Oxford: Official CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Visiting Oxford on foot is the best way to see it, especially if you are a fan of Oxford’s most well known writers, the founder members of The Inklings.
Join this 2-hour CS Lewis and Tolkien Tour and learn more about these writers’ lives and work. Both Oxford University alumni Lewis and Tolkien are respectively known for the Narnia series and The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
During the tour you will be able to see Exeter College, where Tolkien studied and the University Church where Lewis preached in WW2 and hear about the colleges where they taught. Moreover, you’ll walk past the Eagle & Child pub, where The Inklings used to meet every Tuesday, to talk about their work. Discover more about their unique writing styles and their influence.
This is definitely a jump back in time and it will give you a glimpse of how Oxford used to be in the early 20th century, and of course earlier. Being the City of Dreaming Spires, the architecture is still stunning to this day!
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
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
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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
What‘s Included
Guided walking tour
No College entrances are included
Options
CS Lewis & JRR Tolkien Tour
Oxford: Official CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien Walking Tour
Reviews
62 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Absolutely brilliant! Thank you Becca
Clara M2570,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went on the 1130 Saturday CS Lewis and Tolkein tour with Becca. It was absolutely brilliant! Becca has such a lovely way of presenting with enthusiasm and cheer. We learnt so much about these authors; leaving with such an understanding of their characters in such a way that you could imagine musing with them yourself, as an honorary Inkling! Beccas passion for Oxford, writing and language really shone through. I would recommend this tour to anyone. Thank you Becca!
Lion, Witch & Wardrobe
faithfullness715,,Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Richard was a fantastic tour guide. Very knowledgeable, kind and gave very thorough history. Talk included significance of Oxford, other authors & other history too. Loved it. God bless.
Catenians Weekend Away
D3706QJseand,,Sep 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I organised a weekend away in Oxford for a group of 25. The walking tour was part of that and my experience from booking through to the walk itself was excellent. Esther & Paul were great during the booking process and our guide Ajai was knowledgeable and articulate.
Knowledgeable guide, accessible walking
Lucy W,,Sep 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved this tour - our guide Tim was very knowledgable about both Tolkien and C. S. Lewis and clear and enthusiastic with his delivery. The walking pace was gentle and we had a brilliant introduction to the city and the lives of both great gentleman. Thoroughly recommended!
Excellent Oxford Walking Tour
Lisa Z,,Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide — Harvey was excellent. He was engaging and we all enjoyed others who had tidbits of information !
Worth it!
J8792XRmikeg,,Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved learning about the history of Oxford University and the various points of interest of Lewis and Tolkien throughout the campus.
Informative tour
231WalterW231,,Aug 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thoroughly enjoyed the tour. The guide Richard made it very interesting. Richard was well informed and very friendly and helpful. One of the best guide tours I have ever been on.
Excellent walking tour
angeblack2017,,Aug 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tim was a friendly, knowledgeable guide and he took the trouble to email us just before the tour with some useful information. He made the tour interesting with lots of facts and anecdotes about the authors and he was also able to tell us a lot about Oxford University. The tour took 2 hours which was about the right time and I would definitely recommend it to anyone with an interest in Tolkien and Lewis.
Great tour!
W3198UFkims,,Aug 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great time on the tour yesterday! The tour guide (Becca) made it a personalised experience and the route is well thought out!
963theresay,,Jul 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our time in Oxford was short but much richer thanks to our guide Harvey Coates. He is knowledgeable and took great care of us on a very hot day.
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Operated by Experience Oxfordshire