Private tour in Oxford Sophie D
5.0
(6) reviews
3 hours
1
3 hours
1
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.
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..
While a couple of us were very knowledgeable of CS Lewis, Sophie was able to connect the dots between the other authors we were interested in and timelines, history, and connections. We learned a lot about the authors, Cambridge University and its colleges, and the history of the city of Oxford. We would highly recommend.
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.
We had an older group so pacing was adjusted. Fantastic tour full of warmth and knowledge.
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.
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.
Sophie was great and Knowledgeable! She took us everywhere we wanted and gave us so much knowledge about the area and its authors!
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.
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Transport is included in the price of this tour
Oxford, England, United Kingdom
At Martyrs Memorial or hotel pick-up Please be in touch for advice if you are planning to drive and park in the city.
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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 20% deposit!
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