Magdalen College
Oxford, OX1 4AU, GB
Rating: 4.6 ★ (428 ratings)
Details
The iconic Great Tower of Magdalen College, famously pronounced 'Mawdlin', has dominated Oxford's High Street since its completion in the early 16th century and is the scene of the choir's traditional 6 a.m. May Morning song. Founded in 1458, this riverside college, one of Oxford's largest and most visually stunning, has nurtured minds like Oscar Wilde and C.S. Lewis within its ancient walls. As you pass through St John's Quad, note the outdoor pulpit, a rare feature, before exploring the medieval cloisters, whose carved figures may have sparked inspiration for Narnian stone statues. The college's rich history is palpable, with parts of the original St John the Baptist Hospital incorporated into its very fabric.
Beyond the quads and chapel, Magdalen’s extensive sixty acres of grounds offer a uniquely tranquil escape bordering the River Cherwell. A cherished feature is The Grove, a deer park where a herd of fallow deer has been a peaceful sight for centuries. Wander along Addison's Walk, a tree-lined path beloved by the essayist Joseph Addison, or discover the vibrant herbaceous borders and the wildflower meadow, home to delicate fritillaries. Don't miss the serene Rose Garden, a thoughtful commemoration of penicillin's development in Oxford. These carefully tended gardens and meadows provide a stunning horticultural display, inviting quiet contemplation amidst centuries of academic life.
Location
Contact
+44 1865 276000
🕯️I came to Oxford seeking to be closer to where our beloved C.S. Lewis lived (at The Kilns) and taught (here at Magdalen College).
Clive Staples Lewis, the celebrated author of the Chronicles of Narnia, literary scholar, and theologian, had a significant and long-lasting association with Magdalen College, Oxford
* Fellow and Tutor: In 1925, Lewis was elected a Fellow and Tutor in English Language and Literature at Magdalen College. He remained in this position for 29 years, until 1954.
* Rooms in New Building: Lewis's rooms were located in New Buildings, specifically the two windows directly to the right of the protruding center section, on the second floor (first floor by English reckoning), above the wisteria.
* Conversion: It was in these rooms, and during walks at Magdalen, particularly Addison's Walk, that Lewis moved from atheism to theism. A significant turning point was a late-night conversation in Magdalen with his friends Hugo Dyson and J.R.R. Tolkien.
As I walked along Addison’s Walk it occurred to me C. S. Lewis had cheated as a writer! The wonderland he’d described wasn’t something of his imagination, but right here in Oxford! 😄
❤️ You must do Addison’s Walk while here - it’s a slice of heaven. And don’t forget the circular plaque commemorating Lewis along the walk with a poem he wrote. It’s over the bridge to the right side when viewing the deer.
* The Inklings: Lewis's rooms in New Buildings at Magdalen served as one of the primary meeting places for the Inklings, his informal literary discussion group. This group, which included Tolkien, met on Thursday evenings to read, discuss, and critique their works in progress.
* Move to Cambridge: Lewis left Magdalen College in 1954 to take up a professorship at Magdalene College, Cambridge. This move was partly due to the fact that he never made professor at Oxford, and the Chair at Cambridge was created with him in mind. Despite this, he maintained a connection with Oxford and was elected an Honorary Fellow of Magdalen College in 1955.
* Many of his most famous works, including Out of the Silent Planet, The Screwtape Letters, and the Narnia series, were written during his time at Magdalen.
💳 Fee to See Magdalen College:
Magdalen College does charge an admission fee for visitors. As of May 2025, the general admission prices are:
* Adults: £10.00
* Over 65s, Children, Students: £9.00
* Family Ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children aged 7 or over): £28.00
Guided Tours: During certain times, guided tours are available for £13.00 per person (including the admission fee). Check the Magdalen College website for the current schedule of guided tours.
Unfortunately these tours weren’t available during my time there, but it was no trouble at all. I was more than happy to wander through this picturesque oasis in the heart of Oxford, renowned for its stunning architecture, tranquil deer (that’s right, d-e-e-r) park, and the gentle flow of the River Cherwell. I even enjoyed a simple salad in the sun at its little bistro snugly situated in a casual corner of the campus next to the river.
⛪️ Magdalen College Chapel
The Chapel at Magdalen College is an integral part of the college and has a rich history.
* Active Place of Worship: It remains a very active chapel within the University, hosting approximately fourteen services a week during Full Term. While I did not attend a service there, I drifted away into a joyful place whilst listening to its choir there one evening.
* Welcome to All: Magdalen College explicitly states that all are welcome to attend Chapel services, regardless of whether they are members of the college or visitors. This suggests there is no fee to attend regular services.
* Historical Significance: After his conversion to Christianity in 1931, C.S. Lewis was known to attend weekday services in the College Chapel.
What a day! It was a wonderful walk through time bringing me closer to C. S. Lewis - may he rest in peace.