Private tour in Oxford Sophie D
4.5
(2) reviews
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Sophie D.
4.9
Guide rating
46
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Tours delivered
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.
Discover astonishing stories and appreciate the beautiful and iconic sites of Oxford. On a carefully planned walk you will discover traditions, individuals and movements which have made this city a guardian of scholarship, history and art. The story encompasses Anglo-Saxon origins to the university, what Colleges are. Iconic sites include the Divinity School, and the Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Square and the University Church. Carefully devised by expert accredited guide, this tour of Oxford's past and present never fail to surprise, fascinate and delight. The tour includes a visit inside one of Oxford's oldest colleges and film and television locations on request and can be adapted to prioritise specific interests . If a convenient start time for your tour does not show please message me.
We begin at the Martyrs' Memorial, a landmark commemorating Protestant martyrs. Nearby the Anglo-Saxon Tower, Oxford’s oldest building, once served as a prison. Learn more about the origins and religious roots of Oxford. On Turl Street we find Exeter, Jesus, and Lincoln Colleges, each distinct. At St. Mary's University Church we learn about the Oxford Movement and pause near the spot that allegedly inspired C.S. Lewis' Narnia. Radcliffe Square is Oxford’s first science library and All Souls College. In the Old Schools Quad we discover the Bodleian Library and the grand fifteenth-century Divinity School, known from Harry Potter. If wished, I can organise a visit inside. Inside one of Oxford’s oldest colleges we find its tranquil gardens, chapel, and magnificent dining hall—rounding off an immersive journey through the city’s history.
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 is not required for this walking tour.
Oxford, England, United Kingdom
In front of Clarendon Building, Broad Street, OX1 3AZ 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. Please message for parking information.
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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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