Private tour in Oxford Sophie D

3 hours Architectural and Literary and religious History of Oxford, with C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien,

4.8

(4) reviews

-
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

Oxford’s intimate scale offers rare proximity to cultural gems preserved across centuries, showcasing an exceptional range of eras and techniques in situ and religious changes across the centuries. Twice swept by iconoclasm, Oxford became a refuge for devotional art. Scholars, with riddles, bribes, and providential warnings, protected treasures from zealots and soldiers. We’ll explore the religious origins of the colleges and the movements that shaped them, from medieval monastic foundations to the 19th-century Oxford Movement. This tour offers opportunities to visit iconic Oxford sites and is available for groups of up to 21. . We’ll step into the Oxford of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, whose friendships and imaginations remain deeply rooted in the city’s colleges and pubs. Explore the enduring connections between faith, art, and scholarship.

Recent Reviews

Bradley B.United States
June 2026

Entertaining. Informative, particularly if one has a special interest in late 19th and early 20th century English literature. Excellent history of the colleges of Oxford. Good history of England and its evolution since 1066. Three hours well spent.

Martin W.
September 2024

A 5 Star tour with Sophie of Oxford's historical sites with a focus on Tolkien and the Inklings. We covered lots of ground with Sophie who has a great grasp of the history and the stories of this wonderful city. Sophie gave us lots of tips of other areas to explore that set us up well for the next two days.

Ben T.United States
June 2024

Wonderful tour of Oxford. The history and architecture were nicely blended into the tour. The stories of the different colleges and buildings was excellent. Not to mention the aspects pertaining to Harry Potter and Alice in Wonder Land. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the entire tour. Highly recommend!!

Janine L.United States
September 2023

Sophie was friendly, engaging, and very knowledgeable. She described the history and significance of each location, and welcomed questions. Our Q & A discussions were very interesting.

Your Oxford tour itinerary

Discover Oxford’s iconic landmarks and hidden nooks on a private walking tour tailored to your group (up to 21 guests). Explore medieval colleges, Gothic libraries, and the Oxford of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, alongside lesser-known treasures of faith, art, and scholarship. Meeting and drop-off points are adaptable.

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

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
Meeting location

Oxford, England, United Kingdom

Airport: ,Cruise: ,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
Art And Culture
History
City Highlights
Tour reference number
1161294
Languages
English
French
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible

Traveller reviews

4.8

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Oxford best suited for?

This private tour in Oxford is perfect for travellers interested in architecture, literature, and religious history. It's ideal for those who want to explore the connections between faith, art, and scholarship, and for fans of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. The tour is also suitable for travellers with mobility needs.

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?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

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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