Explore the secret world of the writers J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and their friends, known collectively as ‘the Inklings’…
This group of writers and Oxford academics of the 1930s and 40s gave us the fantasy sagas of the Lord of the Rings and Narnia that have thrilled generations of readers and movie-goers. Lewis and Tolkien influenced countless later writers with their revival of traditional epic storytelling married with magic and romance. C.S. Lewis, with his gift for popular theology such as ‘Mere Christianity’, also gave voice to Christian principles in times of real-life war and upheaval.
The Shire, Middle Earth and Narnia
We’ll see the Oxford colleges where they lived and taught, and the townscapes and gardens that inspired the Shire and Middle Earth. Even perhaps a glimpse of Mr Tumnus and a lamp post in a forest!
Taverns and pints of ale
On our route we’ll find some of the city taverns associated with these famous writers, such as the ‘Eagle and Child’ (known to them as the ‘bird and baby’) and the ‘Lamb and Flag’. Here they would share the latest chapters of their stories over a few pints of ale. After the walk you may feel like following in their footsteps and stopping in for some refreshment as well!
On this tour we’ll visit the most famous sites associated with Lewis and Tolkien during their Oxford lives, both as students and later as Fellows (academics) in the colleges. We’ll view the Bodleian Library where they studied, and the Church of St Mary’s where C.S. Lewis famously preached on ‘the weight of Glory’, from the very same spot where John Wesley and Cardinal John Henry Newman had preached before him.
“My husband and I had such an amazing time touring Oxford with Edward!… His knowledge of Oxford was excellent, and we certainly appreciated the CS Lewis and Tolkien highlights of the tour!”
– Rachel K., USA
As a lifelong reader of both Lewis and Tolkien’s work, this is a tour I feel especially pleased to offer, either to diehard fans, or to curious visitors who want to see beyond the myths of these Oxford literary giants.
Please contact me using the button below to discuss booking and pricing, and I can begin building your ‘Taylor-made’ tour.
