Private tour in Oxford Sophie D
5.0
(5) 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.
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.
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 is not required for this walking tour.
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.
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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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