Oxford: Original Uncomfortable Oxford Walking Tour

Step into the vibrant city of Oxford and embark on a thought-provoking adventure with the ‘Oxford: Original Uncomfortable Oxford Walking Tour.’

Led by an expert researcher, this captivating journey through time uncovers the lesser-known narratives of the University of Oxford’s rise to power. Explore historic tensions between the town and the gown, exploring the enduring legacies of empire, inequality, and discrimination.

This 1.5-hour tour takes you to iconic city sights, shedding light on uncomfortable truths while deepening understanding. With wheelchair accessibility and trained Uncomfortable Oxford™ Tour guides, participants can expect a comprehensive exploration of Oxford’s uncomfortable past.

Join this enlightening experience, where the uncomfortable becomes the catalyst for insight.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Walking Tours In Oxford.

Good To Know

• The tour covers histories of empire, inequality, and race, class, and gender discrimination.
• The tour explores how these legacies have an enduring impact on our modern lives.
• The itinerary includes iconic city sights such as Carfax Tower, Rhodes Statue, All Souls College, Weston Library, and Sheldonian Theatre.
• The tour provides a trained Uncomfortable Oxford™ Tour guide, a free Uncomfortable Oxford™ Souvenir Sticker, and a reading list compiled by University experts to learn more.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Experience Highlights

The tour offers a chance to engage with an expert researcher and explore Oxford’s urban landscape, going beyond the traditional narrative and uncovering the uncomfortable subjects of the town’s history.

Participants will have the opportunity to discover how the University of Oxford gained power, both locally and globally, and learn about the historic tensions between the town and the gown.

This immersive experience aims to shed light on the impact of history and uncover hidden narratives that have shaped Oxford’s past.

The itinerary includes visits to iconic city sights such as Carfax Tower, Rhodes Statue, All Souls College, Weston Library, and Sheldonian Theatre.

Full Description

Unveiling the complexities of Oxford’s history, the full description of the Original Uncomfortable Oxford Walking Tour delves into the uncomfortable subjects of empire, inequality, and discrimination, shedding light on their enduring impact on our modern lives.

This tour highlights the historical significance of these topics and the legacy of discrimination that still lingers today. The itinerary takes visitors to significant landmarks such as Carfax Tower, Rhodes Statue, All Souls College, Weston Library, and Sheldonian Theatre, providing a deeper understanding of the city’s past.

Plus, you will explore Balliol College, Faculty of History, and Bonn Square, gaining insight into the various aspects of Oxford’s complex history.

The tour is led by trained Uncomfortable Oxford™ Tour guides, ensuring an informative and engaging experience. Participants can expect to receive a free Uncomfortable Oxford™ Souvenir Sticker and access to a reading list compiled by University experts for further exploration.

Itinerary Details

The tour encompasses a carefully curated itinerary that takes participants to several iconic landmarks in Oxford, providing a unique perspective on the city’s history and exploring uncomfortable subjects. Here is a breakdown of the itinerary:

Landmark	Description
Carfax Tower	A historic tower offering panoramic views of the city and an opportunity to learn about Oxford’s past.
Rhodes Statue	An exploration of the controversial legacy of Cecil Rhodes and his connection to the University of Oxford.
All Souls College	Discover the history and traditions of this prestigious college, while delving into the darker aspects of academia.
Weston Library	Explore the collections and explore the uncomfortable history preserved within this renowned library.
Sheldonian Theatre	Uncover the stories behind the architecture of this iconic venue and its role in Oxford’s history.
Balliol College	Learn about the experiences and contributions of students who have challenged the status quo at this college.
Faculty of History	Engage with the rich history of the university and its impact on society through the Faculty of History.
Bonn Square	Reflect on the uncomfortable subjects explored during the tour and discuss the implications for the present.

The itinerary may vary slightly depending on the time and tour guide, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience for participants. By visiting these landmarks, you will gain a deeper understanding of Oxford’s history and the uncomfortable subjects it encompasses.

Accessibility and Inclusions

The tour is wheelchair accessible, with mild pavement unevenness and crowding in the city center. Despite these challenges, the tour give you an inclusive experience for all participants. Here are some key points to note:

• Wheelchair accessibility: The tour has made efforts to ensure that individuals with mobility challenges can fully participate. Although there may be some uneven pavement and crowding in the city center, the tour is designed to accommodate wheelchair users.

