Tour guide in Oxford Sophie D.

Oxford, United Kingdom

English, French

151

Tours Delivered,
Since May 15, 2023

30.0

Hours, Avg. response time

I'm Sophie D., your private tour guide in Oxford

Guide #59335

After completing my BA (Hons) in Art History and History at Oxford Brookes University, I moved to France, where I spent over 20 years restoring a medieval château and welcoming guests from around the world. In 2009, I co-founded a highly acclaimed tour company, offering seamless multi-day experiences that combined historic sites, handpicked accommodation, and exceptional guiding. I now bring those same skills and passion to my work in Oxford. Returning to Oxford felt like a natural continuation of my work with travellers. The city offers a captivating window into the past, with its rich collection of artefacts, stories, and architecture all within easy reach. The University, its colleges, and the city together offer a unique opportunity to explore British history in one of its most beautiful settings. My tours are often described as 'surprising and insightful.' Areas of expertise include art history, the English Civil War, literary tours (notably Lewis Carroll, C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien), and religious history in Oxford. Popular destinations include colleges, Radcliffe Square, and the Bodleian Library. As a member of the Oxford Guild of Guides, I can arrange access to colleges not usually open to the public and am one of the few guides accredited to lead tours inside Christ Church. Tours can typically accommodate groups of up to 19 participants, though some sites may have smaller group limits. Outside of guiding, I enjoy theatre, travel, and writing. I recently published my first book about rural France. Associate of the Institute of Tourist Guiding Member of the Guild of Guides Co-founder of Cathar Country Tours (Langue d’Oc, France) BA (Hons) in Art History and History, Oxford Brookes University Certified to guide in French If your preferred date isn’t showing as available, feel free to get in touch. As an Oxford resident, I love creating custom tours tailored to specific interests and schedules.

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Traveller reviews

4.9
  • Frederick B.United States
    2 weeks ago

    While a couple of us were very knowledgeable of CS Lewis, Sophie was able to connect the dots between the other authors we were interested in and timelines, history, and connections. We learned a lot about the authors, Cambridge University and its colleges, and the history of the city of Oxford. We would highly recommend.

  • William W.United States
    August 2026

    Sophiee was very enthusiastic knowledgeable, personable, and accommodating. We are older travelers and walk slowly and we were accompanied by our grandson who walks fast and she accommodated us beautifully. We had particular interests that she responded to for example, my wife likes to take pictures of trees and plants to see what they are.

    Replied from the guide, Sophie D.

    August 2026

    Thank you Bill It was a real pleasure to meet you, Jane and Knox and hear about your families history. All my best to Knox with what sounds like an excellent programme.

  • Sam F.United States
    July 2026

    Taking Sophie’s walking tour was my favorite part of our Oxford stay! We have young children (one is still in a stroller and the other has trouble sustaining attention) and I was afraid they would be a problem. But Sophie interacted with them in a gracious and light hearted manner, all while managing to espouse the rich history of Oxford as we walked through it. It was a...

    Replied from the guide, Sophie D.

    July 2026

    Thank you Sam It was an absolute delight to share Oxford with you all.

  • Diane L.United States
    July 2026

    Sophie was a wonderful tour guide and tailored the tour to our interests as the tour went on. She is very knowledgeable about Oxford history

    Replied from the guide, Sophie D.

    July 2026

    Thank you Diane It was a pleasure to enjoy your interest and curisoity.

From Oxford: Undiscovered Cotswolds Tour2.5 -Hour Tour – An Architectural and Historical Journey Through Oxford, with a Touch of Fantasy Featuring J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. LewisFrom Oxford: Cotswolds and Blenheim Palace Private TourWelcome to Oxford: 2hr tour2 hour Fantasy literature - CS Lewis, Tolkien and Carroll and their work. Why Oxford?Oxford: Town and Gown Private Walking Tour4 hours Christ Church Hall and Cathedral, Bodleian library with University's architectural and historic highlights Blenheim Palace experence 'Town versus Gown' : discover Oxford University historyThe best of Oxford: half-day tourOxford Walking Tour: Books, Beasts and Bards3 hours Magdalen, CS Lewis and the Botanic Gardens - JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis with Magdalen CollegeIvory Towers and Dreaming Spires - The University of Oxford History & Science TourHistoric Oxford - the City and University that has shaped British, and world, history.Cotswolds Day TripOxford University, past and present.6 hours - Introduction to University historical and architectural highlights including a visit inside the Bodleian Library and a Medieval University College 3 hours Architectural and Literary and religious History of Oxford, with C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien,Oxford Experience - City Highlights Walking TourHarry Potter tour, visiting filming locations2 hour - Christ Church plus Oxford's Architectural and historical HighlightsTolkien, Lewis and the Inklings' OxfordLiterary OxfordOxford to Stonehenge - Prehistoric Day TourSouthampton Cruise Port to Stonehenge and Oxford - Full Day Tour2 Hour - Introduction to Oxford's Architectural and Historical Highlights - including Christ ChurchCastles and Grand Stately Homes90 minutes Just Christ Church - Inside the college founded by Thomas Wolsey & King Henry VIII - of Harry Potter fame 5 hours Oxford city and Discover Blenheim Palace Harry Potter, facts versus fiction90 minutes - Introduction to Oxford's Architectural and Historical Highlights - including a Medieval college90 minutes - Historical tour and orientation to the university, colleges and city of Oxford: - Includes includes a look inside a Medieval CollegeExploring Oxford architectureUnique Views of Oxford - Half Day Walking Tour2 hours - Arts and stained glass - including stunning medieval collegeArt-lovers' Oxford tour: half dayCuriouser and Curiouser: Alice in Wonderland tourFull day Oxford & the Cotswolds by Bentley motor car and an evening of Shakespeare at Stratford upon Avon's TheatreThe wonders of Christ Church2 hours - Oxford Women Past and Present