Christchurch - A royal college

Christchurch 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. The Cathedral stands on the same Anglo Saxon site of the minster founded by Oxford’s patron saint, St Frideswide. Each college has a visitor, often a Bishop, Christchurch’s is the Monarch.

Christchurch still receives more applications than any other. It has produced 13 prime ministers, the philosopher John Locke and the author of Alice in Wonderland Lewis Carroll.

The college chapel is also the city cathedral and included on Christchurch visits. The United Kingdom’s smallest Medieval cathedral it is an outstanding example of that special Oxford quality of combining great works in an intimate setting. A special place to discover a thousand years of history.

“Sophie was an outstanding guide for inside Christchurch college. She was most knowledgeable about the founding history of the college and having access to some of the interior sections was very interesting. Went to an Evensong service at the Christchurch Cathedral and afterward Sophie explained the stained glass windows. I would highly recommend her”.

B. Hornbach, NYC, USA
"Fascinating tour by a wonderful guide!"

Michael, 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
"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
"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"

K & A Krupsky, Chicago, USA