Private tour in Oxford Sophie D

3 hours Magdalen, CS Lewis and the Botanic Gardens - JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis with Magdalen College

5.0

(5) reviews

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Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
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 3 hours
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

49

Reviews

Tours delivered

8 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

Begin with an insightful introduction to Oxford, its university, and its iconic landmarks, including Radcliffe Square and the historic Old School Quad of the Bodleian Library. Explore several college buildings while gaining insight into student life today, alongside a focus on literary greats C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. At Magdalen College, admire its stunning chapel and stained glass, and remarkable architecture. The visit includes the medieval cloister, chapel, refectory, deer park and Addison's Walk. Visit the site of the medieval Jewish cemetery, the Penicillin Memorial Garden, and the University's Botanic Garden. An inspiration for Oxford’s literary figures and a beautiful river landmark in its own right.. This tour can be adapted for additional interests..

Recent Reviews

Sam F.United States
July 2026

Taking Sophie’s walking tour was my favorite part of our Oxford stay! We have young children (one is still in a stroller and the other has trouble sustaining attention) and I was afraid they would be a problem. But Sophie interacted with them in a gracious and light hearted manner, all while managing to espouse the rich history of Oxford as we walked through it. It was a magical experience and I left overflowing with knowledge about and inspiration from this amazing city. Thank you Sophie.

Shawn S.United States
October 2025

We had an older group so pacing was adjusted. Fantastic tour full of warmth and knowledge.

Hendrik C.Germany
September 2025

Sophie did a great tour with us. Having studied in Oxford herself and living there for a long time, she really knows the place and show the visitor around, knows which Colleges are open to the public (and whch not), can siómetimes also make things possible in visitor request, and during the tour provides a complete overview of the city, the university, JRR Tolkien and Christopher Wren, Harry Potter and Charles I, the traditional colleges and also the new Science faculties. We saw everything we wanted and much more. We had a great afternoon with Sohie, and she gave us also lots of helpful recommendations for the tome thereafter.

Jianguo W.China
August 2025

Thank you for bringing Oxford’s stories to life—especially at Christ Church, where the stained glass windows became more than just colors and light through your eyes. You turned each pane into a portal to history, and my daughter hasn’t stopped sketching their patterns in her notebook since we left.

Kathlyn B.
July 2025

Sophie was great and Knowledgeable! She took us everywhere we wanted and gave us so much knowledge about the area and its authors!

Your Oxford tour itinerary

Martyrs' Memorial – Honouring Martyrs of the Reformation. St John's College – A 16th century college. St Giles – avenue lined with historic landmarks. The Bird and Babe & The Lamb and Flag –where the Inklings met. Oratory – linked to JRR Tolkien Keble College & Natural History Museum - Science in Oxford Bridge of Sighs – An iconic Oxford site. New College & Founder’s Tower – Medieval roots and historic cloisters. Queen’s Lane – The Examinations school Magdalen College – Cloister, Chapel, Hall, Quads, Deer Park, Addison’s Walk. Merton College – Tolkien’s last academic home. St Mary’s University Church Radcliffe Square – with Radcliffe Camera. All Souls College – Elite architecturally striking college. Bodleian Library & Schools’ Quad – A hub of library history. Oxford University Press – Where Tolkien contributed to the OED. Sheldonian Theatre – Oxford’s ceremonial hall. Divinity School – A masterpiece of medieval architecture and filming location.

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 included in the price of this tour

What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Meeting location

Oxford, England, United Kingdom

At Martyrs Memorial or hotel pick-up Please be in touch if you are planning to drive and park in the city.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Art And Culture
Off The Beaten Path
Architecture
History
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Tour reference number
1194885
Languages
English
French
Activity level
Minimal

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, history buffs, and those interested in the works of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. It's also ideal for travellers who want to explore the beautiful architecture and gardens of Oxford, and those looking to connect with a local guide for deeper insights.

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?

What happens if a site is closed, crowded, or the weather changes?

What languages is this tour offered in?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
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 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
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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