Leigh F.United States
We saw so much, and learned a lot about history in addition to seeing the door and lightpost that inspired Narnia. Great way to explore Oxford.
Choose a currency
Private tour in Oxford Sophie D
2 hour Fantasy literature - CS Lewis, Tolkien and Carroll and their work. Why Oxford?
5.0
(3) reviews
-
2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Sophie D.
4.9
Guide rating
51
Reviews
Tours delivered
30 hrs
Avg. response time
Following a 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 in southwest France, creating memorable multi-day experiences combining historic sites, carefully chosen accommodation and excellent local guiding. I now bring that same experience, enthusiasm and personal approach to my tours in Oxford. Returning to Oxford felt like a natural next chapter. Few cities offer such a wonderful opportunity to explore British history in such a beautiful and compact setting. From the Reformation and Civil Wars to great literary figures, scientific discoveries and centuries of university life, Oxford is full of fascinating stories, intriguing characters and unexpected connections. I love bringing these stories to life, going beyond the familiar sights to reveal the people, events and ideas that shaped the city. One of my greatest pleasures is discovering what interests my guests and finding the Oxford stories that speak to them. My tours are often described as "surprising and insightful". I'm an accredited guide at Christ Church and offer tours in both English and French. I welcome individuals, families and private groups of up to 19 people, although some Oxford sites have smaller group limits. Outside guiding, I enjoy theatre, travel and writing, and have recently published my first book about rural France. - Qualifications and professional memberships - BA (Hons) Art History and History, Oxford Brookes University - Associate of the Institute of Tourist Guiding - Member of the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides and British Guild of Tourist Guides - Accredited to guide inside Christ Church - Qualified to guide in English and French - Co-founder of Cathar Country Tours, France I’m always happy to adapt a tour to your interests, whether you have a particular historical period in mind, would like to visit specific colleges, or simply prefer a more leisurely pace. If your preferred date or time isn't showing as available, please do get in touch. I may be able to accommodate you. I look forward to welcoming you to Oxford!
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Sophie D.
The lives of JR Tolkien and CS Lewis in Oxford and the back story of Harry Potter locations.
Overview of your Oxford tour
Explore Oxford through the lives of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, discovering the places that inspired Middle-earth and Narnia. Visit New College (entry included), with its medieval cloisters and gardens reminiscent of Lewis’s magical landscapes. Stroll Merton Lane, where Tolkien spent his later years, and visit Exeter College, his alma mater. See St Mary’s Church, thought to have inspired Narnia’s gateway, and walk along Turl Street to the Eagle and Child pub, where the Inklings met to share ideas that shaped The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia. University highlights include Radcliffe Square with the iconic Radcliffe Camera, the Divinity School at the Bodleian Library—a Harry Potter filming location—and the Sheldonian Theatre, Christopher Wren’s architectural masterpiece. This tour offers a perfect blend of Oxford’s literary heritage and university highlights, bringing the stories of Tolkien and Lewis to life.
Recent Reviews
Hannah W.United States
We really enjoyed this tour. Sophie was very knowledgeable and shared so much History with us. Her love for art and architecture added a lot of value to the places we visited. We would highly recommend this tour to anyone who enjoys literature and college history.
Tara K.United States
We had a fantastic tour with Sophie. She was a wealth of information and knew so much about the city, it's architecture, the history, and anything and everything in between. She was also lovely to chat with and took an interest in us as the tour went on, which made the tour feel so personable and not at all stiff like some group tours I've been on. It truly felt like chatting with a friend who could show us all the secrets of this magical place. I'd recommend Sophie's tours to anyone interested!
Your Oxford tour itinerary
Broad Street: Begin with the Sheldonian Theatre and the Bodleian Library’s Divinity School, rich in literary, architectural and academic history. Radcliffe Square: View the iconic Radcliffe Camera, All Souls College, and St Mary’s Church, with its doorway said to have inspired the gateway to Narnia. Turl Street: Walk past Exeter College, where Tolkien studied, and Lincoln and Jesus Colleges, hearing about Oxford’s "town and gown" traditions. St Mary’s Passage: Spot the lamppost and lion carvings believed to have inspired Lewis’s vision of Narnia. Merton Lane: Stroll along the lane where Tolkien spent his later academic years at Merton College. A visit to a Medieval College and or the Bodliean library can be integrated into this tour. The pubs where the Inklings would meet and where Tolkien and Lewis discussed The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia.
Want to customize this tour?
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Walking
Transport is not required for this walking tour.
What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Tickets: By arrangement
Meeting location
Oxford, England, United Kingdom
Martyrs Memorial on Magdalen Street
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Art And Culture
TV And Movie
City Highlights
Off The Beaten Path
History
Tour reference number
1214939
Languages
English
FrenchActivity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Oxford best suited for?
This private tour in Oxford is perfect for literature enthusiasts, especially fans of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and fantasy literature. It's also ideal for those interested in the rich literary heritage of Oxford and its university highlights. Families, including kids, will find it accessible and engaging, as will travellers with mobility concerns.
What should I bring or wear?
Can this private tour in Oxford be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
Is transportation included?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
More tours in Oxford by Sophie D.
Explore more of Oxford
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?4 hours Christ Church Hall and Cathedral, Bodleian library with University's architectural and historic highlights Oxford: Town and Gown Private Walking TourHistoric Oxford - the City and University that has shaped British, and world, history.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 TourCotswolds Day TripOxford University, past and present.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' Oxford6 hours - Introduction to University historical and architectural highlights including a visit inside the Bodleian Library and a Medieval University College Literary 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
Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- The remaining balance will automatically be charged to your credit card 30 days before your tour date.