CS Lewis & Tolkien Tour with Magdalen Entry Public tour 13.45
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
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Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 16 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is CS Lewis & Tolkien Tour with Magdalen Entry Public tour 13.45 worth booking?
CS Lewis & Tolkien Tour with Magdalen Entry Public tour 13.45 is a 2.5-hour experience in Oxford, United Kingdom, from $50 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 16 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (16)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $50 per person
Enjoy a tour exploring the lives, works and ideas of CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien and their circle. This tour is focused for an adult audience. Children may join it but the private tour option is more suitable. This tour typic
What you get
- Please check 'Exclusions' below for dates of any partial closures eg the hall
- Tour is led by award winning guides with hundreds of existing 5 star ratings for this tour!
- Your ticket includes entry worth £10 to Magdalen college to see the hall, chapel, gardens, quad.
About this experience
Enjoy a tour exploring the lives, works and ideas of CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien and their circle. This tour is focused for an adult audience. Children may join it but the private tour option is more suitable. This tour typically lasts 2 hours to 2.5 hours and it includes entry to Magdalen college, where CS Lewis taught. If Magdalen is ever closed, we will inform you & offer refund or reschedule date or proceed with a visit to an alternative such as Exeter college, where Tolkien studied. This tour introduces both these famous writers and their lives here in Oxford plus offers insights into what life is like as an Oxford academic. Magdalen entry fee worth £10 per person is included. NOTICE: any known closures for Magdalen college will be published under the What's Excluded section. Please note that Magdalen only permits entry to up to 10 persons with guide before we must instead pre book with Magdalen. Thus, if you book at very short notice, you may instead be asked to do private tour.
What's included
Included
- Please check 'Exclusions' below for dates of any partial closures eg the hall
- Tour is led by award winning guides with hundreds of existing 5 star ratings for this tour!
- Your ticket includes entry worth £10 to Magdalen college to see the hall, chapel, gardens, quad.
Not included
- On any other new dates when Magdalen college is closed, we will always forewarn you here....
- Magdalen is usually closed for Xmas about Dec 22 to Dec 31- no entry possible on those dates!
- On dates outside Christmas or outside university graduation dates, we visit an alternative college
- Magdalen 2026 closures includes Feb 24 and June 26, 27, 28 and Sep 25 and Oct 24
- Magdalen college will be open from 10am to 1pm only on Thursday September 24th 2026
What you'll see and do
Radcliffe Camera
We pass by & mention such famous sights
Bridge of Sighs
We pass by & mention such famous sights
Bodleian Library
The tour introduces most major tourist sights and colleges on our route as we introduce specifically focused tour about CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien's work and their membership of the Inklings Writers club here in Oxford
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Hertford College
The tour introduces most major tourist sights and colleges on our route as we introduce specifically focused tour about CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien's work and their membership of the Inklings Writers club here in Oxford
Pass by without stopping
All Souls College
The tour introduces most major tourist sights and colleges on our route as we introduce specifically focused tour about CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien's work and their membership of the Inklings Writers club here in Oxford
Pass by without stopping
Brasenose College
The tour introduces most major tourist sights and colleges on our route as we introduce specifically focused tour about CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien's work and their membership of the Inklings Writers club here in Oxford
Pass by without stopping
Balliol College
The tour introduces most major tourist sights and colleges on our route as we introduce specifically focused tour about CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien's work and their membership of the Inklings Writers club here in Oxford
Pass by without stopping
Trinity College
The tour introduces most major tourist sights and colleges on our route as we introduce specifically focused tour about CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien's work and their membership of the Inklings Writers club here in Oxford
Pass by without stopping
Corpus Christi College
The tour introduces most major tourist sights and colleges on our route as we introduce specifically focused tour about CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien's work and their membership of the Inklings Writers club here in Oxford
Pass by without stopping
University College
The tour introduces most major tourist sights and colleges on our route as we introduce specifically focused tour about CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien's work and their membership of the Inklings Writers club here in Oxford
Pass by without stopping
Jesus College
The tour introduces most major tourist sights and colleges on our route as we introduce specifically focused tour about CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien's work and their membership of the Inklings Writers club here in Oxford
Pass by without stopping
Exeter College
The tour introduces most major tourist sights and colleges on our route as we introduce specifically focused tour about CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien's work and their membership of the Inklings Writers club here in Oxford. On any dates that Magdalen college may be closed, we will instead visit inside Exeter college, worth £5 entry fee. Exeter college is where Tolkien studied.
Pass by without stopping
Oxford Covered Market
The tour introduces most major tourist sights and colleges on our route as we introduce specifically focused tour about CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien's work and their membership of the Inklings Writers club here in Oxford
Pass by without stopping
Lincoln College
The tour introduces most major tourist sights and colleges on our route as we introduce specifically focused tour about CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien's work and their membership of the Inklings Writers club here in Oxford. We often stop at the entrance of exquisite Lincoln college to look at the entry area to the quadrangle and to spot the statue of John Wesley, who studied here, as did the writer of 'Dr Seuss' stories too.
