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Private tour in Oxford Sophie D
Rail and ride Full day - Including a medieval college, city centre and transport
5.0
(1) review
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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
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.
Rail and Ride: A Comprehensive All-Day Tour with Minimal Walking and Extensive University Highlights
Overview of your Oxford tour
his full-day tour is ideal for those who enjoy moderate walking and want to explore Oxford in depth. We begin at Oxford Railway Station and take the open-top bus into the city, passing Oxford Castle and the site of its earliest Christian communities. The morning includes a guided visit to Christ Church, a 16th-century college known for its architecture, stained glass, literary links, and film locations. If preferred, another college can be substituted. After lunch, we explore Oxford’s rich history on foot, with highlights including the Bridge of Sighs, Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Square, Sheldonian Theatre, and a visit inside the Divinity School. We end the day with a scenic open-top bus ride beyond the city centre, returning to the railway station.
Your Oxford tour itinerary
Start at Oxford Railway Station and take the open-top bus to Christ Church. Explore the Great Hall, Tom Quad, and Cathedral, learning how this 16th-century college evolved from an 8th-century priory and became Oxford’s cathedral. Visit St Mary’s University Church to uncover stories of the English Civil War, the Gothic Revival, and the Oxford Movement. In the afternoon, visit Oriel, Corpus Christi, and Merton Colleges. See the Radcliffe Camera, Oxford’s pioneering science library, and nearby All Souls College. Admire the Sheldonian Theatre, learn where modern science began, and visit the Bodleian Library, including the stunning 15th-century Divinity School, featured in Harry Potter. End with the second part of the open-top bus tour, taking in sights beyond the city centre, including the first women’s colleges and Rhodes House, before returning 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 but can be adapted 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 specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
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Languages
English
FrenchActivity level
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6 hours
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Tour date
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6 hours
1
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Book with a deposit
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.