Tolkien, Lewis and the Inklings Oxford Tour
Overview
Explore the lives of two of Oxford's greatest writers, and their friendship, with an award-winning guide.
On this tour we will follow in the footsteps of JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis. We will see where they studied, taught, lived, worshipped, lectured, wrote and - most importantly - drank with their friends the Inklings. Out of these friendships and conversations emerged Aslan, Gandalf and many other much-loved characters and stories.
Both men became extremely famous in their lifetimes, but never gave up their day-jobs of teaching in the English department. We will explore CS Lewis's conversion to Christianity and late-life marriage to Joy Gresham, and hear about Tolkien's student pranks and life-long deep love for trees.
We will end at the beautiful college of Magdalen, where Lewis taught for nearly 30 years and the Inklings met every Thursday. If you want to go inside it, you will need to pay the entrance fee, which is £9.50 adults/£8.50 concessions.
What's Included
- All Fees and Taxes
- All Fees and Taxes
Meeting Location
13 Magdalen Street
Oxford OX1 3AE, UK
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
Oxford OX1 4AU
UK
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Martyrs' Memorial
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Keble College
5 minutes Admission Ticket Free
History of Science Museum
5 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Exeter College
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
University Church of St. Mary the Virgin
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
University College
5 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Merton College
5 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Examination Schools
5 minutes Admission Ticket Free
University of Oxford Botanic Garden
5 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Magdalen College
40 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Tolkien, Lewis and the Inklings Oxford Tour?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-410043P5
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 7 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
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....
$29
Discover the rich history and unique architecture of Oxford on a personalized walking tour led by an experienced, independent, local guide. This tour provides insights...
$19
Learn from your local guide interesting facts about Pre-Raphaelite artists. The group sought a return to the abundant detail, intense colors, and complex compositions of...
$103
On this tour we will explore key highlights of the Cotswolds, as well as some small hidden villages. We then finish off by taking a...
$217
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....
$29
Discover the rich history and unique architecture of Oxford on a personalized walking tour led by an experienced, independent, local guide. This tour provides insights...
$19
Learn from your local guide interesting facts about Pre-Raphaelite artists. The group sought a return to the abundant detail, intense colors, and complex compositions of...
$103
On this tour we will explore key highlights of the Cotswolds, as well as some small hidden villages. We then finish off by taking a...
$217
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
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...
$48
Enjoy a fascinating journey along the River Thames accompanied with a local knowledgeable guide. Cruise down the university regatta course, pass ancient Folly Bridge, Christchurch...
$29
Muggles welcome! Go inside New College and the Bodleian Library on a magical adventure into the medieval buildings of Oxford University. With a fun Oxford...
$48
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....
$29
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...
$48
Enjoy a fascinating journey along the River Thames accompanied with a local knowledgeable guide. Cruise down the university regatta course, pass ancient Folly Bridge, Christchurch...
$29
Muggles welcome! Go inside New College and the Bodleian Library on a magical adventure into the medieval buildings of Oxford University. With a fun Oxford...
$48
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....
$29
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT).
- All Fees and Taxes.
- All Fees and Taxes.
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Tolkien, Lewis and the Inklings Oxford Tour is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Tolkien, Lewis and the Inklings Oxford Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- All Fees and Taxes
- All Fees and Taxes
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