• Distance walked: The tour covers a distance of less than 2km, making it manageable for participants of various fitness levels.

• Trained guide: The tour is led by a trained Uncomfortable Oxford™ Tour guide who’s knowledgeable about the subject matter and can provide valuable insights.

• Free souvenir: Participants receive a free Uncomfortable Oxford™ Souvenir Sticker as a memento of their experience.

• Reading recommendations: To delve deeper into the topics covered during the tour, participants are provided with a reading list compiled by University experts.

With these considerations in mind, the Uncomfortable Oxford Walking Tour strives to create an inclusive and informative experience for all participants, regardless of their mobility or background.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Select Participants and Date

Participants can choose their preferred date and select the number of people for the Original Uncomfortable Oxford Walking Tour. This tour offers flexibility in terms of ticket availability, allowing participants to reserve now and pay later.

The duration of the tour is 1.5 hours, providing a concise yet informative experience. The timing of the tour is designed to fit into most schedules, making it convenient for visitors to explore the uncomfortable histories of Oxford.

It’s important to note that the tour covers a range of uncomfortable subjects such as empire, inequality, and discrimination. The itinerary includes iconic city sights such as Carfax Tower, Rhodes Statue, All Souls College, Weston Library, and Sheldonian Theatre, among others.

The tour guide, identifiable by their bright blue vest and Uncomfortable Oxford branded tote bag, will meet participants at the base of Carfax Tower on Queen Street.

With positive reviews from previous participants, this tour promises to be an engaging and enlightening experience.

Meeting Point and Guide Details

Participants can find the meeting point for the Original Uncomfortable Oxford Walking Tour at the base of Carfax Tower on Queen Street. This iconic location serves as the starting point for an enlightening journey through the uncomfortable histories of Oxford.

To ensure a smooth experience, here are some important guide details to keep in mind:

• Look for the guide wearing a bright blue vest and carrying a Uncomfortable Oxford branded tote bag.
• The guide is a trained Uncomfortable Oxford™ Tour expert who specializes in uncomfortable subjects.
• They’ll provide engaging narratives and insights into the historic tensions between the town and the gown, as well as the lasting legacies of empire, inequality, and discrimination.
• The tour will visit notable landmarks such as Rhodes Statue, All Souls College, Weston Library, and Sheldonian Theatre.
• Please note that the itinerary may vary slightly depending on the time and the specific tour guide.

Reviews and Testimonials

Several enthusiastic participants have left glowing reviews and testimonials for the Original Uncomfortable Oxford Walking Tour. They commend the tour for its impactful narratives and ability to challenge perspectives.

Many participants have expressed that the tour opened their eyes to the uncomfortable histories of empire, inequality, and discrimination that have shaped Oxford and continue to have an enduring impact on our modern lives. They appreciate the expertise of the tour guides, who are specialized researchers in uncomfortable subjects.

Participants have praised the tour for going beyond the traditional narrative and exploring the tensions between the town and the gown, as well as the global power of the University of Oxford.

Common Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for Children?

Yes, this tour is suitable for children. It offers interactive activities that engage young minds while exploring uncomfortable subjects. They will learn about Oxford’s history and its impact on our modern lives.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

There are no age restrictions for participants on the Original Uncomfortable Oxford Walking Tour. The tour is suitable for children, as it covers important historical topics in an engaging and informative manner.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Yes, photography is allowed during the tour. Participants are encouraged to capture the best photos of the historic sites and landmarks they visit. Tips for capturing memorable shots can be provided by the tour guide.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Along the Tour Route?

Restroom facilities are available along the tour route of the Original Uncomfortable Oxford Walking Tour. The tour is also wheelchair accessible, with trained guides and less than 2km of walking distance.

Are Food and Drinks Included in the Tour?

Food and drinks are not included in the tour. However, the tour accommodations do include a trained guide, wheelchair accessibility, and a distance of less than 2km. Restroom facilities are not mentioned.

The Sum Up

Discover the untold stories of Oxford’s past on the ‘Oxford: Original Uncomfortable Oxford Walking Tour’.

Led by expert researchers, this thought-provoking experience delves into the uncomfortable aspects of history, shedding light on the University of Oxford’s rise to power and the enduring legacies of empire, inequality, and discrimination.

With its engaging and comprehensive exploration, this tour promises to unveil uncomfortable truths and deepen understanding.

Join this enlightening journey and uncover the hidden narratives of Oxford’s past.

You can check if your dates are available here: