Walk the streets where Tolkien and Lewis crafted their legendary tales with Experience Oxfordshire’s Inklings Walking Tour. Discover Oxford’s literary landmarks in an intimate two-hour journey.
Walk the streets where Tolkien and Lewis crafted their legendary tales with Experience Oxfordshire’s Inklings Walking Tour. Discover Oxford’s literary landmarks in an intimate two-hour journey.
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Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Experience Oxfordshire · Oxford, England
Oxford is a city steeped in history, intellect, and literary magic. Experience Oxfordshire’s C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien Walking Tour invites adventurers to step away from traditional trails and into the cobbled streets where some of the most enduring stories in fantasy literature took shape. This two-hour walking tour brings to life the haunts and inspirations behind The Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings, tracing the footsteps of two of Oxford University’s most celebrated scholars.
Starting at the vibrant corner of Turl Street and Broad Street, participants follow a carefully curated route through Oxford’s city center—known for its flat terrain and medieval architecture. Highlights include the Eagle and Child pub, infamous as the meeting place for The Inklings literary group, and St Mary’s Passage, a narrow, historic lane reputed as the birthplace of Lewis’s Narnia. The city’s unique limestone buildings, with their honey-hued glow, create a distinctive backdrop that roots the stories in a tangible place.
This tour offers more than just sightseeing; it delves into the cultural fabric of Oxford as an academic hub where ideas flourished and friendships sparked legendary tales. Group sizes are intentionally small to preserve an intimate atmosphere, allowing guests to engage deeply with anecdotes about the writers’ lives, teaching careers, and inspirations.
Perfect for literary enthusiasts and curious travelers alike, Experience Oxfordshire’s tour differentiates itself by blending accessible urban walking with rich storytelling. Emphasizing safety and visitor comfort, it illuminates an iconic British city through the lens of its imaginative legacy. Whether you’re revisiting Tolkien’s middle-earth or stepping into Lewis’s enchanted world for the first time, this tour offers an extraordinary, grounded adventure through Oxford’s timeless streets.
easy.
2 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels due to steady, low-impact walking on flat city streets.
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, though best suited for children who can comfortably walk for two hours.
Oxford’s city center is mostly flat, and tours can be tailored for accessibility. Contact Experience Oxfordshire for specific arrangements.
Group sizes are limited to 20 participants to maintain an intimate and engaging experience.
Tours proceed rain or shine unless severe weather prevents safe participation. Please dress accordingly.
All tours meet at the Cool Britannia gift shop on the corner of Turl Street and Broad Street, Oxford.
The tour operates on selected Saturdays. Check availability in advance when booking.
Oxford University dates back to the 12th century, with the city’s architecture reflecting centuries of academic tradition.
Experience Oxfordshire promotes responsible tourism by emphasizing small groups and encouraging respect for historic sites.
Experience Oxfordshire organizes guided walking tours in Oxford, England that highlight the city's history, culture and cinematic and literary heritage. They offer a range of specialist experiences including Private & Specialist Tour, Oxford Ghost Tour, Oxford University & City Walking Tour, C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien Walking Tour, Oxford On Screen Walking Tour, and Group Tours. Each tour is led by knowledgeable, expert guides who tailor stories and routes to visitor interests. The Private & Specialist Tour provides a personalised walking experience with a private guide and can be customised for couples, families or corporate events. The Oxford Ghost Tour is an evening experience that explores haunted history, murder tales and reported sightings around the City of Dreaming Spires. The Oxford University & City Walking Tour is an award-winning two-hour walk that brings more than 1,400 years of university history to life, visiting landmarks such as the Radcliffe Camera and hidden alleyways. The C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien Walking Tour follows sites associated with the Inklings, including the Eagle and Child pub and St Mary’s Passage. The Oxford On Screen Walking Tour highlights film and TV locations used in over 40 films and seven TV series, with visits to the Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera. Group Tours offer flexible themes and configurations for all group sizes. Experience Oxfordshire focuses exclusively on walking tours in Oxford and uses local knowledge and curated routes to provide memorable, factual experiences. Booking information and meeting points are provided on request for groups and individuals.
Book with Experience Oxfordshire