C S Lewis House
Lewis Close, Headington, Oxford, OX3 8JD, GB
Rating: 4.8 ★ (181 ratings)
Details
Within the walls of The Kilns, nestled in Lewis Close, Headington, C.S. Lewis penned all seven of his much-loved Narnia chronicles, alongside other significant works like *The Screwtape Letters* and *Mere Christianity*. This modest house, which Lewis called home from 1930 until his death in 1963, was built in 1922 on the site of a former brickworks, its name derived from two large brick kilns that once stood in its grounds. The surrounding garden, with its pond – a flooded clay pit – and trees, served as a tangible inspiration for the landscapes of his imagined worlds. Lewis shared this home with his brother Warnie and Mrs. Janie Moore, the mother of his wartime friend Paddy Moore, and later with his wife Joy Davidman. The house has been preserved to reflect the period of Lewis's residency, offering a unique glimpse into the domestic life of one of the twentieth century's most influential writers.
A visit to The Kilns offers an intimate encounter with the life and literary world of C.S. Lewis, though it's important to remember it now serves as a study centre, not a public museum, so all tours are by appointment only. Typically available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, these pre-booked guided tours allow visitors to explore the rooms where Lewis lived, wrote, and discussed ideas with fellow Inklings. You can almost picture him at his desk or imagine the conversations that unfolded in this creative sanctuary. To arrange a visit and step into the very atmosphere that nurtured tales of Aslan and philosophical explorations of faith, prospective visitors should email [email protected], ideally providing at least two weeks' notice to secure a tour. This thoughtful approach ensures the continued use of The Kilns as a place for quiet study and reflection, honouring Lewis's legacy.
Location
Comments
More comments will appear here over time.
The home is still a working residence for scholars studying at Oxford, which adds to the lived-in feel. It’s clear the foundation does the heavy lifting to maintain it, and you can’t help but wish the Lewis (Gresham) estate would invest more in preserving this important piece of literary history.
Our guide was kind, well-informed, and passionate about Lewis’s life and legacy. Highly recommended for anyone who has been shaped by his work—you will walk away with a greater sense of his humanity.