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Before the trip
Before the trip
Ensure you have the group register and emergency contact numbers for all leaders and students
Make sure you have the tickets you need to enter with your group
Wear the official group T-shirt or hoodie for easy identification
Charge your phone fully and bring a power bank
Review the risk assessment for the day’s route and activities
Remind students to bring a raincoat or umbrella in case of light rain
Take group photos at key locations and share them with the programme WhatsApp group
Overview
Overview
Get off the bus before ‘The Plain’. Walk across the bridge. Magdalen College (pronounced ‘Mawdlin’ is on your right. Admire the bell tower and its wonderful setting next to the river.
Every year at 6 o’clock in the morning on 1st May (May Day), the choir of the college sing from here. Afterwards there are parties with lots of champagne and dancing.
Does anyone know what the boats are called? (Punts and the activity is called punting.)
Enter from the High Street by the Gatehouse. The college was founded in 1458 and there are about 400 students these days.
The quadrangle is called ‘St John’s’ because in olden times before the college there was a hospital called ‘The hospital of John the Baptist’. It was closed down by royal permission in 1485.
Notice the magnificent doorway of the chapel decorated with battlements and statues. You do not enter the chapel this way. Go under the smaller tower (Muniment Tower) and turn right.
In the chapel, notice the 17th century glass windows and a copy of Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’.
Leave the chapel and turn right into the Cloister. Doors and steep steps lead to student rooms.
Notice the grotesques. Can you identify what they are? (hippo, greyhound, jester, wrestlers/dancers)
Enter the Hall.
Who do you think sits at the ‘high table’ at the far end? (Dons – university professors)
Can you see the bust of Oscar Wilde? (facing the fireplace from a window ledge near the centre of the room)
Who was he? (Irish writer – author of ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ and ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’.)
Rough Timetable
Rough Timetable
Magdalen College Visit - Tour Guide Itinerary
00:00 - Depart Ruskin College and walk to the nearest bus stop.
00:10 - Take public transport to central Oxford (approx. 15 mins by bus).
00:25 - Arrive near Magdalen College and walk to the entrance.
00:30 - Begin visit to Magdalen College. Meet at entrance and introduction by guides.
00:35 - Stop 1: The Great Tower - History and student traditions.
00:50 - Stop 2: The Cloisters - Medieval architecture and famous alumni.
01:05 - Stop 3: The Chapel - Role of religion and music at Magdalen.
01:20 - Stop 4: Addison's Walk - Literature connections and riverside reflections.
01:35 - Stop 5: The Deer Park - History, wildlife, and seasonal traditions.
01:50 - Reflection Break - Free time in the grounds (guided questions for students).
02:10 - Final stop: Old Grammar Hall - Student life in past centuries.
02:25 - Wrap-up: Group reflection, questions, and optional photo opportunity.
Speaking Notes for Activity Leaders
Speaking Notes for Activity Leaders
4. Entrance to Magdalen
4. Entrance to Magdalen
Hello everyone, and welcome to Magdalen College — one of the oldest and most famous colleges at the University of Oxford!
Magdalen is pronounced 'Maud-lin' — yes, it looks different from how it sounds! The college was founded in the year 1458 by a rich bishop called William of Waynflete. That means the college is more than 560 years old — older than the discovery of America!
Magdalen College is known for its beautiful buildings, peaceful gardens, and famous former students. Some people say it’s one of the most magical places in Oxford. When we walk around, you’ll see towers, courtyards, deer parks, and even quiet riverside paths.
Over the centuries, students here have become writers, scientists, politicians, and even poets. One of the most famous was Oscar Wilde, who studied here in the 1800s. There’s a room where he used to live — we’ll see it later!
Magdalen is part of the University of Oxford, which is made up of 39 colleges. Each college has its own buildings, gardens, and students — kind of like a mini university inside the big one.
Today, we’ll explore some special places inside the college: a tall tower, quiet cloisters, a beautiful chapel, a peaceful walk called Addison’s Walk, and even a deer park. At each stop, I’ll tell you a short story or two, and you’ll have time to ask questions or take notes.
So, let’s begin our journey — and remember, look around, ask questions, and enjoy the history!
5. The Great Tower
5. The Great Tower
*Script:*
Welcome to the Great Tower! This tower was built in the 15th century and is one of Oxford's most famous landmarks. It stands proudly above the college and is still used today to celebrate special occasions.
One fun tradition is "May Morning." On the first of May, the college choir sings from the top of the tower at sunrise. Hundreds of people gather on Magdalen Bridge to listen!
*Did you know?* Students used to get up at 4 a.m. to join in the celebrations n May Morning, the pubs and cafes stay open all night!
6. The Cloisters
6. The Cloisters
*Script:*
These medieval passageways are called the Cloisters. They were used by monks and later by college students. Take a moment to walk slowly and notice the quiet—it was meant to be a peaceful place for thought and study.
Look up! You might spot gargoyles (actually called "Grotesques when they don't have water running from them) or carved faces in the stone.
*Anecdote:* In the Harry Potter films, a similar cloister at another Oxford college was used as part of Hogwarts!
7. The Chapel
7. The Chapel
*Script:*
This is the college chapel. Every Oxford college has one. Magdalen's chapel is famous for its choir, which sings here every day during term time.
*Did you know?* Even though students are not required to be religious, many enjoy listening to the beautiful music.
*Anecdote:* One visitor said the choir's singing was "like being inside a snow globe made of sound!"
8. Addison's Walk
8. Addison's Walk
Addison's Walk is a circular footpath within the grounds of Magdalen College, Oxford, that winds around a small island in the River Cherwell. It's a picturesque and tranquil walk, with views of Magdalen Tower and Magdalen Bridge. The walk is named after Joseph Addison, a former Fellow of Magdalen College, who enjoyed walking there and wrote about landscape gardening in his newspaper, The Spectator. The complete walk is 1.5km BUT you can show students where it is on the way to the deer park
Script:
Let’s take a walk along Addison’s Walk, a beautiful path by the river. It’s named after Joseph Addison, a writer who studied here in the 1600s.
This walk was also a favourite of C.S. Lewis, the author of "The Chronicles of Narnia."
Fun fact: Lewis said he got the idea for the magical lamppost in Narnia while walking here in the fog!
9. The Deer Park
9. The Deer Park
Addison's Walk is a circular footpath within the grounds of Magdalen College, Oxford, that winds around a small island in the River Cherwell. It's a picturesque and tranquil walk, with views of Magdalen Tower and Magdalen Bridge. The walk is named after Joseph Addison, a former Fellow of Magdalen College, who enjoyed walking there and wrote about landscape gardening in his newspaper, The Spectator. The complete walk is 1.5km BUT you can show students where it is on the way to the deer park
Script:
Let’s take a walk along Addison’s Walk, a beautiful path by the river. It’s named after Joseph Addison, a writer who studied here in the 1600s.
This walk was also a favourite of C.S. Lewis, the author of "The Chronicles of Narnia."
Fun fact: Lewis said he got the idea for the magical lamppost in Narnia while walking here in the fog!
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