You are warmly invited to embark on an “unexpected journey” of fellowship in the city of Oxford during the summer of 2026! Our adventure begins on the 19th of July, in the quiet beauty of Yarnton Manor–four miles from the heart of Oxford. This estate, under the care of the Lanier Foundation, will be a homely house indeed. This trip is open to graduate and doctoral students, as well as friends and alumni of Houston Christian University. Those currently pursuing graduate or doctoral studies will be given first consideration. During our time, we will study the lives and legacies of the Inklings, a literary circle based in Oxford, including C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien. Lewis and Tolkien’s writing is some of the most influential theological and fictional work of the 20th century. We will also learn about those who influenced them, such as Dorothy Sayers, a prominent thinker and public theologian, and of the previous generation, G. K. Chesterton. You will spend the week in and around Oxford, exploring the sites related to The Inklings, such as their homes, churches, colleges, pubs, and graveyards. Oxford is full of fabulous museums, beautiful architecture, and historic libraries. Join us for walking tours, choral evensong, warm laughter, and deep discussion. There will be an additional add-on excursion to London. During your time in London we will visit Westminster Abbey, where Lewis is honored. It will also include some of London’s finest museums and an optional Shakespeare play at The Globe Theater. The trip cost includes: Lodging at Yarnton for 6 nights (Sunday-Friday) – Over $1000 value Breakfasts at the manor each morning Four dinners at the manor with special talks from scholars Entry into many of the historic sites around Oxford Graduate and undergraduate students who wish to take The Inklings Summer class will receive a $500 discount for the trip. The trip cost does not include: Airfare and transportation to and from Oxford Meals outside of Yarnton Manor Trip Cost: $2500 for each participant. $2000 for participants who enroll in the Summer Inklings class through HCU or the Fall Study Abroad DMin course. (CHRI 4381/5381: The Inklings in Oxford & CHRI 7309: Study Abroad) Disclaimers & Caveats: Accessibility: Participants may be expected to walk up to four miles a day. All locations may not be handicap accessible due to the historic nature of the sites. Dietary: We may not be able to accommodate all dietary requirements. Necessities: Yarnton Manor does not supply toiletries such as shampoo and soap, so pack along all necessities. Bring all needed plug adapters and power converters. For participants who require a hair dryer it is recommended you purchase one in the UK, as the electrical current is too powerful for US hairdryers. Rooming: Couples will likely be placed in a room with a queen bed or two twins. Due to the pricing structure, no discount for sharing a room is available. Focus: This is an educational and student-focused trip. Alums and friends of HCU are warmly welcome to apply and will be asked to supply some additional information as part of their application. It is expected that they will follow the general trip guidelines. All participants will be accepted to the trip at the discretion of the trip leaders. Look forward to visiting the following locations! The Lanier Foundation’s Yarnton Manor The Kilns, Lewis’s home in Oxford Holy Trinity Headington Quarry, Lewis’s church The Oxford Centre for Fantasy The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford The Bodleian Library Christ Church Choral Evensong Magdalen College and Addison’s Walk The White Horse of Uffington (written about by G. K. Chesterton) & Wayland’s Smithy (a neolithic chamber barrow) Trip Leaders Dr. Phil Tallon. Dr. Tallon is the Dean of the School of Christian Thought and Associate Professor of Theology. He is the author of a number of books, as well as essays on Lewis and Tolkien, including “Evil and the Cosmic Dance: C.S. Lewis and Beauty’s Place in Theodicy,” “In Defense of The Problem of Pain,” and “Pretty, Fair Nonsense: Tolkien’s View of the Arts”. Dr. Lynn Cohick. Dr. Cohick is the Director of Houston Theological Seminary and Distinguished Professor of New Testament. She is the author of Ephesians in New International Commentary on the New Testament and Christian Women in the Patristic World: Their Influence, Authority, and Legacy in the Second Through Fifth Centuries. Special Guests Dr. Michael Ward. Dr. Ward is Professor of Apologetics at Houston Christian University. He is considered one of the world’s leading C. S. Lewis scholars. He is the author of Planet Narnia and After Humanity, among other books. Julia Golding. Julia is the director of the Oxford Centre for Fantasy. She is a multi-award-winning author of over sixty novels in genres from fantasy to historical for adults, YA and children. She also writes under the pen names Joss Stirling and Eve Edwards. Julia is a passionate enthusiast for Tolkien’s writings and the inspirational possibilities of the city where he spent most of his life. Other guests will be listed closer to the trip. Registration Process All participants must apply through HCU’s Via Portal by Sept. 15th (hcuabroad.via-trm.com/program_brochure/17912). This will provide us with all your necessary information to ensure you have an up-to-date passport, contact information, and trip details in country. After application, you will be notified if you have been accepted for the next step on the process, or put on the waiting list. A deposit of $750 is due by October 1st, 2025 to secure your spot. It is refundable until February 1st 2026, when the final payment of an additional $1750 is due. Late deposit or final payment may result in being placed on the waiting list. Students who plan to enroll in the Summer Inklings in Oxford class or the CHRI 7309 will receive a $500 discount. After May 1st, if students have not enrolled in the Summer class (CHRI 7309 or CHRI/APOL 5381), they will be asked to pay an additional $500. All participants should arrange for their own flights and transportation to Oxford, which are not included in the trip cost. We recommend booking flights early. Participants are welcome to plan for additional travel before or after the trip, though Yarnton Manor will not be available. The Inklings in Oxford Summer Class for Graduate Students (APOL/CHRI 5381) This optional course will meet remotely through Zoom ahead of the Oxford trip. Students will read widely from the Inklings and their circle, and then complete a series of short writing assignments, together with a final paper. Students not enrolled in the Oxford trip will complete extra assignments to make up for missing contact hours.
