Tolkien, Lewis and the Inklings' Oxford

What is it about Oxford that has inspired the creation of so many fantastic worlds, deeply-loved characters and enduring stories? On this tour we will follow in the footsteps of some of the city of dreaming spires' most famous authors: 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 - or if you are more interested in Tolkien than Lewis we can visit Exeter or Merton.

The tour will include: - St Giles where the Inklings' two favourite pubs face each other: the Eagle and Child, and Lamb and Flag - Keble where Lewis trained before going to the Western Front and made a fateful deal with a friend - The Old Ashmolean where Tolkien had his first job - Exeter College where Tolkien was an undergraduate and suffered an attack of the 'Oxford sleepies' - The University Church where Lewis preached and worshipped - University College where Lewis's undergraduate studies were interrupted by war - Merton, where Tolkien was English Professor and finally completed the Lord of the Rings - The Eastgate Hotel, where Lewis first met Joy - Merton Street, Tolkien's final home - Magdalen College, where Lewis was a Fellow for most of his career, and the Inklings met regularly