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Private tour in Oxford Sophie D
Rail and Ride - Historic highlights, Christ Church with minimum walking and open bus tour of the city
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6 hours
1
Tour date
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6 hours
1
Sophie D.
4.9
Guide rating
51
Reviews
Tours delivered
30 hrs
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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.
Scenic no rush history and architecture including Christ Church and scenic bus exploration.
Overview of your Oxford tour
Discover Oxford the easy way. A full-day tour blending comfort, culture, and charm. Ideal for those who want to see as much as possible of the city without rushing. The day includes Christ Church, Oxford’s most famous college, renowned for its magnificent architecture, stained glass, literary heritage, and Harry Potter film scenes. After lunch, we stroll through Oxford’s historic heart, taking in highlights which tell the tale of Oxford's history of over 1000 years and the university life, architecture and arts of today.. We end the day by hopping back on the open-top bus for a scenic ride beyond the city centre, returning effortlessly to the railway station.
Your Oxford tour itinerary
Start at Oxford Railway Station and enjoy a relaxing ride on the open-top bus into the city. A perfect introduction with stunning views and local insight. Your morning begins at Christ Church, Oxford’s most celebrated college. Explore the Great Hall, Tom Quad, and Cathedral, once an 8th-century priory, and discover how its chapel became the city’s cathedral. A place of beauty, history, and cinematic fame. Continue on foot through the University’s historic heart, passing Merton, Exeter, and Lincoln Colleges, and the elegant St. Mary’s University Church, rich with stories from the English Civil War to the Gothic Revival. In the afternoon, visit Oriel, Corpus Christi, and All Souls Colleges, admire the Radcliffe Camera, Sheldonian Theatre, and tour the Bodleian Library and Divinity School (a Harry Potter favorite). End with a scenic bus ride beyond the city centre before returning conveniently to the railway station.
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Transport details
Type: Public Transportation / Category: Bus
Transport is included.
What's included
What's not included
Meeting location
Oxford, England, United Kingdom
This tour meets at Oxford Rail Station By Guide: After ticket barrier in forecourt of Oxford Rail station.
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
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Languages
English
FrenchActivity level
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6 hours
1
Tour date
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6 hours
1
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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 20% deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- The remaining balance will automatically be charged to your credit card 30 days before your tour date.