C.S Lewis’ Oxford

8 Nights in Oxford, England

For centuries, Oxford has been synonymous with academic excellence. Many of world history’s intellectual giants got their start in Oxford. But Oxford has produced few Christians as well-known and well-loved today as C. S. Lewis. 

Join us as we explore Oxford as Lewis knew it. We’ll wander through the halls of Lewis’ home, the Kilns. We’ll visit his church and resting place. We’ll walk Addison’s Walk, reminiscing on the conversation that led Lewis to Christ. We’ll visit the pubs frequented by Lewis and the literary Inklings. And along the way we’ll explore one of the most history-shaping cities in the world. 

Though Lewis history shapes the trip, there’s plenty for non-Lewis-lovers, too! In addition to the beauty and history of Oxford, you’ll also have the opportunity to join us in London, Cambridge, Bath, or the famed Cotswolds to see more of what England has to offer. 

Trip Details

Price

  • $4,600 — does not include flights or travel to/from airport, but we will book the travel for you for free! Cost finalized soon.

Guides

Derek sitting at C.S Lewis Desk

Derek King – Guide

Derek King is the scholar-in-residence at Lewis House. Dr. King has authored three books, including a recent one with Oxford University Press. He has taught the Philosophy of C. S. Lewis and published an academic article on Lewis in The Journal of Inklings Studies. 

C. J. Carter – Guide

C. J. Carter is an associate staff member at Lewis House and full-time teacher of English and Classics at Lexington Latin School. Mr. Carter teaches the books that animated Lewis, like Dante’s Divine Comedy or Milton’s Paradise Lost.

Karla Carter – Coordinator

Karla Carter is an Administrator at Saint Patrick’s Anglican Church, and her much more difficult job is being C. J.’s wife. She’ll keep everybody on the trip in line, especially Derek and C. J.

Schedule

The following schedule is subject to change but is a close approximation of what to expect on the trip. Strictly speaking, everything is optional. But everything in italics is included in the cost of the trip. The excursions will incur extra costs.

The trip will balance offering adventures in Oxford and giving you time to explore as you wish. As you might expect, there are ample opportunities in Oxford to shop, visit museums, tour particular colleges, visit world-famous bookshops or pubs, see Harry Potter filming sites, take a boat on the river, stroll through the Botanical Gardens—you get the picture. Oxford has something for everyone. We’ll prioritize Christian history in town, but there’s so much more to do and we’ll give you the flexibility and space to do it. 

Notice: several events involve fair amounts of walking. Of course, it’s up to you if you’d like to join walking tours or hikes. But we’ll try to accommodate you however we can if you prefer not to walk.

Day 1 –  July 11th (Friday)

  • Travelers arrive in Oxford on their own.
  • 4 PM – Walking Tour of Oxford led by Derek (~1 hour)
  • 6 PM – Dinner at the Eagle & Child or Lamb & Flag

Day 2 – July 12th (Saturday)

  • 10 AM – Visit to the Kilns & Headington Church
  • 5 PM – Hike to The Perch for Dinner 

Day 3 – July 13th (Sunday)

  • Morning – Church  
  • 3:00 PM – Magdalen College & Addison’s Walk

Day 4 – July 14th (Monday)

  • 10 AM – Bodleian Library Tour
  • 12 PM – Luncheon with Michael Ward, author of Planet Narnia
  • 3 PM – Christ Church Tour

Day 5 – July 15th (Tuesday) 

  • Optional Day Trip Excursion
    • London
  • 10 AM – Hike to The Trout Inn for lunch
  • 1 PM – Theology Lecture at Oxford University
  • 3:30 PM – High Tea at The Folly 

Day 6 – July 16th (Wednesday) 

  • 9 AM – Christian History in Oxford Walking Tour (non-Inklings edition)
  • 11:30 AM – Luncheon with Simon Horobin, author of C. S. Lewis’ Oxford
  • 1 PM – Walk to Tolkien’s House and Gravesite 
  • 3 PM – John Wesley Walking Tour

Day 7 – July 17th (Thursday)

  • Optional Day Trip Excursion
    • Cambridge 
    • Bath
  • 10 AM – Tour of Merton College 

Day 8 – July 18th (Friday)

  • Optional ½ Day Trip Excursion
    • Cotswolds 
    • Blenheim Palace
  • 6 PM – Dinner Together in Oxford 

Day 9 – July 19th (Saturday) 

  • 10 AM – Mandatory Check out of Hotel
  • On your own