Top Oxford Literary Tours

Explore the fascinating world of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis on this guided walking tour through Oxford. See iconic locations such as Exeter College, the Sheldonian Theatre, the Bodleian Library, and Magdalen College, where the Inklings met. Discover how these writers inspired and helped one another. Enjoy a visit to Magdalen College, where Lewis spent nearly three decades. This tour provides a unique insight into the lives of these authors and the city that inspired them. - 2.5 hour guided walking tour of Oxford’s literary landmarks - Visit Magdalen College, where Lewis worked from 1925 to 1954 - Suitable for teenagers and adults; private tours are also available for families with young children - Learn from an expert guide about the lives of Tolkien and Lewis and their friendship - Learn how Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll) met the young Alice Liddell at Christ Church College and how she inspired him to write Alice in Wonderland! - Avoid the crowds - maximum group 12 people

Walk in the footsteps of two of the most famous authors from Oxford: CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien. Learn about the authors’ lives and works as you walk around past key sites in their lives, including Exeter College (where Tolkien studied), University Church (where Lewis preached) and the Eagle & Child Pub (where the two met weekly as part of The Inklings).

This is the essential tour for Harry Potter fans. Spend the afternoon discovering the sites of Oxford associated with the Harry Potter movies, including the Divinity School inside the Bodleian Library, and learn behind-the-scenes secrets about the Harry Potter actors, and J. K. Rowling. Afterwards, explore Christ Church College which inspired the Great Hall of Hogwarts, on a self-guided tour.

Discover the rich literary heritage of Oxford on this private guided tour. Learn about Lewis Carroll, C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien, and see many of the sites featured in Harry Potter, including the Divinity School of Bodleian Library. Afterwards, explore Christ Church College, where many Harry Potter scenes were filmed, on a self-guided audio tour, with guaranteed entry.

Oxford is a city where real and fictional worlds collide in Philip Pullman’s beloved fantasy series. On this self-guided audio tour, you'll explore the real Oxford locations that inspired Jordan College, discover filming spots from The Golden Compass and BBC’s His Dark Materials adaptation, and step into scenes straight from the pages of Pullman’s novels. From ancient college quadrangles to atmospheric lanes, you’ll experience Oxford through the eyes of Lyra Belacqua and her daemon Pan. The tour starts at Exeter College on Broad Street, the real-world inspiration for Lyra’s Jordan College. You’ll pass through the Covered Market where Roger would buy vegetables for Jordan College kitchens. You’ll also visit the magnificent Bodleian Library where the alethiometer is kept in Lyra’s world, and pass under the photogenic Hertford Bridge where Lyra and Roger were filmed fleeing from Gyptian children. You’ll see where many scenes from the adaptations were filmed.

Follow in the footsteps of famous former residents like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis—and discover many of Oxford’s top landmarks in just a couple hours—on this introductory walking tour. Meet your group in central Oxford, and set off on foot. You’ll see key attractions like the Bodleian Library and Sheldonian Theatre, will explore the university area, and you will see many of the elegant colleges from the outside. Note: book an afternoon tour to tour inside the colleges (subject to availability).

Immerse yourself in the world of Inspector Morse, Lewis, and Hathaway during this 2-hour walking tour in Oxford. Listen to stories about the city's most famous detectives and stop at landmarks such as Broad Street, the White Horse pub, and the Randolph Hotel.

How does studying at Oxford University compare with studying at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry? Fun tour for Muggles of all ages. Guide will cater tour according to everyone's interests, introducing also Oxford heritage. Join tour to find out why we have over 1,000 reviews recommending this tour online! Calling all fans of the world’s favourite wizard, this Oxford walking tour takes you to recognizable locations of the Harry Potter films. During this family-friendly tour, see the grand buildings of Oxford University and see inside the Divinity School—which featured as the infirmary & classroom space in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Learn of other literary legends that attended Oxford University. Tour includes entry worth £3 per person inside the Divinity school at the Bodleian Library. Tour lasts average 90-120 minutes. Notice: on dates when Divinity school is closed - see closures notices under What's not Included section- we instead visit New college.