The World of C. S. Lewis: Oxford, Cambridge, London
2024 C. S. Lewis Tour with Mike Woodruff
July 5th - 12th
Overview: C. S. Lewis was one of the most influential Christians of the 20th century and a prolific author whose writings have impacted Christians across all denominational lines and traditions. In a poll taken by Christianity Today in 2000, Lewis was voted the most popular Christian author of the century and Mere Christianity was chosen the most outstanding Christian book of the last hundred years. But Lewis was not merely an ivory tower intellectual. He also lived a fascinating and eventful life.
Our tour we will visit some of the most significant places in Lewis’ life from his career as a renowned scholar and author at Oxford University and, later a Professor, at Cambridge University.
This tour is designed for people who want to learn more about following Jesus through the life and writings of C. S. Lewis. While Lewis is the focus of much of the trip, participants will also spend significant time in London and experience historic places around the United Kingdom.
The Kilns; Holy Trinity Church; Magdalen College, Oxford; Randolph Hotel; Eagle & Child Pub; King’s College, Cambridge, Westminster Abbey; British Museum; Tower of London; All Souls Church; Windsor Castle and more.
C. S. Lewis was no average Christian, but he was, to use his own term, a “mere Christian” — one whose life was devoted to the basic core beliefs and practices of the historic Christian faith. In that respect, he serves as a model for us all. As John R. W. Stott once noted, “C. S. Lewis was a Christ-centered, great-tradition mainstream Christian whose stature generations after his death seems greater than anyone ever thought while he was alive, and whose Christian writings are now seen as having classic status.”
Join us on this unique tour of “The World of C. S. Lewis” as we learn more about how God used this man and the events in his life to form him into a true disciple of Christ and a source of enlightenment and inspiration for millions of Christians ever since.
Team Selection & Size: We are targeting a tour of 35-40 participants.
July Tour: Application Deadline: Feb 15, 2024, or until the trip is sold-out. (We have extended the deadline to Monday, March 19)
Cost: $3360 per person for double room, single room $3960.
Airfare is not included. Prices to London are currently higher than usual. In addition, plan on an additional $100-150 for your out-of-pocket expenses.
A required $500 deposit is non-refundable for accepted applications. It is applied toward your total cost. (Payment links at the bottom of the page.)
Land Cost includes: lodging, deluxe bus transportation throughout the country, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all entrance fees, the services of a professional guide and driver, and all tips. (Also includes Les Miserables in London theater, entrance to Windsor Castle, and High Tea at Fortnum and Mason.)
Land Costs do not include: Airport shuttle to Oxford, trip insurance, snacks, alcoholic beverages at meals, and souvenirs.
TOUR PAYMENTS
If you are staying in a single room, your second payment due is $3460.
If you are staying in a double room, your second payment due is $2860 per person.
*Second Payment Due April 30th
Travel / Airfare
Airfaire will be on your own, but there will be a recommended flight with a team member from Christ Church if you wish to fly with a group and coordinate transportation from London to Oxford.
TRAVEL ITINERARY
Day 1/July 5: USA/Oxford (Travel)
Travel to London. If you travel with the group (optional) we will take a private bus directly to Oxford. Arrive by 1pm to join group travel. All others will meet at the hotel:
Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel
73 High Street, Oxford, OX1 4BE, United Kingdom
Day 2/July 6: Oxford (Introducing Lewis)
We visit The Kilns, Lewis’ home for most of his adult life. Afterwards we will visit Holy Trinity Church Lewis’ home church during his years in Oxford. We then take a tour of Magdalen College, Oxford where Lewis taught and wrote for much of his academic career. Dinner at Randolph Hotel where C.S. Lewis met Joy Davidman. We will also see the Eagle and Child (pub) where Lewis, Tolkein and other “Inklings” met to exchange ideas and writings.
Day 3/July 7: Oxford/London (Worship and Reflection)
We will attend a morning service at Holy Trinity Church Oxford. Arrive in London and arrive at Club Quarter’s Hotel St. Paul in central London. In the afternoon we will have a great overview of London on a city cruise on the Thames River. Afterwards, we will attend All Souls Church, Langham place where Dr. John Stott was rector for many years. Dinner at Cote Brasserie.
Day 4//July 8: London (History and Culture)
Today we begin with a Christian Heritage tour of the City of London, visiting many churches and places where people were used by God to fulfill His purposes. Lunch at The Hung, Drawn, & Quartered. Afterwards we will have a wonderful afternoon at The Tower of London. We will attend Les Miserables at London’s West End in the evening.
Day 5//July 9: Cambridge (The Academy)
After a great breakfast, our bus will take us to Cambridge where the English Reformation began. We will participate in a Christian Heritage Tour of Cambridge and then have free time to participate in punting on the River, visiting the Fitzwilliam Museum or walking around this beautiful city. Evensong at King’s College followed by dinner at Eagle Pub. Journey back to London.
Day 6//July 10: London (Church and State)
The day begins with a tour of Westminster Abbey. Afterwards we will have a wonderful afternoon at the British Museum on a Christian Heritage tour. Lewis’ “Broadcast Talks”, which became Mere Christianity, were given at BBC Radio. We will take a walk through St. James’ Park and Green Park before dinner at Henry’s famous fish and chips.
Day 7/July 11: Windsor/London (British History)
This morning our bus will take us to Windsor Castle and it is here we will see the home of Queen Elizabeth II. We will leave for London and high tea at Fortnum and Mason (optional).
Day 8/July 12: United States (Travel)
Today we leave to fly back to the United States.
Lodging & Meals: We are staying at tourist-class facilities to keep costs reasonable, yet still having a quality experience. The Club Quarter’s Hotel St. Paul in London, where we will spend the majority of our stay, is particularly nice and extremely convenient. The meals, which are covered in the trip costs, will allow you to taste local cuisine. *Drinks are not included in the trip costs.
Mike Woodruff, Tour Host; Ben Dockery, Assistant Tour Host; or Elizabeth Bollmann, Tour Administrator.
Questions? Contact Elizabeth: ebollmann@christchurchil.org
Requirements for the Trip
Class Lectures - You will be required to view 6 lectures prior to the tour. Mike Woodruff will be teaching a class starting Jan 22nd with a guest lecture from renowned Lewis scholar, Dr. Jerry Root. The live class starts Jan 30th, but you can also view the lectures at your own pace. The content of the class will give all tour participants a solid base to appreciate and learn more about C. S. Lewis and the world in which he lived.
Advance Exercise - This trip will include a good bit of walking. The streets of Oxford and London can be uneven, and at times slippery. It is important that you are of good health and are willing to exercise in preparation for this trip. Prep for this trip should include walking up and down hills and stairs.
Team Meetings - We will have two team meetings prior to the trip. We will have both in-person and online options. If you do not live in the area - you are not expected to fly in. We ask you to make your best effort to attend each session so you can meet fellow travelers and know the trip logistics. We will be broken into cohorts for team reflections and ease of travel. Those cohorts will begin at the team meetings.