Private tour in Oxford Sophie D

2.5 -Hour Tour – An Architectural and Historical Journey Through Oxford, with a Touch of Fantasy Featuring J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis

5.0

(5) reviews

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Hours icon 2 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 2 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Sophie D.

4.9

Guide rating

46

Reviews

Tours delivered

6 hrs

Avg. response time

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.

Overview of your Oxford tour

In 2.5 hours I'll introduce you to the astonishing history and beauty of Oxford. Through the iconic and lesser known sites we'll discover traditions, outstanding individuals, and legacies that have been born and formed in this hallowed city of dreaming spires. We'll also explore the life and times of JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis. Their times, inspiration, creative journey and friendships, as well as the sites which tell their tale in Oxford. You'll learn about Anglo Saxon Oxford, libraries, patronage, art and architecture. alongside the lives of kings and Queens, saints and legendary scholars . Unexpected meanders which never fail to astonish and surprise.

Your Oxford tour itinerary

Martyrs Memorial St John's College, St Giles The Bird and Babe and Lamb and flag. Tolkein's church Keble College and 19th century Oxford Bridge of Sighs New College Founder's Tower Queen's Lane The 'Palace of Examinations' Visit inside Magdalen College, Cloister, Chapel, Hall, Quads, Deer park, Addison's walk Memorial garden Botanic Gardens. Merton Lane, Merton College - Tolkien's last College and home. St Mary's University church, the University's first building - home of the Oxford Movement CS Lewis' inspiration for Narnia. Radcliff Square Oxford's first science library All Souls College and its striking Hawksmoor buildings. Arguably Oxford's most elite colleges. The Bodleian's school's Quad's Jacobean Architecture tells many tales of Oxford's past. Oxford University Press and Tolkien's role in the Oxford English Dictionary. The Sheldonian Theatre Fifteenth century Divinity school and the library above were locations for Harry Potter

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Transport details
Type: Walking

Transport is not required for this walking tour.

What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Meeting location

Oxford, England, United Kingdom

On forecourt of Ashmolean Museum, 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
Architecture
History
City Highlights
Tour reference number
1169387
Languages
English
French
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible
Kid Friendly
5.0

Traveller reviews for this private tour in Oxford

5 reviews

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Oxford best suited for?

This private tour in Oxford is perfect for those who are fascinated by history, architecture, and literature. It's especially appealing to fans of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, as it explores their lives and inspirations in Oxford. The tour is also suitable for families, including kids, and is wheelchair accessible, making it a great choice for seniors or travellers with mobility concerns.

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

-
Hours icon 2 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 2 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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