Private tour in Oxford Sophie D
4.8
(4) 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!
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.
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.
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.
Transportation is not required for this walking tour. If your accommodation is in the city centre I will collect you with no extra charge.
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.
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AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
3 hours
1
3 hours
1
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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