Private tour in Oxford Sophie D
5.0
(1) review
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Sophie D.
5.0
Guide rating
44
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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.
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.
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 is included.
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.
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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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