Much Ado About Oxford
22 - 26 March 2027
Step into the world of William Shakespeare — a literary legacy that has shaped language, theatre, and imagination for over four centuries.
From the enduring tragedies of Hamlet and Macbeth to the wit of Much Ado About Nothing and Twelfth Night, Shakespeare’s works continue to influence culture, education, and the performing arts worldwide. His characters explore ambition, love, power, and identity, while his language has given us expressions still used today.
This immersive experience connects Shakespeare’s work to the broader intellectual and cultural life of England, engaging participants in theatre history, literary interpretation, and the world of Renaissance thought that helped shape Western literature.
Through the collections of the Bodleian Library and the long scholarly traditions of the University, Oxford provides a powerful setting for exploring Shakespeare’s enduring influence. In a city devoted to language and ideas, his works continue to inspire study, performance, and creative dialogue across centuries.
“Learning is but an adjunct to ourself, And where we are our learning likewise is.”
Love’s Labour’s Lost
Act IV, Scene III
The Experience
DAY 1 — Arrival: Oxford Awaits
Check into Your Historic College Residence Settle into your college rooms and let centuries of scholarship sink in.
Through the Wardrobe and Into Dinner
Your first evening begins in a storied college dining hall — vaulted ceilings, candlelight, and the kind of conversation that only Oxford inspires.
Pub Crawl of the Pens
Follow your guide through the legendary literary pubs where Lewis, Tolkien, and friends once argued, debated, and dreamed. A perfect introduction to the city.
DAY 3 — Wonder & Discovery
Full English Breakfast
Guided Tour of the Ashmolean Museum
Britain's oldest public museum holds treasures that span civilisations. Your expert guide brings the highlights to life — art, antiquity, and the occasional surprise.
Lunch in Wonderland Follow Alice down the rabbit hole for a lunch that's anything but ordinary. Curiouser and curiouser.
Guided Walking Tour Oxford reveals itself on foot. Wind through hidden courtyards, ancient lanes, and storied colleges as your guide uncovers the city's best-kept secrets.
Tea with Mr. Tumnus The day's perfect ending — a cosy, Narnian-inspired afternoon tea. Warm your hands on the cup and let the magic of Oxford linger a little longer.
DAY 5 — Farewell, Oxford
Full English Breakfast One last time.
The Full English hits differently this morning.
Departure "Parting is such sweet sorrow." — Romeo and Juliet
Oxford doesn't let go easily — and you won't want it to. Bags packed, friendships made, and a city forever in your memory. Until next time.
.jpg)
DAY 2 — Into the Heart of Oxford
Full English Breakfast
Discussion by an Oxford Expert on William Shakespeare Sit down with one of Oxford's finest minds for an intimate exploration of Shakespeare — his life, his language, and why he still matters. Expect to leave with fresh eyes on the work you thought you knew.
Turkish Delight Lunch
A lunch with a literary twist. Indulge in a spread inspired by the most tempting meal in fiction — and consider how easily Edmund was won over.
The Inklings Walking Tour
Step into the Oxford of Lewis and Tolkien as your guide traces the footsteps of the most famous literary circle of the 20th century — through cobbled lanes, college gates, and the pubs where Middle-earth took shape.
The White Witch's Winter Feast
The day ends with a feast fit for Narnia. A magical, atmospheric dinner to close an evening of stories, imagination, and the enduring power of a great tale.
DAY 4 — A Day to Remember
Full English Breakfast
Bodleian Library Guided Tour One of the world's great libraries — and one of Oxford's most breathtaking spaces. Your guide opens its doors, its history, and its secrets. A must before you leave.
Narnia at Noon A fitting midday gathering to reflect on the week's journey through the worlds that Oxford made possible.
Free Afternoon Oxford is yours. Wander, shop, sit by the river, revisit a favourite corner — or simply let the city wash over you one last time.
The Narnian High Table Dinner The grand finale. Dress for the occasion and take your place at a formal High Table dinner in the Narnian spirit — candlelight, ceremony, and the warmth of a week well spent together.
Formal Certificate Ceremony
OPTIONAL ADD-ON — Stratford-upon-Avon
Departure to Stratford-upon-Avon
Private Coach
Sit back and let the English countryside roll by as your private coach carries you from Oxford to the town where it all began.
Shakespeare's Birthplace | Anne Hathaway's Cottage | Hall's Croft | Holy Trinity Church Walk the streets Shakespeare walked. Stand in the house where he was born, wander the cottage where he courted Anne, and pay your respects at his grave in the quiet beauty of Holy Trinity Church. History you can touch.
Lunch: Rooftop of the Royal Shakespeare Company Lunch with a view — and a setting that needs no introduction. Raise a glass to the Bard from the rooftop of his own theatre.
Tour of the RSC Theatre & Optional Play Go behind the scenes of one of the world's most celebrated stages, then — if you choose — take your seat for a performance. Shakespeare, where he belongs.
Lodging: The Arden Hotel Rest your head at Stratford's finest — the Arden Hotel, perfectly placed opposite the RSC. A beautiful end to an unforgettable journey.
Voices of Previous Particpants
"Your support and belief in our project made this incredible opportunity possible. The work you’re doing at the Roundtable is truly inspiring, and we’re so grateful for the chance to share our progress. We learned so much from the delegates, from you and your team, and from the whole experience overall."
Daniel and Debi Arce
The Da Vinci International School
Okinawa, Japan
"I would like to thank you for an awesome, memorable symposium that will forever be the highlight of my career. Everything was superb!!! I am so grateful for the opportunity and hope to be back next year and for many years to come. You guys are phenomenal in every sense of the word!"
Dr. Linda Naicker | Research Institute for Theology and Religion | University of South Africa
"Thank you all for helping make this one of the most uplifting and inspiring Oxford Round Table Symposium I’ve attended. This symposium reminded us ‘we are better together.’ It was an incredible group this year and the rich, informative presentations have contributed so much to our continued professional development. Already looking forward to next year."
Carol A Minton-Ryan, PhD
Professor of Sociology; Division of Family & Culture; Assessment Support
College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
California Baptist University
Airfare & transportation to and from Oxford not included
