- St. Michael at the North Gate
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One of the oldest buildings remaining in Oxford, and, accordingly, thoroughly steeped in history - the church of St. Michael at the North Gate is where we start our C. S. Lewis and Tolkien tour.
- Balliol and Trinity Colleges
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Balliol is one of the oldest colleges in Oxford, and Trinity is their biggest rival. You'll hear about the devious, and altogether hilarious, ways that the two colleges battle each other - and I'll start to explain how the college system works, giving you an insight into the contexts that Lewis and Tolkien lived and worked in.
- Blackwell’s Bookshop
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One of the largest bookshops in England, Blackwell's has a long association with Oxford University, and is where Lewis and Tolkien would have ordered all the books they needed. They have a particularly good collection of books by and about Tolkien. You can browse its six miles of bookshelves after the tour!
- Western Library
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The rare manuscripts library in Oxford. I'll direct you to any current exhibitions held by the library, so you can see some of our treasures for yourself. Sometimes, they even have C. S. Lewis and Tolkien manuscripts out on display!
- Sheldonian Theatre
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The ceremonial theatre of the University of Oxford. You'll find out about the secretive ceremonies that happen here, the bizarre things that students have to wear to take part, and why your head might hurt at the end of your graduation...
- Bodleian Library
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Visit the Bodleian Library, the main library in the University of Oxford. We'll go inside the Schools Quadrangle, where you can see the entrances to the old lecture rooms, incredible stonework, and an incredible history. It’s also the library that C. S. Lewis and Tolkien would have used for their own research.
- Divinity School (entry included)
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Go inside the oldest purpose-built teaching room in the world – and the building Lewis thought to be the most beautiful in Oxford. With its stunning vaulted ceiling, fascinating artefacts - and an incredible history to go with it - this is something you really don't want to miss.
- Bridge of Sighs
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One of the most famous sites at the University of Oxford. There will, of course, be plenty of time to take photos!
- St Peter-in-the-East
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Now the library of St Edmunds Hall, this is the church that C. S. Lewis and his brother, Warnie, attended every Wednesday for communion.
- Examination Schools
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Both C. S Lewis and Tolkien regularly lectured here. However, it is also place of great dread: this is where all Oxford students take their exams. If we're there at the right time, we might even see students wearing academic robes and coloured carnations before they go inside.
- Eastgate Hotel
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Where Tolkien and C. S. Lewis met on Mondays to discuss their ideas privately. You’ll find out how a friendly competition in this hotel let to the writing of Lord of the Rings…
- Magdalen College (entry included)
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An incredible college, and one of the great highlights of the tour: go inside Magdalen College, and see where C. S. Lewis worked, taught, and wrote throughout the majority of his career. Magdalen College has huge grounds, including their own deer park, an amazing 15th century cloister, and their beautiful dining hall. You’ll also see the chapel where C. S. Lewis attended Morning Prayer every day after his conversion to Christianity, and New Buildings, where Lewis had his rooms.
- Christ Church Meadow
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Christ Church meadow is open to students, visitors, and, most importantly, cows. I'll let you into the secrets of the college boat clubs, and show you the most scenic parts of the meadow.
- Christ Church
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Prime Ministers, Alice and Wonderland, and a cathedral for a chapel - Christ Church is a strange place. I'll break down how and why Christ Church got its reputation and find the best spots to see its towers.
- Merton College
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Merton is the college where Tolkien held the post of Professor of English Language and Literature until 1959. He also wrote substantial sections of Lord of the Rings here – and you’ll get to see his breakfast table, where that took place. Merton is also known as the most academic college in Oxford, and not without reason. Learn about the mysterious 'Time Ceremony', and find out why you might see a Merton student walking backwards at two o'clock in the morning.
- St. Mary’s Passage
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C. S. Lewis' inspiration for the passageway into Narnia - see the lamppost that ended up on the other side of a wardrobe, and discover the familiar faces hiding in plain sight.
- University Church of St. Mary the Virgin
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Lewis preached here on numerous occasions, most notably his sermons ‘Learning in War-Time’ and ‘The Weight of Glory’. This is also the site of the first ever Oxford University building - and find out how a student argument over the price of wine led to the Lord Mayor not being allowed to wear any shoes...
- Radcliffe Camera
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Perhaps the most iconic building in Oxford, the stunning neoclassical Radcliffe Camera is now the history faculty library for the University. I’ll describe how students use the library today and explain why it’s often considered the perfect place to take a nap!
- Exeter College
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The college where Tolkien was an undergraduate – we’ll see this in passing on our way to the Lamb and Flag.
- The Lamb and Flag
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Where the Inklings relocated after the landlord of the Eagle and Child redecorated in the early 1960s. Although the Eagle and Child is currently closed, the Lamb and Flag is still an excellent pub.
- The Eagle and Child
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Perhaps the location carrying the greatest association with C. S. Lewis, Tolkien, and the Inklings – the Eagle and Child is the pub where the Inklings met every Tuesday before lunch to discuss their writings. The Inklings left the pub after the landlord redecorated, and started drinking at the Lamb and Flag; perhaps you could do the same, and head back to the Lamb and Flag for a drink after the tour!
