Discover Sophie’s Walking Tours

Sophie Duncan

More About Sophie

Sophie studied History and Art History at Oxford Brookes in the 1980’s. While living in France Sophie co-founded Cathar Country Tours returning to Oxford in 2019.

  • Education: BA Hons History and Art History

  • Languages: English, French

  • Career: Tourism in France, property development

  • Published Work: Beyond Paris, An Insider’s Guide to Rural France

  • Favourite Sites: Bodleian Library, Merton College, New College

  • Favourite Pub: King’s Head

  • Favourite Cream Tea: The Folly

  • Favourite Restaurant: Number 1 and The Old Parsonage

Tours

  • An introduction to Oxford’s evolution from a place of prayer to a hub of discovery and invention. Follow the hroad that led to the emergence of Oxford’s scientific achievements on the University curriculum and across the world. See how Oxford became the scientific powerhouse it is today.

    Roger Bacon worked in Oxford in the 13th century. Oxford men including Sir Christopher Wren, Robert Boyle and Edmund Halley revolutionised scientific research in the 17th century with a small Oxford society called ‘invisible’ with thea motto ‘Believe no man’. The 18th century brought the legacy of Dr John Radcliffe. A resistance to science by the University was only overcome in the 19th century.

    This tour includes an introduction to historical and architectural highlights.

  • Oxford’s intimate scale allows a rare proximity to this art. Religious origins, wealth , and the University's independence make it hard to think of anywhere else to see such a variety of periods and techniques in situ and within easy reach.

    When unrest swept through England, architectural elements were sheltered from marauders and zealots in Oxford. Imagine scholars befuddling and persuading Henry VIII’s Edward VI’s and later Cromwell’s men with theological riddles, providential threats and the odd bribe, and admire the stained and leaded glass rescued from destruction.

  • Oxford’s intimate scale allows a rare proximity to this art. Religious origins, wealth , and the University's Independence make it hard to think of anywhere else to see such a variety of periods and techniques en situ and within easy reach.

    When unrest swept through England, architectural elements were sheltered from marauders and zealots in Oxford. Imagine scholars befuddling and persuading Henry VIII’s Edward VI’s and later Cromwell’s men with theological riddles, providential threats and the odd bribe, and admire the stained and leaded glass rescued from destruction.

  • **Duration:** 1.5 hours

    Discover the astonishing history and beauty of Oxford on a walking tour which explores iconic landmarks and tells the story of over a 1000 years of tradition and innovation.

    You will see sites which tell the tale of Anglo Saxon beginnings, the ever changing University, patrons, town and gown and the lives of the scholars, scoundrels and literary giants who made Oxford their home.

    Stops include the Divinity School, Bodleian Library’s Old Schools Quad.,, Sir Christopher Wren’s Sheldonian Theatre, CS Lewis’ inspiration. the University Church and much more.

    The highlights tour will leave you with a lasting memory of Oxford’s history, its role in the art, architecture, social upheavals and discoveries which have shaped the course of history.

    This tour includes a visit inside one of Oxford's oldest colleges to see where students studied, worshipped, slept and dined and still do today.

    Private Tour

    £160 (up to 4 participants)

    Extras:

    Additional participants over 2: @ £10

    Discussion in the pub (40 minutes): £60 (refreshment not included)

    Discussion over a Cream Tea (40 minutes): £90 (refreshment not included)

    Bodleian Library Tour (40 minutes): £80 (plus £10/person)

  • Christ Church is known for inspiring JK Rowling's choice of film set for the world of Hogwarts.

    However its pedigree stretches back to Anglo Saxon times when the Cathedral site was the same at the minster of Oxford’s Anglo Saxon Saint Frideswide. Christchurch is one of Oxford’s most outstanding colleges. It has produced 13 prime ministers, the philosopher John Locke and the liberal politician Robert Peel.

    The cathedral is the smallest medieval cathedral in Britain and a real gem. Stops include the Great Refectory, the Bodley Tower staircase, Sir Christopher Wren’s bell tower in the Great Tom Quad, the Cloister and Cathedral.

    Afterwards take a walk through the heart of the city and learn about the Architectural and historic highlights of the University, how it works today, and the movements and personalities that beautifully tell the tale of 1000 years of history.

    Group:£220 (up to 2 participants)

    Extra participants: @ 20 (up to 11 participants)

    Extras:

    Discussion in the pub (40 minutes): £60 (refreshment not included)

    Discussion over a Cream Tea (40 minutes): £90 (refreshment not included)

  • “ An extremely knowledgeable and likeable guide. Her enthusiasm for her subject was infectious. A new aspect of Oxford’s history was explained at each stop. She translated effortlessly into French for the benefit of French speaking members of our group. Outstanding value, strongly recommended”

    P Harris SC, Hong Kong

  • "Sophie offered us a tailor-made tour that perfectly met our expectations."

    Steve, Munich, Germany

  • "Wonderful tour about Oxford, very knowledgeable guide. We enjoyed every minute of it."

    Maria, USA

  • "Sophie is a congenial host with vast knowledge of the colleges and general Oxford area. Good communication and instruction for meet up. Would highly recommend her tour!"

    Andrew, New York, USA

  • "Sophie is so knowledgeable! Oxford is a city of history, and she knows it so well. Her recommendation for our dinner after the tour was perfect! She also took care of me beforehand in suggesting other things to do before her tour. She’s the best. A pro’s pro!"

    Kori, USA

  • "My history tour with Sophie was informative and entertaining. The horror was made funny and the ridiculous serious. I was surprised by how much I didn't know and went away with new insights into, not only the university's history and traditions, but the history of England generally. I also got some good ideas for the rest of my stay in Oxford. Thank you!"

    James, UK

  • "This tour was a lovely introduction to Oxford University. As a recent transplant from the US, it was a great way to get my bearings of the area, visit a college, and learn about some fascinating local history. Whether we were gazing at gargoyles or admiring beautiful stained glass, Sophie was a true delight – very knowledgeable, thoughtful, and well-articulated. I highly recommend this experience!"

    Megan, USA

  • "Fascinating, thoughtfully constructed tour of Oxford University encompassing a thousand years of history. I've lived in Oxford for thirty years, yet in this tour learned new and intriguing nuggets about the city, discovered hidden gems in ancient stone buildings that I've been strolling past all these years."

    Maria, Oxford, UK

  • "Sophie is a superb, experienced and enriching guide. We are a retired US professional couple. We've hired individual local guides throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia, and Sophie tops our list! She spent hours with us in advance, curating our day in Oxford, then filled our tour with history, architecture, art, education, culture…and fun. The day was perfectly paced and suited to our needs. It was a graduation day, so like the happy students, we too tossed our hats in celebration. Brava Sophie!"

    K & A Krupsky, Chicago, USA

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Victoria Bentata