Description
From earnest discussions of fantasy worlds in the Eagle and Child pub, to the first inspiration of Narnia in St Mary’s Passage, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterpieces are interwound with Oxford and its university.
Having both studied and taught at Oxford University, the first seeds of their most well-known and beloved works began here. Follow in the authors’ footsteps around their favourite Oxford haunts and hear the stories of their time at the university.
Operating on selected Saturdays, this tour is perfect for those literarily inclined, fans of The Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, and who want to learn more about these two greats of The Inklings Society, and see where they lived and learned.
Book this as a Private or Group Tour
For details on how to book this as a private tailor-made tour on this or a combination of themes, for yourself or family and friends, please see our Group Tours and Private & Specialist Tours pages. You can send your enquiry by calling us on +44 1865 686 442, or emailing at officialtours@experienceoxfordshire.org.
Meeting Point
All Oxford Official Walking Tours meet at the Cool Britannia gift shop entrance on the corner of Turl Street and Broad Street (Broad Street Numbers 23-25, OX1 3DH).
Group size
Groups are limited to 20 people to ensure that you have a safe and pleasant experience and can ask your Guide questions as you walk around with them.
More information
- Your 2-hour tour will cover 1.5 – 2 miles walking (stopping every so often to admire the architecture and learn about the quirky university traditions) and not travelling further than a 10/15 minute walk away from the City centre and the Meeting Point OX1 3AS.
- Guide dogs are welcome on all tours. Unfortunately, other dogs and pets are not allowed.
- Children under 16 are welcome on this tour but must be accompanied by at least 1 adult per two children.
- The City centre is very flat and walkable – however, some of the most ancient colleges do have steps. If you have any mobility difficulties, please let us know in advance by phone on +44 1865 686 442 or email officialtours@experienceoxfordshire.org before you book, so that we can arrange with the guide ahead of the tour how to best accommodate you.
- Tours go ahead whatever the weather, however, we do advise you to come prepared and warmly dressed for winter, prepared for rain whatever the season with comfortable footwear.
- We recommend the Park and Ride service. The nearest site will be signposted on your entry route to Oxford and the buses leave regularly. Please allow at least 20 minutes for the journey into the City Centre and ask for the stop nearest to the Visitor Information Centre in Broad St. For more parking information please see https://www.oxford.gov.uk/parking.
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