Quick Facts
Magdalen College (pronounced "MAUD-lin") was founded 1458 — one of Oxford's wealthiest and most beautiful colleges. Past students include C.S. Lewis (taught here), Oscar Wilde, John Betjeman, Edward VIII. Home to the famous May Morning ceremony.
- Address: High St, Oxford OX1 4AU
- Open: 10am-7pm summer / 1pm-6pm winter (varies)
- Cost: £8 adult
- Closed: exam season (May-June)
What to See
- Magdalen Tower — 144 ft Perpendicular Gothic, finished 1509
- Cloister — beautiful 15th-century quadrangle
- The Chapel — choral evensong daily during term
- Deer Park — fallow deer roam in the grounds since 1700
- Addison's Walk — 1-km riverside loop, J.R.R. Tolkien & C.S. Lewis met here
- Botanic Garden next door (separate £6 entry)
Tickets & Times
- Adult £8, Child £7
- Open 10am-7pm summer (less in winter)
- Closed exam season (mostly May-June)
- Audio guide app £1.99
May Morning
Every 1 May at 6am, Magdalen College Choir sings the Hymnus Eucharisticus from the top of Magdalen Tower. Started 1509. Crowds gather on Magdalen Bridge below — 8,000+ in recent years.
- Arrive by 5:30am for a spot on Magdalen Bridge
- Hymn lasts about 20 minutes
- Followed by morris dancing in the streets
- Bars open early; bacon butties at the bridge
- Most colleges hold breakfasts
Tips
- Combine with Botanic Garden (next door) for half-day
- Punting from Magdalen Bridge — see our punting guide
- Addison's Walk = best free 30-min stroll in Oxford
- Choral evensong (free) — Tue-Sat 6pm during term
- Closed often in summer for events; check before visiting
📚 C.S. Lewis fans: Lewis taught at Magdalen 1925-1954. He met Tolkien on Addison's Walk — their conversations led to Lewis's conversion to Christianity. Plaque marks the spot.