Explore the city that inspired some of the world’s most beloved fantasy stories, from Narnia to Middle‑earth
Join Experience Oxfordshire and retrace the footsteps of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, uncovering the real places, friendships and inspirations behind their legendary works.
- Enjoy a guided walking tour with an expert and passionate literary guide
- Visit the Eagle & Child pub, where the authors first shared their ideas
- Stand at St. Mary’s Passage, the original inspiration for Narnia
- Explore University locations where both authors studied and taught
- Hear behind‑the‑scenes stories from their time at Oxford
- Follow the paths walked by The Inklings as they shaped fantasy classics
Explore Oxford locations that inspired Narnia, Middle‑earth & the works of two of the world’s most famous authors
- Age Restrictions: 10+
- Duration: 2 hours
- Meeting Point: Cool Britannia gift shop entrance on the corner of Turl Street & Broad Street.
- Tickets include: 2-hour, expert-led, guided literary tour in Oxford
The Inklings Walking Tour - explore the inspiration of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien
From earnest discussions of fantasy worlds in the Eagle and Child pub, to the first inspiration of Narnia in St Mary’s Passage, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterpieces are interwound with Oxford and its university.
Having both studied and taught at Oxford University, the first seeds of their most well-known and beloved works began here. Follow in the authors’ footsteps around their favourite Oxford haunts and hear the stories of their time at the university.
Operating on selected Saturdays, this tour is perfect for those literarily inclined, fans of The Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, and who want to learn more about these two greats of The Inklings Society, and see where they lived and learned.