour. Becca (?) was excellent - knowledgeable and enthusiastic about all things Tolkien, Lewis and Oxford. Left feeling like we knew Oxford.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Valeriacr7025hy
Oct 6, 2024
GREAT! Fans will love! - This was a great way to see the city in a short amount of time. Our guide tour, Timothy (Tim), was AMAZING! He knew exactly what spots in the city to prioritize over others to tell Lewis' and Tolkien's stories. He knew so much about the two authors, the history of the city & colleges, as well. He was lovely to have conversation with and even went out of his way to go over time just a little bit to share some extra stuff. This is a great tour for those that are and are not well-versed on the lives of Lewis and Tolkien. 10/10 would recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Coastal00783615633
Oct 4, 2024
These Two Tolkien Fans Loved It - My daughter is a huge fan of J.R.R. Tolkien's books, and this tour showed us where he lived, worked, and died. Jonathan, our guide, was friendly, professional, knowledgeable, and entertaining. This tour is the whole reason we visited Oxford, and it did not disappoint. (The only thing which would make it even better would be to visit Tolkien's grave, but that is four miles outside of town.) We'd love to take this tour again someday.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
John
Sep 25, 2024
An In Depth Perspective of The Inklings. - Outstanding tour. Ray was knowledgeable and invested in making sure we saw and heard so much about these two amazing men. He was considerate of the pace and making sure we had an enjoyable, meaningful time. We have a new friend in Oxford.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Meg
Sep 18, 2024
Brilliant tour of Oxford - We could not have asked for a better guide than Jonathan - fascinating, fun and a lovely chap. He gave us not only a Lewis/Tolkien guide but really good history about Oxford also.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
59fiona
Sep 2, 2024
Excellent insights into Tolkien and CS Lewis, highly recommended - Fantastic tour. Jonathan was an excellent guide, infectiously knowledgeable about the lives of Tolkien and Lewis and their relationship with each other and with Oxford. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gizmostu
Sep 8, 2024
Interesting and Informative but maybe a little dry for younger members. - This was a really interesting tour for adults or those with a keen interest in the authors. Also really good for those to see the architecture from less usual angles. I thoroughly enjoyed it as did my wife. I could see some of the younger members of the party zoning out a little towards the end. At least a couple of hours on your feet with uneven and cobbled streets, so wear comfortable cushioned shoes and be prepared to walk a fair bit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
December 2024
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