Oxford: The Original Uncomfortable Oxford™ Tour

Oxford’s "Uncomfortable" tour offers a refreshing take on the city’s history. Led by university researchers, this 1.5-hour walking exploration doesn’t shy away from complex issues of empire, race, class, and gender. Visitors will uncover untold narratives at landmarks like the University Church and Bodleian Library. With a family-friendly approach and accessibility features, this tour provides an enriching experience for all ages. What hidden stories might this distinctive tour unveil?

Key Points

• The tour is priced at $25.89 per person and lasts 1.5 hours, led by expert University researchers.
• It covers key landmarks like the University Church, Oriel College, and Bodleian Library, focusing on themes of empire, race, class, and gender.
• The tour is family-friendly, wheelchair accessible, and participants receive a free souvenir sticker.
• Highlights include the Carfax Tower, University Church, Oriel College, and All Souls College, with no inside access to colleges.
• The tour is led by the Uncomfortable Oxford™ program, challenging conventional perspectives of history and providing a reading list compiled by University experts.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

The Oxford: The Original Uncomfortable Oxford™ Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich history and complex legacy. Priced from $25.89 per person, the 1.5-hour tour is led by expert University researchers.

Covering key landmarks like the University Church, Oriel College, and the Bodleian Library, the tour focuses on themes of empire, race, class, and gender. Family-friendly and wheelchair accessible, the tour provides engaging storytelling and a free souvenir sticker.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes and prepare for weather, as the tour covers 2 kilometers, including street crossings and cobblestones. The tour provides an insightful and thought-provoking experience.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting at the Carfax Tower, the Oxford: The Original Uncomfortable Oxford™ Tour takes visitors on a 1.5-hour journey through the city’s storied past.

The tour highlights the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, Oriel College, All Souls College, the Bodleian Library, the Sheldonian Theatre, Balliol College, the Faculty of History, and Bonn Square.

Though no inside access to colleges is provided, the expert guides focus on Oxford’s complex history, exploring themes of empire, race, class, and gender.

The engaging storytelling offers a unique perspective beyond traditional narratives, making this family-friendly tour suitable for ages 12 and up.

Tour Features and Educational Aspects

Expert University researchers who completed the Uncomfortable Oxford™ training program lead the tour, offering an engaging storytelling experience that goes beyond traditional narratives.

The focus is on Oxford’s complex history, including themes of empire, race, class, and gender. The tour is family-friendly and suitable for ages 12 and up.

Participants receive:

• A free Uncomfortable Oxford™ Souvenir Sticker

• A reading list compiled by University experts

• Accommodation for accessibility needs

• Engaging content that challenges conventional perspectives

What to Bring and Important Information

Although comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, the tour runs rain or shine, covering approximately 2 kilometers that include street crossings and cobblestones. Guides trained in accessibility ensure accommodations for all participants. Consider the following essential information:

| What to Bring | Duration | Terrain |

| — | — | — |

| Comfortable shoes | 1.5 hours | Street crossings |

| Weather-appropriate clothing | | Cobblestones |

| – | | Approximately 2 km |

Be prepared for the walking-focused tour, which traverses Oxford’s historic streets and landmarks. The expert guides will provide an engaging and informative experience, rain or shine.

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

The Oxford: The Original Uncomfortable Oxford™ Tour boasts an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 17 reviews.

While the tour’s value for money received a 3.6/5 rating, the feedback shows a mix of experiences. Some travelers faced issues with tour scheduling, but the tour operators offered sincere apologies and remedies to rectify the situation.

The tour’s key strengths include:

• Engaging storytelling that goes beyond traditional narratives

• Family-friendly, suitable for ages 12 and up

• Inclusion of a free Uncomfortable Oxford™ Souvenir Sticker and a reading list

• Trained guides to accommodate all participants

Exploring Oxford’s Complex History

Oxford’s complex history takes center stage on the Uncomfortable Oxford™ Tour.

Led by expert University researchers, the tour explores themes of empire, race, class, and gender that shaped Oxford’s past. Participants engage with the city’s lesser-known narratives, going beyond traditional accounts.

From the University Church to Balliol College, the tour weaves a tapestry of Oxford’s evolution, challenging visitors to think critically about the institution’s role in upholding systems of power and privilege.

The tour weaves a tapestry of Oxford’s evolution, challenging visitors to think critically about the institution’s role in power and privilege.

With its focus on inclusive storytelling, the tour offers a thought-provoking experience for those seeking to understand Oxford’s multifaceted history.

Engaging Storytelling and Perspective

Rather than relying on traditional narratives, the Uncomfortable Oxford™ Tour employs engaging storytelling that encourages visitors to think critically about the institution’s complex past.

The tour’s expert guides, trained in the Uncomfortable Oxford™ program, weave together themes of:

• Empire

• Race

• Class

• Gender

This approach goes beyond typical sightseeing, offering a nuanced understanding of Oxford’s history and its continued impact.

Family-Friendly and Accessible Experience

Catering to a diverse audience, the Uncomfortable Oxford™ Tour is family-friendly and accessible to all participants.

Suitable for ages 12 and up, the tour’s engaging storytelling and educational approach cater to both adults and younger travelers.

With trained guides in accessibility, the tour accommodates participants with diverse needs, ensuring an inclusive experience.

The 1.5-hour walking tour covers approximately 2 kilometers, including street crossings and cobblestones, so comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

Participants receive a free Uncomfortable Oxford™ Souvenir Sticker and a reading list compiled by University experts, enhancing the educational value of the tour.

The Sum Up

The Uncomfortable Oxford™ Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s complex history through the lens of empire, race, class, and gender. Led by expert researchers, the engaging 1.5-hour walking tour provides an enriching experience for ages 12 and up, with accessible routes and a free souvenir sticker. Participants can expect a thought-provoking journey that challenges traditional narratives and encourages deeper understanding of Oxford’s multifaceted past.

You can check availability for your dates here: