Amazing Self-Guided C.S. Lewis Walking Tour Of Oxford For Fans

A C.S. Lewis walking tour of Oxford can make for the perfect day out for fans of this author – as C.S. Lewis is one of the most beloved authors of all time. His books like the Narnia series brought joy to so many of us as children, and many of his writings continue to have enormous resonance for adults too.

The historical city of Oxford was where C.S. Lewis lived and worked for the majority of his life and taking a trip here can give us fans an amazing insight into his time there.

That’s why I’ve provided the perfect C.S. Lewis walking tour of Oxford.

Table of Contents

• Where is Oxford?
• Why should you do the C.S. Lewis walking tour?
• C.S. Lewis Walking Tour Of Oxford
  • 1. The Kings Arms
  • 2. Mansfield Road
  • 3. Magdalen College
  • 4. Eastgate Hotel
  • 5. University College
  • 6. Bodleian Library
  • 7. University Church of St Mary The Virgin
  • 8. Mitre Hotel
  • 9. St Mary Magdalen’s Church
  • 10. The Eagle and Child
• NOTE
• Bonus
• 11. The Kilns
• 12. Holy Trinity Church
• 13. C.S. Lewis Nature Reserve
• Conclusion

Where is Oxford?

• Oxford is a historic city about 50 miles west of London
• It is home to Oxford University, one of the world’s most prestigious universities.
• The city is known for its beauty and has been used as a filming location in many films and TV shows.
• It is connected to many famous and accomplished people, including scientists such as Steven Hawking and many famous writers including C.S. Lewis.

I have listed it as one of my top literary places to visit in the UK. Go and check out the other places on the list by following this link.

Why should you do the C.S. Lewis walking tour?

• Taking the C.S. Lewis walking tour of Oxford will give you a great insight into Lewis’ life in Oxford.
• It will allow you to see some of the most beautiful parts of the city, just like all other tours of Oxford.
• The CS Lewis tour gives you a concise and time-saving route to explore the city, so you have more time to fit more in on your visit.
• While there are plenty of Oxford walking tours, taking a self-guided Oxford walking tour will allow you to explore the locations in your own time.
• Taking a self guided tour also means that there are no added costs onto your travel! That makes this CS Lewis tour a Oxford free walking tour. A great alternative to the Oxford tours that can cost a fortune.
• This tour will give fans of the author’s work a chance to feel closer to the author they love, which can provide a really meaningful experience.
• You will gain an insight into a world-famous literary legacy while exploring one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in the entire world.

C.S. Lewis Walking Tour Of Oxford

1. The Kings Arms

• There are a number of pubs throughout Oxford that C.S.Lewis and his friends, The Inklings, frequented, and this one makes for a perfect start to your Oxford tour. It is also known as The Inklings pub.
• Perfect place to grab a drink or some food before you start the tour of CS Lewis Oxford.
• The oldest pub in Oxford, built in 1607, and remains a popular place amongst students today.
• One of the most popular questions fans have is ‘Where did the Inklings meet?’ Well, this was a popular place for Lewis and friends – a group known as The Inklings – to come and drink while they were students at the university.
• There are many other pubs that CS Lewis and The Inklings group used to visit, and you can spend a lot of time visiting them so we haven’t included them all on the list.
• If you wanted to visit a couple more, White Horse Inn and The Turf Tavern on Holywell Street, also frequented by The Oxford Inklings are close to The King’s Arms. The Inklings also met at The Lamb and Flag until CS Lewis’ death.
• Another famous member of the Oxford Inklings was Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit author JRR Tolkien. That makes these pubs double up as a CS Lewis and Tolkien Pub. There were over 15 The Inklings members in total, many of whom went on to be successful writers.

Check out this video of an Inklings Walking Tour of Oxford to find out more:

2. Mansfield Road

• This location is the true start of Lewis’ Oxford experience and a great place to truly start your C.S. Lewis walking tour of Oxford.
• The house on the corner is the one you’re looking for.
• This is the location of Lewis’ room on his first night in Oxford.
• He spent the night here before he attended the school, and shared a room with another university candidate.
• While you are not able to enter the building, this is a great spot to see at the start of your tour so you can imagine a young Lewis arriving with his whole future ahead of him.

3. Magdalen College

• Magdalen College was the college that Lewis attended while at Oxford Univeristy. It is one of the most famous of the Oxford colleges.
• Unlike his old digs, you are able to enter and look around the college.
• Make sure to check opening and closing times, we generally recommend 45 minutes to an hour to take a look around.
• The New Building is a must-see, as the location of Lewis’ dormitory during his time studying here.
• Addison’s Walk was a favourite walking place of Lewis and their friends while at school.
• Overall, this college is an absolutely stunning historical building and should certainly not be missed as one of the most significant spots in this list.

4. Eastgate Hotel

• This was another favourite spot for The Inklings.
• Its location between Magdalen College and Merton College made this the perfect meeting place for Lewis and his close friend J.R.R. Tolkein, who attended Merton.
• You are able to get a drink or food in the Keepers restaurant and spend a bit of time in the area where these beloved authors would have spent time.
• An absolute treat for any Lewis fan would be to actually stay in this hotel, as they are still taking bookings.

Follow this link to stay in one of C.S.Lewis’ favourite Oxford spots.

5. University College

• Along the High Street, you will find University College, a staple of most tours in Oxford England. 
• This was Lewis’ first place of residence when he arrived in Oxford as a student.
• His room was located in Radcliffe Quad.
• It was during his time there that he joined the army, although he often came back to stay here on the weekend.
• This is a great place to gain an insight into the life of a young C.S. Lewis and where he started to form his philosophies.
• This college is another that is available to visit, just make sure to check the opening and closing times before you visit to make sure you have enough time.

6. Bodleian Library

• This is one of the most famous and prestigious libraries in the world and the walking tours Oxford would not be complete without this dpot.
• Attached to Oxford University, it hosts a number of old and valuable books, along with many other artifacts.
• C.S. Lewis is known to have conducted a large amount of his research in this library whilst a student at the University.
• The Radcliffe Camera is the round domed building that holds a selection of books on theology, which would have been pivotal to Lewis during his time here.
• While students have full access to the library for research, members of the public will have to book a tour online. It’s worth doing this in plenty of time to make sure you don’t miss out on this popular spot.

7. University Church of St Mary The Virgin

• Not far from the Bodleian, this church was frequented by Lewis and the other Inklings.
• As Lewis’ faith developed, influenced heavily by close friend Tolkein’s beliefs, his attended many church sermons here.
• Lewis was also known to give sermons at this church.
• Most famously, he gave his wartime “The Weight of Glory” sermon in this church.
• This beautiful building is open for the public to look around.
• Whilst being very impressive, it is a great opportunity to explore a location that was highly influential on Lewis’ life and work and a great inclusion on the C.S. Lewis walking tour of Oxford.

8. Mitre Hotel

• Located in a convenient spot in the town centre, this was also a favourite Inklings spot.
• The group used to frequent this hotel for drinks and philosophical and theological discussion.
• While it no longer serves food and drink, you are able to appreciate the exterior as a non-guest. Don’t worry if you’re peckish – there are many cafe’s and restaurants in the area for you to visit.
• This is another hotel you are still be able to stay in if you want to take another step closer to the history of Lewis’ life.

Follow this link to stay in this classic Inklings hotel.

9. St Mary Magdalen’s Church

• This is another church that was frequented by Lewis during his time here.
• He visited this one specifically to regularly take confession.
• Besides it’s connection to Lewis and his faith, this church is worth a visit for its history alone.
• It is a Grade 1 listed church, with many ancient artefacts to admire when you visit.
• This is a stunning old building so it’s definitely worth getting your camera out for this one.

10. The Eagle and Child Pub

• I had to save the best until last on the C.S. Lewis walking tour, with one of the most famous Lewis locations of all time.
• This was the favoured pub in which in the Inklings authors used to meet.
• They are known to have casual meetings here over lunch of Mondays or Tuesdays every week.
• Significantly, the Eagle and Child Pub is known to be the place in which Lewis first handed out his original manuscript for The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
• This CS Lewis pub has leaned into its literary legacy with photographs and quotes adorning the walls.
• This is an ideal spot to end your C.S. Lewis walking tour of Oxford, sit with a drink, and recover from all the walking.

NOTE

As of the time of writing (2022), the Eagle and Child is currently shut for renovations, intending to re-open in 2023.

Bonus

If you have the extra time and inclination, and want to extend the C.S. Lewis walking tour, it is certainly worth driving or taking a bus out to Headington, on the outskirts of Oxford.

Here you can visit a few more significant locations connected to C.S.Lewis. If you don’t have time to add this onto the initial walking tour, this could easily make up an entirely separate day if you prefer to take your time and explore the locations more fully.

11. The Kilns

• The Kilns was C.S. Lewis’ beloved home during his time in Oxfordshire.
• The CS Lewis house was where he wrote all his The Chronicles of Narnia novels, and they actually featured in the books themselves.
• You are able to go and tour the author’s former home in The Kilns Oxford, however, you will have to book a tour with the C.S. Lewis Foundation.
• Visiting the CS Lewis house at The Kilns Oxford can offer an intimate insight into Lewis’ life, his inspirations, and his works.
• It is now home to a Study Centre, and is a tribute to the memory of Lewis rather than just a CS Lewis museum, so it is best to approach this location from a place of quiet respect

Check out this video of the CS Lewis house at The Kilns to find out more:

12. Holy Trinity Church

• This church was where Lewis regularly attended service throughout his life.
• It is known to be the first place he attended communion as a child.
• He used to walk here from his home at The Kilns, and you are able to take the same walk.
• There is a beautiful Narnia window featured in the church to pay tribute to Lewis and his attendance.
• This is the location of Lewis’ final resting place, which you are able to visit and pay your respects.

13. C.S. Lewis Nature Reserve

• A short walk away from the church, this nature reserve was previously owned by the author.
• It now exists in his memory and is open for the public to visit.
• The reserve is home to a flood clay pit, providing a perfect habitat to many aquatic species such as toads and dragonflies.
• This is known for being a peaceful and tranquil location to take a walk or have a picnic.
• The reserve is a wonderful place to finish the tour and peacefully reflect on everything you’ve experienced throughout the day.

Conclusion

Taking a tour of the locations connected to C.S. Lewis can be a wonderful way to spend a day for anyone. For fans, this can be a really special experience.

The tour I’ve provided here is a simple and basic one for anyone wanting to hit all the main points, but for anyone wanting to spend more time and see more spots, check out the tour guide provided by the wonderful C.S. Lewis Foundation.

If you want to discover another location linked to both C.S. Lewis and J.R.R Tolkein, make sure to go and read my post on the Malvern Hills.

Additionally, if you want me to put together a Tolkien Tour Oxford, then let me know. Tolkien tourism is extremely popular, and I have even put together a Tolkien tour of the UK.

Thank you so much for reading and I hope to see you back here again soon!

Ta-ta for now! x