5 minutes here · Admission not included
Magdalen College
We spend one hour average inside Magdalen college on this tour and this is where CS Lewis taught. It has a medieval hall, a canteen where we can stop for a coffee to enjoy the punting boats passing us by outside. There is a deer park and Addisons walk, which is where CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien walked and talked. Plus there is a medieval hall and chapel plus impressive main quadrangle and the tower. The entry fee to Magdalen worth £10 is paid for you by the guide.
60 minutes here · Admission included
University Church of St. Mary the Virgin
We visit inside and outside here to introduce where CS Lewis preached and developed many of his books from sermons here. We also will see the Mr Tumnis and Aslan lookalike figures outside the church which are alleged to have inspired CS Lewis to write, 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'. We often also end the tour at this location.
15 minutes here
The Turf
We often pass down the lane to see this famous pub or to see the Eagle and Child pub where the Inklings met over a drink to discuss their writing and life.
5 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Oxford
Meet your guide wearing red lanyard. Meeting next to our black sign, OUTSIDE Oxford Tourist info centre, 15 Broad street, OX1 3AS. This is also next to the Oxfam shop which has a green sign above its shop.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
End point varies but is generally outside St Marys University church, outside Magdalen college or back on Broad street. We will assist either way with directions and we also offer a free city map.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Visit Oxford Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please arrive 5 minutes early for your tour at our meeting point.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 16 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
16 verified traveler reviews for CS Lewis & Tolkien Tour with Magdalen Entry Public tour 13.45. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A must for any Tolkien or Lewis fan even if you think you know it all!
I went into this tour already fairly well-read on both C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, so I wasn't sure how much new I'd actually learn. However, the tour did a brilliant job of connecting details I already knew into a fuller picture I hadn't quite put together before. Walking the actual streets and places where these two used to meet and talk makes the history feel real in a way books can't. Andrianna, our guide was lovely: genuinely knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and happy to go deeper when asked questions. It never felt like a scripted recitation but more like being shown around by someone who knows the city and the stories well. The highlight for me was the Inklings corner at the Lamb and flag as well as the entry into Magdalen College, where Lewis taught for years. Seeing the grounds and buildings tied directly to his life added a lot that you don't get from just walking past the outside. If you have any interest in the Inklings, Narnia, Tolkien or just Oxford's literary history, this tour is well worth it. I'd highly recommend it.
Response from the operator: Hi Amelia, Thanks for sharing your review.
via Viator
A wonderful experience
A fantastic and must-do experience in Oxford!I absolutely loved the tour. It was highly educational, and I learned so much about C.S. Lewis, Tolkien... but everything was shared in a very fun and engaging way. The guide made the tour fly by thanks to their great anecdotes and energy. I highly recommend it, whether you are a fan or just want to discover Oxford's history from a different perspective. 10 out of 10!
Response from the operator: Hi Carlos, Many thanks for sharing your review here and note that we also offer private group tours in Spanish too.
via Viator
Great for Tolkien fans
I have always been a massive Middle Earth fan, so visiting Oxford has been a great experience. I didn’t know the city had such a massive influence on his live and writings, visiting the places where he lived or worked has been awesome. I am less interested in Lewis, but it was good to learn more about him as well. Alasdair is a great guide, approachable and knowledgeable, and very good company. 5 stars!
Response from the operator: Hi Raul, Thanks for the super recommendation!
via Viator
A memorable tour!
If you’re a fan of C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, literature, or Oxford’s fascinating history, I highly recommend this tour. It was a memorable experience and gave me a much deeper appreciation for both authors and their connection to the city. The guide was funny and responsive. Money well spent on this trip! I will likely book another one of his tours.
Response from the operator: Hi Melanie, Thanks for recommending your tour with us.
via Viator
Excellent and Thorough
This was an excellent and interesting tour and the guide Alisdair arrived on time and gave us lots of helpful info about Oxford university and city. We visited beautiful Magdalen College with the chapel and the deer park and he told us all about the Inklings literary group including C S Lewis and J R R Tolkien as well as about many other famous figures related to Oxford. We will definitely recommend his tour, A+
Response from the operator: Hi. Thanks for the great recommendation.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $50 to $75
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
CS Lewis & Tolkien Tour with Magdalen Entry Public tour 13.45: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Oxford.
How much does CS Lewis & Tolkien Tour with Magdalen Entry Public tour 13.45 cost?
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Prices start at $50 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Oxford usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does CS Lewis & Tolkien Tour with Magdalen Entry Public tour 13.45 take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Oxford is not rushed.
Is CS Lewis & Tolkien Tour with Magdalen Entry Public tour 13.45 worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 16 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Oxford, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule CS Lewis & Tolkien Tour with Magdalen Entry Public tour 13.45?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is CS Lewis & Tolkien Tour with Magdalen Entry Public tour 13.45 suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book CS Lewis & Tolkien Tour with Magdalen Entry Public tour 13.45?
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Around 6 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Oxford can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Oxford and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does CS Lewis & Tolkien Tour with Magdalen Entry Public tour 13.45 start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Oxford within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Oxford?
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On Outty we rank every Oxford experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cotswolds in a Day Tour from Moreton-in-Marsh / Stratford-on-Avon, Oxford University Walking Tour With University Alumni Guide, Oxford Official University & City Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Oxford?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Oxford?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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