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C.S. Lewis heritage in Oxford

The Kilns: C.S. Lewis's Oxford Home

An intimate study centre preserved for literary history in Oxford.

HistoryLocal heritage

Explore the historic Oxford residence where author C.S. Lewis lived and wrote. Operating today as a scholar retreat, this preserved house welcomes visitors for pre-booked guided tours highlighting its literary legacy.

A historic house in Oxford that served as C.S. Lewis's home, now operating as a quiet study centre offering guided tours by appointment.

The Kilns
About The Kilns: C.S. Lewis's Oxford Home

Located in Oxford, The Kilns was the longtime home of celebrated author C.S. Lewis. Managed by the C.S. Lewis Foundation, the property serves primarily as a residential study centre rather than a traditional public museum. Visitors can access this historic home through small, pre-booked guided tours that offer an intimate glimpse into the peaceful environment where his famous literary works were created.

Exterior view of a red-brick house with a tiled roof, white dormer windows, and chimneys, surrounded by a lush garden with trimmed hedges and flowering plants
The Kilns Admission and Tour Tickets

Guided tours of The Kilns in Oxford are available strictly by appointment, with paid ticket options offered for adults, seniors, students, and children. Admission rates vary depending on the visitor category, with standard adult entry priced from £20.00 and discounts available for seniors aged 60 and over, children, and students with valid identification. Since there is no free public entry, all visits to this historic house must be booked in advance.

Adult (Prior to Aug 1, 2026)
£20.00

Valid for tours scheduled before August 1, 2026 By appointment only

Student (Prior to Aug 1, 2026)
£15.00

Valid for tours scheduled before August 1, 2026 By appointment only; student proof may be required

Senior (Prior to Aug 1, 2026)
£15.00

Ages 60 and over. Valid for tours scheduled before August 1, 2026 By appointment only

See museum tickets and prices
Location of The Kilns in Oxford

The Kilns is located in the quiet residential suburb of Risinghurst in Oxford, Oxfordshire. This peaceful setting serves as the historic former home of author C.S. Lewis and now functions as a private study centre. Visitors can experience the tranquil surroundings where his famous works were created by booking an intimate, pre-arranged guided tour.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Lewis Close 10

OX3 8JD Oxford

Risinghurst, Oxfordshire, GB

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Planning Your Visit to The Kilns

Planning a visit to The Kilns in the Risinghurst neighborhood of Oxford requires advance preparation. Because this historic site operates as a study centre, visitors must book timed-entry slots ahead of arrival. Access to the former home of C.S. Lewis is provided exclusively through small, pre-booked guided tours.

Planning Your Visit to The Kilns
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The Historic Home and Literary Atmosphere of The Kilns

The Kilns, located in the Headington area of Oxford, offers an intimate look into the domestic life of celebrated author C. S. Lewis. Now operating as a peaceful study centre, this historic residence is preserved to reflect the quiet setting where Lewis lived and wrote his famous works. Visitors can experience these personal spaces through small, pre-booked guided tours that showcase the carefully maintained interiors. Led by knowledgeable guides, these visits connect the home's literary legacy to nearby landmarks, including the church where Lewis worshipped.

A red-brick cottage with a terracotta-tiled roof, white dormer windows, and brick chimneys, surrounded by tall green hedges and a colorful flower garden

The Literary History of The Kilns

Built in 1922 on a former brickworks site in Oxford, The Kilns was acquired by author C. S. Lewis and his family in 1930. During his residence, Lewis penned his **famous Narnia books** within these walls, drawing inspiration from the house and its surrounding grounds. Even his gardener, Fred Paxford, served as the inspiration for the character Puddleglum. The historic property is operated by the C.S. Lewis Foundation as a study centre, preserving the environment of his creative years.

  • Built on a former brickworks site in 1922

    1922Construction

    The house was constructed in 1922 on the site of a former brickworks in Risinghurst, Oxford. The lake located within the garden remains as evidence of its industrial past, specifically as a flooded clay pit.

  • Acquired by C. S. Lewis and family in 1930

    1930Ownership

    In 1930, the property was purchased by author C. S. Lewis, his brother Warren Lewis, and Janie Moore. Maureen Dunbar, who was the daughter of Janie Moore, also resided at the home with them.

  • Home to the writing of the Narnia books

    Cultural significance

    During his residence at The Kilns, C. S. Lewis wrote all of his famous Narnia books and other significant literary works. The house itself served as an inspiration and was featured in the Narnia series.

  • Residence of inspiration for Puddleglum

    Notable person

    The author's gardener at the property, Fred Paxford, is widely cited as the inspiration for the character Puddleglum the Marsh-wiggle, who appears in Lewis's book The Silver Chair.

  • Current operation by the C.S. Lewis Foundation

    Ownership

    The Kilns is currently owned and managed by the C.S. Lewis Foundation. The organization operates the premises as a study center known as the Study Centre at the Kilns.

Visitor Questions and FAQs for The Kilns

Planning a trip to C. S. Lewis's former home at The Kilns in Oxford? While you cannot just wander in on a whim—it requires an email reservation at least two weeks in advance—their official phone number remains a mystery. Dive into our visitor FAQs to learn how to secure your timed entry and prep for your guided tour.

How do I contact The Kilns?

Direct contact details for The Kilns are currently unavailable, as no phone numbers or contact forms are provided in our records.

What is the official website for The Kilns?

The web address for the official website of The Kilns is currently not available.

What is the email address for The Kilns?

The official email address for The Kilns is currently not provided.

Do you need a reservation for The Kilns?

Yes, booking a reservation is highly recommended before visiting The Kilns to ensure entry.

See museum FAQ answers
Planning Your Visit to The Kilns

When planning a visit to The Kilns in Oxford, C. S. Lewis's former home, keep in mind that entry is organized primarily through pre-arranged access. Because the property operates as a study centre and hosts small guided tours, reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot. The site utilizes a timed entry system to help manage the flow of visitors and preserve the intimate atmosphere of the historic rooms. Booking your guided tour well in advance is the best way to ensure admission and enjoy a smooth visitor experience.

Visitor Experience and Fit at The Kilns

The Kilns, located in the Risinghurst neighborhood of Oxford, is well-suited for literature enthusiasts, history students, and solo travelers seeking a quiet glimpse into the life of author C.S. Lewis. Operating as a functioning residential study centre rather than a standard public museum, the historic property offers a peaceful and intimate environment focused on local heritage. The visitor experience is centered around small, pre-booked guided tours, making it an excellent match for those who appreciate structured, educational visits in a preserved historical setting.

Photos of The Kilns in Oxford

Images of The Kilns in Oxford offer a visual preview of C.S. Lewis's historic residence, highlighting its peaceful atmosphere. External views capture the charming brick cottage complete with white dormer windows, a red-tiled roof, and lush, blooming gardens bordered by neat hedges. Inside, the quiet study comes to life through scenes of book-lined shelves, cozy armchairs, and a brick fireplace.

A red-brick cottage with a terracotta-tiled roof, white dormer windows, and brick chimneys, surrounded by tall green hedges and a colorful flower garden
Exterior view of a red-brick house with a tiled roof, white dormer windows, and chimneys, surrounded by a lush garden with trimmed hedges and flowering plants
Exterior view of The Kilns cottage with red-tiled roof, brick and white-timber walls, and a colorful flower garden in the foreground.
Interior of a study room with built-in bookshelves filled with books, two armchairs, a brick fireplace, and a large red patterned rug.
See museum photos gallery
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