Sheepdog Experience & Oxford University Tour

Step into the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside for an exclusive and tailor made sheepdog experience with one of the region’s finest shepherds and handlers, set on a working English farm in the picturesque village of Hailey, just outside Oxford.

On arrival, you will be welcomed onto a traditional smallholding, where you will gain a fascinating insight into the life and skills of a shepherd. Watch as highly trained sheepdogs respond seamlessly to voice and whistle commands, and learn about their development from young dogs through to fully trained working dogs. You will see them in action as they expertly gather the sheep, before having the opportunity to step into the shepherd’s boots and try it for yourself. Getting up close and personal with the sheep and dogs.

This hands on and interactive sheepdog experience is as engaging as it is enjoyable. You will be encouraged to ask questions, meet and pet the dogs, and receive personal guidance as you learn the skill of working sheepdogs under expert tuition. Lasting approximately one to one and a half hours, it is a unique and rewarding activity suitable for all ages, leaving you with new skills and lasting memories in the beautiful English countryside.

Following the experience, we usually head for lunch at a traditional country pub or a local farm shop. From here, the day can continue with a relaxed tour through the surrounding countryside, taking in charming locations such as Bampton or Swinbrook, known for Downton Abbey, Jeremy Clarkson’s Farmer’s Dog, or the historic market town of Burford.

In the afternoon, your private tour continues into Oxford, where you will explore one of the world’s most historic and prestigious university cities. Wander through iconic college grounds, discover hidden lanes, and take in the timeless beauty that has inspired scholars, writers, and leaders for centuries. Your guide will tailor the experience to your interests, whether focusing on the university’s rich academic heritage, its architecture, famous filming locations, or its most celebrated landmarks.

Blending an authentic countryside experience with the intellectual and cultural charm of Oxford, this carefully curated day offers a perfect balance of hands on activity and refined exploration, creating one of the most unique and memorable day tours from Oxford.