Private tour in Oxford Sophie D

6 hours - Introduction to University historical and architectural highlights including a visit inside the Bodleian Library and a Medieval University College

5.0

(4) reviews

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Hours icon 6 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
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 6 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

46

Reviews

Tours delivered

5 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

On this leisurely full day exploration you'll learn about Oxford's Anglo Saxon origins, how the University came about and its relationship with the town and its colleges today. Through the architectural environment and impressive sites you'll discover the stories behind Oxford of the Reformation, English Civil War, Restoration, Georgian period and Gothic revival of 19th century Oxford. Architectural highlights include Radcliffe Square, Old Bodleian Schools, Divinity School, Sir Christopher Wren's Sheldonian Theatre and the University Church of St Mary the Virgin. This tour is fully customisable to fit your interests and schedule. Specific colleges, sites, and film locations can be included in the tailored experience. The day can an include visits inside an Oxford University medieval college the Bodleian Library and other Oxford sites. Where entries are payable these are not included in the price but can be paid on the door at cost. If reservations are required it is included in the tour price.

Your Oxford tour itinerary

Radcliffe Square (Radcliffe Camera, All Souls, University Church exteriors) • Bodleian Old Schools Quadrangle (carvings, doorways, photo spots) • Bridge of Sighs stop • Sheldonian Theatre exterior • Medieval colleges• Broad Street & Martyrs’ Memorial Stories: Books, Lewis, Carroll Inklings, Architecture and art, science, religion, Civil war, screen Oxford. Options Divinity School interior (Harry Potter) • A college interior (guided choice) • University Church tower views • Botanic Garden • Museum of Natural History & Pitt Rivers • the Oxford Movement, 17th century Oxford, • Christ Church meadows/hall • Eagle & Child pub • Reservations Subject to your choices timings and reservations handled by me. Every day tour can have a bespoke time: route, themes, and pace shaped to you interests.

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 not required for this walking tour.

What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Tickets: Sites
Meeting location

Oxford, England, United Kingdom

Martyrs Memorial on Magdalen Street, collection from rail or Hotel. 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 different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
Other details
Tour categories
Architecture
History
City Highlights
Tour reference number
1353061
Languages
English
French
Activity level
Minimal
5.0

Traveller reviews for this private tour in Oxford

4 reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who is this private tour in Oxford best suited for?

This private tour in Oxford is perfect for travellers interested in history, architecture, and the rich academic heritage of the city. It's ideal for those who want to explore the historical and architectural highlights of the University, including visits to the Bodleian Library and a medieval college. The tour is also suitable for anyone looking to connect with a local guide like Sophie D. for deeper insights into Oxford's past and present.

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 languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
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 6 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
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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