Tolkien, Lewis and the Inklings Oxford Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Explore the lives of two of Oxford's greatest writers, and their friendship, with an award-winning guide.
On this tour we will follow in the footsteps of JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis. We will see where they studied, taught, lived, worshipped, lectured, wrote and - most importantly - drank with their friends the Inklings. Out of these friendships and conversations emerged Aslan, Gandalf and many other much-loved characters and stories.
Both men became extremely famous in their lifetimes, but never gave up their day-jobs of teaching in the English department. We will explore CS Lewis's conversion to Christianity and late-life marriage to Joy Gresham, and hear about Tolkien's student pranks and life-long deep love for trees.
We will end at the beautiful college of Magdalen, where Lewis taught for nearly 30 years and the Inklings met every Thursday. If you want to go inside it, you will need to pay the entrance fee, which is £9.50 adults/£8.50 concessions.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Martyrs' Memorial
We will walk up St Giles to see the Eagle and Child and Lamb and Flag - the Inklings' two favourite pubs. We will go into the Lamb and Flag and see where they used to sit and read to each other from their writings
Keble College
Where CS Lewis was stationed for his officer training before going off to fight in the First World War
Options
Tolkien, Lewis and the Inklings Oxford Tour
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
Entrance fee - Optional entry to Magdalen College
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
3 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Absolute favorite tour ever!
Juan T,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00If I could give higher than 5 stars, I would! This tour was the absolute highlight of our trip! I am already wanting to return so I can repeat this tour. Jess is fantastic and has a wealth of knowledge. Her love for Lewis, Tolkien, and the Inklings were evident. She was also awesome about giving us extra helpful information, including help with scheduling the train and recommending restaurants! What an outstanding day!
This tour is a must!
Molly B,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Jess was an amazing tour guide. She was extremely knowledgable about all things Oxford. Her joy and love for Tolkien and Lewis was evident throughout our tour. I highly recommend this experience for anyone who is a fan of great literature or just great storytelling.
Great stories and sights
U2341PAkatherinej,Jun 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jess is an incredible tour guide! She is very knowledgeable, kind, and genuine. Her stories of the Tolkien and Lewis really helped them come to life as we toured the locations where they lived, worked, wrote, and met up with friends. We got to see quite a bit of Oxford as part of the tour too. Jess was quick to answer questions and also read some excerpts from the authors themselves at key points which was really cool. Would definitely recommend this tour to help your experience of Oxford come alive.
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Operated by Lady Gargoyle Oxford Tours