Private tour in Oxford Sophie D
5.0
(6) reviews
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Sophie D.
4.9
Guide rating
46
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6 hrs
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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.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Sophie D.
Oxford's scale allows a rare proximity to world class treasures in an intimate setting. Christ Church is a fine example. Founded in the era of Henry VIII, the pedigree of the site dates back to before the Norman Conquest when an Anglo Saxon princess founded a priory on the site. Thomas Wolsey's famous dining hall hosted Elizabeth I, Charles I 's parliament during the English Civil War, and latterly inspired JK Rowling in the creation of Harry Potter's famous school. Christchurch Alumni include CS Lewis, John Locke and 30 prime ministers. I am one of a limited number of Christ Church accredited guides. The college visit is followed by an entertaining and beautiful introduction to the university’s architectural highlights.
Discover the architectural and literary wonders of Oxford Begin at Christ Church Memorial Garden and the Meadow, where Lewis Carroll once rowed with Alice Liddell—planting the seeds of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. In Christ Church visit the Great Hall, built by Cardinal Wolsey, lined with portraits of prime ministers and philosophers, and adorned with intricate stained glass. Stand at Bodley Tower, familiar to many as Harry Potter’s cinematic arrival at Hogwarts. The vast Tom Quad is overlooked by Sir Christopher Wren’s bell tower. the Cathedral highlights include: Norman and early Gothic architecture A pre-Reformation shrine 15th-century vaulted ceiling Cloisters and stained glass from medieval to modern The walk continues through Oxford’s historic heart: Radcliffe Square, the University Church, the Bodleian Library, Divinity School, and Sheldonian Theatre, a perfect introduction to Oxford’s rich past and inspiring present.
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Transportation is not required for this walking tour.
Oxford, England, United Kingdom
At the Meadow Gate, St Aldgate's Christchurch College, OX1 2JD Most on street parking in Oxford city centre is limited to two hours. Underground car parking is more flexible. There are several Park & Ride on the outside of the city with regular buses into the city centre.
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
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