Oxford: Official CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien Walking Tour

Discover Oxford’s Literary Legends: The CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien Walking Tour

If you’re a fan of The Lord of the Rings or The Chronicles of Narnia, a walk through Oxford exploring the lives and haunts of JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis is pretty much a dream come true. This tour offers a chance to wander through the city’s storied streets, seeing the places where these iconic authors studied, preached, and gathered with their famous literary circle — The Inklings. While it’s not a deep-dive into every detail of their lives, it provides a friendly overview that’s perfect for book lovers, history buffs, or anyone curious about Oxford’s literary scene.

What really appeals to us about this experience is the intimacy and focus — it’s a small group, capped at 20 travelers, so you get a more personal feel. We also love that it hits all the key spots: from the colleges where Tolkien studied to the pubs where Lewis and Tolkien met regularly. Plus, the price tag of around $44 makes it accessible for most travelers looking for a meaningful, short activity. One thing to keep in mind is that the tour mostly moves outside, so good weather is a plus. If the rain’s pouring, you might find your plans slightly disrupted or need to be flexible.

This tour is ideal for those who enjoy walking and are interested in Oxford’s literary past but don’t want to spend hours inside a museum — it’s about the city’s streets, stories, and connections. It’s also a good pick if you’re traveling with a moderate amount of time in Oxford, wanting an engaging overview rather than a full-day excursion. If you’re a hardcore Tolkien or Lewis fanatic, you’ll still get some taste but might need additional visits for in-depth exploration. Overall, it’s a solid, well-reviewed experience that combines history, literature, and charm.

Key Points

• Focused on Tolkien and Lewis: Offers a dedicated look at their lives and connection to Oxford.
• Short and manageable: About two hours, perfect for a quick but meaningful taste of Oxford’s literary roots.
• Outdoor and inside elements: Primarily outside, with some stops at notable buildings like the Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera.
• Affordable price point: Just under $45 per person, providing good value for the insights and access gained.
• Small group size: Limited to 20 travelers, making it more personal and less rushed.
• Weather-dependent: Good weather enhances the experience; poor weather might limit the outdoor sections.

A Closer Look at the Tour Itinerary

Starting Point: Broad Street

The tour begins at 23-25 Broad Street — right in the heart of Oxford. From here, your guide sets the stage with a quick overview of Oxford’s literary and academic scene, immediately placing the city as a hub for some of the greatest writers.

Exeter College (from the outside)

First stop is Exeter College, which Tolkien attended. While you’re not allowed inside, seeing the college from the outside is meaningful. It’s a glimpse into where Tolkien studied and lived, adding context to his later works. As one reviewer noted, seeing Tolkien’s study place on campus can be quite special for fans.

Bodleian Library

Next, you’ll move on to the Bodleian, one of the world’s most famous libraries. From outside, you’ll get a good view of the exterior architecture, but the real highlight is that the Weston Library nearby houses some original works by Tolkien and Lewis. It’s worth knowing that admission to the Weston Library is free, so if you’re interested in seeing their manuscripts up close, you might consider a visit on your own after the tour.

University Church of St. Mary the Virgin

This is where CS Lewis used to preach during wartime. Standing outside the church, you get a sense of his role in the community, and the church itself adds a touch of the spiritual and intellectual atmosphere that inspired the writers.

Radcliffe Camera and Square

While crossing Radcliffe Square, you’ll get a chance to admire the Radcliffe Camera itself, which is iconic. Keep an eye out for little details like the lamp posts and the carved Mr. Tufnell, which add to the historic charm of the area. Note that crossing the square is quick, and the Radcliffe Camera isn’t included for interior visits, but it’s one of those sights you can’t miss in Oxford.

JRR Tolkien’s Workplaces

The tour includes outside views of the areas where Tolkien worked and studied. Though there’s no inside access, seeing these spots helps connect the dots between his Oxford days and his famous stories.

The Eagle & Child and Lamb & Flag Pubs

No Tolkien or Lewis tour would be complete without a stop at the pubs where they gathered. The Eagle & Child, famously known as the “Bird and Baby,” was their regular meeting place. Standing outside, you can imagine the lively debates and creative conversations that occurred within. These pubs are still operational and retain their historic charm, making them a perfect photo stop and a little piece of literary history.

Ashmolean Museum

The final point is the Ashmolean, which houses collections that have inspired writers for generations. While you won’t spend much time inside, passing by this splendid building emphasizes Oxford’s role as a cultural hub.

Practical Details and What to Expect

The tour runs at 11:30 am, starting at Broad Street, and lasts approximately two hours. The group size is capped at 20, which means you get a more relaxed, engaging experience. You’ll walk at a gentle pace, mostly outdoors, so dress for the weather — comfortable shoes are a must.

The tour is priced at $43.89 per person — honestly, for the access to key sites and the insights shared, that’s pretty fair. It’s a mobile ticket, making it flexible to join without fuss. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with strollers, though you might need to leave buggies at the college’s porter’s lodge during the inside visits.

One of the best parts? The reviews. With a 4.9/5 rating from 48 reviews and 96% recommending it, it’s clear most travelers find this a worthwhile addition to their Oxford trip. As one reviewer said, it’s “Enjoyable, entertaining and informative,” and they appreciated the depth of background about Oxford’s connection to the authors.

Final Thoughts

This walking tour is a friendly, accessible way to connect with Oxford’s literary past, especially if you’re a fan of Tolkien or Lewis. It strikes a good balance between being informative and relaxed, with enough stops to keep things interesting without feeling rushed. The outside focus and short duration make it a great option if you’re tight on time but still want to see the city through the lens of its most famous writers.

While it doesn’t offer inside visits to all locations or explore every detail of Tolkien’s or Lewis’s lives, it provides a solid overview and plenty of visual and historical context. The small group size and favorable reviews suggest it’s a well-organized, enjoyable experience that many travelers find worth their while.

If you’re looking for a tour that’s easy to fit into a day, provides a meaningful connection to some of your favorite literary characters, and allows you to explore Oxford’s streets with a knowledgeable guide, this is a solid choice. Just be prepared for the weather and bring your curiosity — you’ll love walking in the footsteps of literary giants.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families or travelers with children?
While no specific mention of children is made, the tour is mostly outside and involves walking, so families with older children or teenagers who enjoy books and history will likely find it engaging. Be aware that strollers may need to be left outside during college visits.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts about two hours, which makes it a manageable activity that won’t wear you out but still offers plenty of sights and stories.

What is the price of the tour?
It’s approximately $43.89 per person, which is quite reasonable for a guided walk that covers multiple key sites.

Can I see Tolkien’s and Lewis’s original works?
Yes, at the Weston Library near the Bodleian, some original manuscripts and works are housed, though admission is free, and the tour mainly focuses on outside views.

What should I wear or bring?
Dressing comfortably for walking and outdoor conditions is best. Check the weather forecast because most of the tour is outside, and consider bringing an umbrella or rain jacket if needed.

Are there any inside visits?
Most of the stops are viewed from outside, with notable exceptions being the Bodleian Library (external) and the colleges (viewed from outside). Inside visits are not part of this tour.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 11:30 am from Broad Street.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you some flexibility if your plans change.

If you’re a reader, a history lover, or just someone curious about Oxford’s role in shaping some of the greatest stories, this tour offers a charming, insightful walk through that world — and a perfect way to spend a couple of hours soaking in literary history.