Magdalen College — Attraction in Oxford

April 30th, 2025 | Magdalen College, Oxford

🕯️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...

Magdalen College is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in Oxford, England. Founded in 1458 by William of Waynflete, the Bishop of Winchester, it is one of the university's most beautiful and prestigious colleges. Magdalen stands next to the River Cherwell and boasts a vast, picturesque landscape that includes the Magdalen Deer Park.

Magdalen College is renowned for its tradition of choral singing; the Magdalen College Choir is one of the most celebrated collegiate choirs in the world. The college's choir sings in the beautiful Magdalen College Chapel, which is a highlight of the college's architectural splendor, combining elements of medieval, gothic, and modern designs.

Magdalen has a strong academic reputation across a wide range of subjects. It provides excellent facilities for study and research, including an extensive library and modern scientific laboratories. The college community is vibrant and diverse, with students and fellows from around the world.

One of the college's most beloved traditions is the singing of the Hymnus Eucharisticus from the Great Tower on May Morning, a celebration that attracts people from across Oxford and beyond. This event symbolizes the start of spring and is a unique aspect of the cultural and social life at Magdalen.

Magdalen College has produced a significant number of notable alumni, including several Nobel laureates, politicians, and scholars, contributing immensely to various fields over...

Visited bank holiday Monday which turned out to be lovely and sunny, took in the quaint stroll around Addisons walk / river Cherwell (you can find this walk easily on Google) - were looking forward to seeing the deer in the grounds but they were too far away to see too well and you couldn’t get closer as it was fenced off. Nice chapel & cloister area. Found a lot of areas were understandably private & so not accessible. Personally I think it should be free to go in on this basis as it wasn’t a very large place. £7.00 each is a bit steep in my opinion although it is steeped in history having Lewis Carrol listed as one of its...