Oxford: CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien Walking Tour

The Oxford: C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien Walking Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the lives and works of two iconic literary giants. Visitors can stroll through the historic streets of Oxford, seeing the enchanting atmosphere that inspired these authors’ masterpieces. From Exeter College to the University Church, the tour unveils the key locations that shaped their ideas and left an enduring impact on English literature. Whether you’re a longtime fan or simply curious, this walking adventure promises to captivate and enlighten.

Key Points

• This 2-hour walking tour explores the lives and works of renowned authors C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien in Oxford.
• The tour covers 2.5 to 3 kilometers within 15 minutes from the city center and is priced at $41.39 per person.
• Participants will visit key locations associated with the authors, including Exeter College and University Church.
• The tour highlights the distinct writing styles and literary legacies of Lewis and Tolkien, and their impact on English literature.
• Reservations can be made without upfront payment, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien Walking Tour is a 2-hour activity in Oxford that covers 2.5 to 3 kilometers and is located within 15 minutes from the city center.

A 2-hour walking tour in Oxford covering 2.5 to 3 kilometers, located within 15 minutes from the city center.

Priced from $41.39 per person, the tour is conducted in English with a live guide.

The meeting point is outside the Cool Britannia Gift Shop, at the junction of Broad Street and Turl Street.

Reservations can be made without upfront payment, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour highlights the lives and works of the two renowned authors and explores their influence on English literature.

Booking Information

How does one book the CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien Walking Tour?

The booking process is straightforward. Customers can reserve their spot without any upfront payment. Payment isn’t required until the day of the tour.

Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for a full refund. The tour doesn’t include tips, so travelers should budget for those separately.

It’s important to note the tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility issues, and large bags or luggage aren’t allowed.

With flexible booking and cancellation policies, the tour is easy to plan for.

Tour Highlights

Explored on this walking tour are the lives and works of renowned authors C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.

Visitors will visit Exeter College, where Tolkien studied, and the University Church, where Lewis preached. The tour also includes a stop at the Eagle & Child pub, a favorite meeting spot for the Inklings, a literary group that both authors belonged to.

Travelers will learn about the writers’ distinct styles and their profound impact on English literature.

Explored the writers’ distinct styles and their profound impact on English literature.

The experience immerses participants in the early 20th-century atmosphere of Oxford, providing a unique glimpse into the lives of these literary giants.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a guided exploration of the lives and works of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, with visits to key locations like Exeter College and the University Church.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are provided for convenience. However, the tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility issues, and bringing large bags or luggage isn’t allowed.

Food, drinks, and tips aren’t included in the price, so travelers will need to budget for those expenses.

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Exploring Exeter College

Exeter College, where J.R.R. Tolkien studied, is a key highlight of the tour. Visitors can explore the college’s historic buildings and corridors where the renowned author once walked.

The tour provides insights into Tolkien’s time at the college, including:

• His rooms in the college’s north range, where he developed his passion for languages and early medieval literature.

• The university library, where Tolkien conducted research that influenced his iconic fantasy works.

• The college chapel, which Tolkien would have attended during his studies and where he drew inspiration for his writings.

University Church and C.S. Lewis

After exploring Exeter College, the walking tour then takes visitors to the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, a historic site closely associated with C.S. Lewis.

This was the church where Lewis famously preached and delivered his lectures. Visitors can see the pulpit from which he shared his influential thoughts on Christianity and philosophy.

The church’s stunning medieval architecture provides the perfect backdrop to learn about Lewis’s life and work.

The church’s stunning medieval architecture offers the ideal setting to explore C.S. Lewis’s spiritual and intellectual journey.

This stop offers a deeper understanding of how the Oxford environment shaped the renowned author’s spiritual and intellectual journey.

The Eagle & Child Pub

Next on the CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien Walking Tour is a visit to the renowned Eagle & Child pub, a historic hotel that once served as the meeting place for the famous literary group known as the Inklings.

This classic Oxford watering hole was frequented by the two celebrated authors, along with their fellow Inklings, who gathered here to share their writings, ideas, and camaraderie.

Visitors can:

• Soak up the cozy, traditional atmosphere that inspired generations of Oxford’s literary giants.

• Learn about the Inklings and their influential impact on 20th-century literature.

• Enjoy a pint in the same spot where Lewis, Tolkien, and their friends once met.

Literary Influence and Legacy

Though best known for their celebrated fantasy novels, the literary legacies of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien extend far beyond Middle-earth and Narnia.

As pillars of 20th-century English literature, their philosophical and theological writings profoundly shaped religious discourse.

Lewis’s non-fiction works, like "Mere Christianity" and "The Problem of Pain," remain influential in Christian apologetics.

Similarly, Tolkien’s essays on fantasy and mythology have inspired generations of writers and scholars.

This walking tour offers glimpses into the lives and minds of these literary giants, whose ideas continue to resonate with readers worldwide.

The Sum Up

The Oxford: C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien Walking Tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the world of these literary giants. Participants can explore the iconic locations that inspired their masterpieces, gain insights into their creative processes, and discover the enduring impact of their works on English literature. This captivating tour is a must-experience for fans and literature enthusiasts alike.

You can check availability for your dates here: