Oxford: Inklings Writers Walking Tour & Magdalen Entry

Summary

Walk Oxford’s lanes where Tolkien and Lewis found their stories

You’ll follow winding Oxford streets with an expert guide who brings Tolkien & CS Lewis’ world alive—Magdalen College entry included (with its secret deer park), stories at iconic pubs and churches, plus time among legendary university buildings. Expect sensory moments and small surprises along every lane.

What’s the experience like?

We started our Inklings Oxford tour just outside the Bodleian Library, with a bit of drizzle clinging to the old stones. Our guide, Emma, waved us over—she had this slightly mischievous grin, like she was about to let us in on some secret. Right away, she pointed out the Radcliffe Camera peeking through the mist, and I realized how much these buildings really do look like something out of Narnia or Middle-earth. The city felt busy but somehow hushed at the same time—bikes rattling past, students ducking under umbrellas, the smell of wet leaves everywhere.

I’d read that Magdalen College was where CS Lewis taught, but walking through those gates (entry is included in the tour—didn’t have to queue or anything) felt stranger than I expected. There’s this deer park tucked behind the walls—actual deer moving quietly under ancient trees. Emma told us about Lewis’ routines here and showed us a window he always left open for his cat (not sure if that’s true but I want it to be). When we stopped by the college chapel, someone was practicing organ inside—just a few notes drifting out into the hallway. It made me pause longer than I meant to.

We wandered along narrow lanes past Balliol and Trinity Colleges—their names feel so big in books but up close they’re just…doors you could almost miss if you weren’t looking. Emma pointed out a pub where Tolkien and Lewis used to argue over pints (I tried to imagine them there; honestly hard not to smile at that). She even showed us a church door with carvings that inspired The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. I probably took too many photos of that lamp post outside—it really does look like Lucy’s first glimpse of Narnia. Didn’t expect it to feel so real.

The whole walk was about 2.5 hours but didn’t feel long—I kept noticing little things: rain on my jacket sleeve, how everyone in Oxford seems to walk quickly but never rushes, Emma’s habit of pausing mid-sentence when she got excited about some detail. By the end, I felt like I’d actually walked alongside these writers for a bit—not just seen their city but sort of borrowed their eyes for an afternoon. Still thinking about that deer park.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Inklings and Oxford landmarks

• Visit Magdalen College and deer park
• Enter church where CS Lewis preached
• Walk past Radcliffe Camera
• Walk past All Souls College
• Walk past Balliol College
• Walk past Trinity College
• Walk past Bodleian Library
• Walk past Bridge of Sighs
• Walk past Randolph Hotel
• Optionally walk past Merton College
• Optionally visit Exeter College if Magdalen closed

Top questions

Is Magdalen College entry included in this Inklings Oxford tour?

Yes, entry to Magdalen College is included unless it’s closed; then an alternative college is visited instead.

How long does the Inklings Writers Tour last?

The tour lasts around 2.5 hours on average.

Do we go inside all colleges during the tour?

No, you enter Magdalen College (or an alternative if closed); other colleges are introduced from outside as you walk past.

What happens if Magdalen College is closed?

If Magdalen is closed on your date, entry is provided to another college such as Exeter or Merton instead.

Is this walking tour suitable for children?

Children are welcome but the tour isn’t specifically aimed at kids’ interests or attention spans.

Are there any accessibility options?

The tour route and transportation options are wheelchair accessible; prams and service animals are also allowed.

Does this Oxford Inklings tour include lunch or drinks?

No meals or drinks are included; you’ll visit pubs related to Tolkien & Lewis but not stop for food or drink inside.

Which famous sites are seen during the tour?

You’ll see Radcliffe Camera, Bridge of Sighs, Bodleian Library, Balliol College, Trinity College, All Souls College and more along your walk.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walking through central Oxford with stories from award-winning guides; entry fee for Magdalen College (or substitute if closed) covered in advance; plenty of stops outside legendary sites like Radcliffe Camera and Bridge of Sighs; plus time spent at locations tied closely to Tolkien & CS Lewis—all paced for easy walking with group sizes kept small.