Magdalen College, Oxford — founded in 1458 by William Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester and Lord Chancellor, it is the oldest and most beautiful college in Oxford, and the preferred filming location for "magic school" exteriors in many movies. The Great Tower, built between 1492 and 1509, is a masterpiece of late English Gothic architecture. Every May Morning at 6 a.m., the college choir ascends the tower to sing the Hymnus Eucharisticus, a tradition unbroken for over 500 years that has become Oxford's most famous cultural symbol. The grotesque stone carvings on the 15th-century cloisters are believed to have inspired C.S. Lewis's creation of the stone statues in The Chronicles of Narnia; his late-night walks with Tolkien along Addison's Walk led to his conversion to Christianity and the birth of Narnia. The college covers 40 hectares and boasts Oxford's only Deer Park — 12 hectares of native grassland where a herd of gentle fallow deer roam freely. This one-day in-depth tour includes self-guided exploration, choir evensong experience, and a riverside walk.
From the 15th-century cloisters of St John's Quad to the Gothic spire of the Great Tower, trace CS Lewis's Narnia inspiration, encounter fallow deer in the park, and listen to the heavenly voices of the choir
Arrive when the college opens at 10 a.m. Enter first into St John's Quad — the oldest part of the college, dominated by the late 15th-century Founder's Tower in solemn Perpendicular Gothic style. Stroll through the Cloisters, built between 1474 and 1480, and notice the bizarre grotesque stone carvings on the pillars — believed to have inspired C.S. Lewis's stone statues in The Chronicles of Narnia. Then enter the Chapel, a Gothic worship space founded in 1474 with exquisite fan-vaulted ceilings and medieval stained glass. The choral evensong at 6 p.m. each evening is pure and heavenly. In the afternoon, step into the Chaplain's Quad dominated by the Great Tower (1492-1509), feeling the grandeur of this 44-metre Gothic spire. Cross the eastern lawns into the 12-hectare Deer Park, where you may unexpectedly encounter a herd of gentle fallow deer. Stroll along Addison's Walk, a circular tree-lined path beside the River Cherwell — the site of C.S. Lewis's late-night conversation with Tolkien and Hugo Dyson in 1931, a discussion that directly led to Lewis's conversion to Christianity and the birth of The Chronicles of Narnia. In the evening, enjoy afternoon tea on the riverside terrace at the Old Kitchen Bar, or if visiting between May and September, hire a punt to drift along the River Cherwell.
A restaurant converted from a historic building within Magdalen College, serving sandwiches, salads, cakes and soft drinks throughout the day. Enjoy them on the riverside terrace overlooking the River Cherwell. Alumni discount available. Budget £8-£15 per person, combining academic atmosphere with natural beauty.
A century-old literary pub frequented by Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, just an 8-minute walk from Magdalen College. Try the signature ale-braised beef stew with dark beer gravy, full of collegiate charm. Budget £15-£25 per person.
A hidden gem set within a 14th-century medieval vaulted space. Recommended hot lamb pie and seasonal beetroot salad. Enjoy organic light meals beneath centuries-old arches. Budget £10-£18 per person.
A legendary handmade ice cream shop beloved by Oxford students. Their signature "Oxford Blue" lavender honey flavour is full of British creativity. Perfect for a summer afternoon stroll along Addison's Walk. Single scoop from £4.
Magdalen College does not offer visitor accommodation, but its prime location east of the river places it right next to Oxford city centre, within walking distance of several distinctive hotels. During summer, check whether the college opens alumni guest rooms for booking.
In nearly 600 years since its founding, Magdalen College has nurtured countless world-shaping figures across literature, politics, science and the arts. Below are some representative alumni: