Tolkien Lewis Walking Tour, with Magdalen College visit, + Alice!

5.0(18)2 h 30 minFree cancellationBy Contrada Tours - walking tours of Oxford

About this activity

Explore the fascinating world of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis on this guided walking tour through Oxford. See iconic locations such as Exeter College, the Sheldonian Theatre, the Bodleian Library, and Magdalen College, where the Inklings met. Discover how these writers inspired and helped one another. Enjoy a visit to Magdalen College, where Lewis spent nearly three decades. This tour provides a unique insight into the lives of these authors and the city that inspired them.

- 2.5 hour guided walking tour of Oxford’s literary landmarks

- Visit Magdalen College, where Lewis worked from 1925 to 1954

- Suitable for teenagers and adults; private tours are also available for families with young children

- Learn from an expert guide about the lives of Tolkien and Lewis and their friendship

- Learn how Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll) met the young Alice Liddell at Christ Church College and how she inspired him to write Alice in Wonderland!

- Avoid the crowds - maximum group 12 people

What's included

✓Your Personal Guide - Contrada Tours uses only experienced local guides
✓After the tour you are free to visit the riverside café and Addison's walk and deer park.
✓Entry to one College of the University, usually Magdalen College. The entry ticket is included.
✓At Magdalen College, we can usually visit the chapel, dining hall, cloister, café and gardens.

Not included

✕Please note: the colleges are usually closed between 21 Dec - 3 January and over Easter.
✕When it is not possible to visit Magdalen college, we will visit another suitable college.
✕Please note, Colleges are working academic institutions. Some areas may close at short notice.
✕Crowds! Our maximum group size is 12.
✕The Eagle and Child pub - it is closed for restoration work until 2027.

Meeting and pickup

We meet near the Italiamo Cafe on Broad Street, near the red telephone box.

Good to know

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

More things to do in Oxford

Oxford University Walking Tour With University Alumni Guide

See inside Oxford University, Harry Potter film site and the Bodleian Library on this authentic 2-hour Oxford student led tour. The tour gives you an insight into student life in this prestigious university and offers you in-depth history of many of the famous colleges and sights such All Souls College, Trinity College, Oriel College, Hertford College, Merton College, Radcliffe Camera, University…

4.9(7,705)2 hFree cancellation

From £34.99 per person

Cotswolds in a Day Tour from Moreton-in-Marsh / Stratford-on-Avon

Experience the best of the northern Cotswolds with a fun, friendly local guide in a small group of up to 16 people. We'll explore picture-postcard Cotswold towns and villages including Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water. There's also the stunning Dover's Hill viewpoint, scenic back roads, and our "secret" off-the-beaten-track village, which many customers agree is…

5.0(1,402)8 hFree cancellation

From £85 per person

Oxford Castle and Prison Guided Tour

Explore the 1,000-year history of Oxford Castle and Prison. Step back in time with our costumed guided tours and see fascinating stories come to life. Hear the great tales of Empress Matilda, the fate of Mary Blandy and step inside our padded jail cell. Find gorgeous views atop of St. Georges' Tower and then descend into the atmospheric crypt of St. Georges’ Chapel. Here you can touch the stones…

4.8(1,646)1 hFree cancellation

From £21 per person