Gilliane S.United Kingdom
Knowledgeable guide, tour well delivered and informative. We visited two colleges (Balliol and Trinity) and two churches (St Mary's and St Michael's) and looked at stained glass of different periods. Would recommend.
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Private tour in Oxford Sophie D
2 hours - Arts and stained glass - including stunning medieval college
5.0
(3) reviews
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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
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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.
Oxford's religious origins, wealth a unique arena of decorative arts.
Overview of your Oxford tour
Oxford’s compact scale offers an unparalleled closeness to its cultural gems, allowing you to experience a rich range of eras and techniques in situ. Iconoclasm ravaged England in the 16th and 17th centuries, but in Oxford, devotional treasures were shielded from zealots. Picture scholars navigating theological riddles, providential threats, and occasional bribes while waves of soldiers and zealots roamed. In a fourteenth-century college, we’ll admire medieval craftsmanship, 18th-century academic grandeur, and amusing Victorian prudery. At a 17th-century college, we’ll explore the Northern Renaissance in Oxford. The University Church boasts remarkable examples of the Gothic Revival, born from the Oxford Movement, inspired by sermons delivered within its walls. On this tour, I’ll guide you to Oxford’s oldest stained glass windows and introduce you to the city’s architectural and historical riches.
Recent Reviews
Glen B.United States
My wife and I really enjoyed Sophie D's 90 minute walking tour of Oxford. We had a flight to catch from Heathrow back to the US late afternoon, so the 10:30 start was perfect We got a very good insider's look at a couple of the main colleges, had the overall university/college system explained, and covered additional ground. Sophie could not have been nicer; it was easy and enjoyable chatting with her.
Your Oxford tour itinerary
New College, founded after the 14th century plague. Its chapel has outstanding stained glass, and what's arguably the finest collection of misericords in Britain. The monastic cloister, manor-like dining hall with its portraits and oak panels, and the fortified medieval city wall will take you back in time. On the High Street treasure from 17th to 19th century.. ·Later, the Rose garden dedicated to the Jewish community banished in 1290. ·Next, Deadman's walk across Christchurch's Meadows to Merton College. ·Near the University Church we'll see a site that was a huge inspiration to CS Lewis, ·Next, Oxford's 1st science library and the elite All Souls College. ·After seeing the Bodleian Quad, we'll finish at the Weston Library via the 15th century Divinity school, showcased in a Harry Potter scene.
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Transport details
Type: Walking
Transportation is not required for this walking tour. If your accommodation is in the city centre I will collect you with no extra charge.
What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Meeting location
Oxford, England, United Kingdom
,ByGuide: Outside Weston Library, Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 2PH 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.
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Art And Culture
Tour reference number
1119766
Languages
English
FrenchActivity level
Light
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Oxford best suited for?
This private tour in Oxford is perfect for travellers interested in exploring the city's rich religious and cultural history, particularly those fascinated by medieval craftsmanship, stained glass, and architectural treasures. It's also ideal for those who want to connect with a local guide like Sophie D. for deeper insights into Oxford's historical and artistic heritage.
What should I bring or wear?
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
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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.