Magdalen College, on Oxford’s High Street near Magdalen Bridge, combines medieval buildings with extensive gardens, riverside paths and a deer park. Founded in 1458, it is known for its tall bell tower, chapel and carved cloisters. Walk Addison’s Walk through the grounds, look for deer in the Grove and take time to see the gardens. The college is also closely associated with C.S. Lewis, who lived at New Buildings. Spring brings a particularly colourful display of flowers, especially from March to April.
A college founded in 1458
William Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester and Lord Chancellor, founded Magdalen College in 1458. Its original establishment was on a large scale, with 40 fellows, 30 scholars known as Demies and a substantial chapel choir. The college remains part of the University of Oxford, and its buildings and grounds occupy a broad site behind high walls on the eastern side of the city centre.
The name is pronounced “maud-lin”. The college is associated with several notable writers and public figures, including Oscar Wilde, P. G. Wodehouse and C.S. Lewis. Lewis lived at New Buildings, and Addison’s Walk is linked with the literary life of the college.
The tower, chapel and cloisters
The college’s square bell tower is one of Oxford’s familiar landmarks. Completed in 1509, it rises 46 metres and is topped with pinnacles and crockets. Its position near the eastern entrance to the city makes it visible from the High Street and Magdalen Bridge.
The chapel and the 15th-century cloisters offer a closer look at the college’s medieval architecture. The cloisters are known for their carved grotesques, figures that have been connected with the stone creatures in Lewis’s Narnia stories. Access to interior spaces can vary, so do not build a visit around seeing the chapel or dining hall without checking what is open.
Walks and gardens
Beyond the main buildings, the grounds include lawns, woodland, river paths and the Grove, a meadow where a herd of deer lives. The change from the busy High Street to these open spaces is one of the distinctive parts of a visit. Stay on routes open to visitors and respect areas marked as private.
Addison’s Walk is a quiet route through the grounds and a natural choice for a slower visit. It is associated with C.S. Lewis and other literary figures. The gardens are another reason to time a visit for spring: flowers are at their best from March to April. The college’s grounds also sit across the street from Oxford Botanic Garden, and a combined ticket may be available.
May Day and chapel services
Magdalen has a long-standing May Day tradition centred on its choir and tower. At 6 a.m. on 1 May, the choir sings traditional hymns from the roof of the tower. The event draws on an old Oxford custom and is a special reason to be in the city at that time.
On other days, visitors can attend Evensong in the chapel when services are scheduled. Check the college’s current information before travelling for either a service or the May Day singing, as access and arrangements can affect what you are able to see.
Perguntas frequentes
How do you pronounce Magdalen?
It is pronounced “maud-lin”.
What can you see at Magdalen College?
The grounds include the medieval chapel, 15th-century cloisters, bell tower, gardens, riverside paths and the Grove deer park. Some interior areas may not be open to visitors.
When is the best time to see the gardens?
March to April is the recommended time for spring blooms.
Can you hear the choir at Magdalen College?
The choir sings from the tower at 6 a.m. on 1 May. Evensong services also take place in the chapel; check current arrangements before your visit.
