Private tour in Oxford Sophie D
5.0
(4) reviews
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Sophie D.
4.9
Guide rating
46
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5 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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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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