Uncomfortable Oxford Tour: Delving into Histories of Empire, Inequality and Discrimination
4.8
66 Ratings
Oxfordshire
Join Uncomfortable Oxford on a thought-provoking walking tour of Oxford, exploring the histories of empire, inequality, and discrimination. Engage in analysis and discussion about uncomfortable subjects within the city. Discover the enduring impact of these legacies on our modern lives.
Duration: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Carfax Tower - Begin the tour with an overview of the historic divide between the town of Oxford and the university.
  • University Church of St. Mary the Virgin - Discuss the controversies surrounding the statue of Cecil Rhodes
  • All Souls College - Learn about the connections between All Soul’s College and money from slave plantations.
  • Weston Library - Hear the story of Christian Cole, Oxford’s first black scholar.
  • Sheldonian Theatre - Learn about the struggle for women to join as full members of the University.
  • Balliol College - Take a look at historic Balliol College, one of the colleges with extensive direct ties to the former British Empire and a tradition of educating Prime Ministers - including Boris Johnson.
  • Faculty of History, University of Oxford - Sit in the gardens of the Faculty of History in the shadow of the old city wall and learn about Merze Tate, Oxford’s first Black female scholar.
  • Westgate Oxford - Finish at the Tirah Memorial across from the Westgate Centre to reflect on memories of empire and memorialisation.
What's Included
  • Uncomfortable Oxford™ trained guide
Additional Information

Uncomfortable Oxford offers a distinctive use of the walking tour model - it’s both enjoyable and thought-provoking, fostering discussions around uneasy topics within the town.

This ambulatory exploration delves into the political aspects of recollection within the city and its university. It brings to light the histories of imperialism, disparity, and facets of discrimination based on race, class, and gender, underlining the persistent effect of these histories on our present existence.

Explore Oxford’s charming landmarks, institutes, and statues whilst moving past the conventional perception of these idyllic towers.

The expedition duration is approximately 1.5 hours.

The total walking distance would not exceed two miles, yet please be mindful of cobblestones and irregular pavements that may limit this event’s accessibility.

Location
Carfax Tower
Queen Street
Meet us at the bottom of the tower - look for the guide with the 'Uncomfortable Oxford' tote bag!
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(66 Ratings)
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Linak824
Jan 30, 2024
Highly recommended to everyone - The tour was great and everyone really enjoyed it (and learned a lot!). Scott was a brilliant guide and we truly appreciate his charisma and passion for history! We did a private tour as an international group and the booking experience was very smooth - the team responded quickly to all questions.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U3427owameliaw
Jan 30, 2024
Absolutely brilliant, I learnt a lot and had lots of thoughts during and after the tour - it stayed with me for a while! - The tour was run by Charlotte and she was really knowledgeable about the uncomfortable sides of Oxford. I had previously done a 'standard' walking tour and it was interesting to see the same places being talked about in completely different ways. I especially like the discussion focus of the tour - you're given information and then encouraged to think about your reaction to that, or how it makes you feel. The discussions in the group really added to the experience. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who knows Oxford, or doesn't, as it gives you a different perspective on the city and the University.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andrea
Jan 13, 2024
Changes the way you see a city (and possibly every city you'll ever visit) - Knowledge is power and there's lots of it on this tour! Our guide, Devika, was informative, entertaining, authoritative, and galvanizing. She walked us through Oxford sharing the "uncomfortable" histories behind places we'd seen plenty of times but never really turned a critical eye to. Genuinely changes the way you see a city (and possibly every city you'll ever visit). It was a great experience! We've already recommended it to Oxford-bound friends and will continue to recommend it in the future.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lianne15
Oct 29, 2023
Brilliant - This was a really interesting experience! Our tour guide Scott was amazing and we felt we learnt a lot! Really recommend this for anyone visiting Oxford.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gavishg
Oct 8, 2023
Worth experiencing - Interesting way to experience Oxford. Got a sense of the historical past of the university and certain not-so-obvious aspects.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Polly255344
Sep 8, 2023
An informative and thought-provoking afternoon - I can highly recommend this tour for seeing a different aspect of Oxford. We had a small group of 6 which was ideal for being able to chat easily. Milan our guide was very generous with his time and gave us a good 2 hours plus of his knowledge and experience. We all learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed hearing some stories about Oxford which are not necessarily covered by other tours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Local1122023
Sep 2, 2023
Thought provoking interactive tour highly recommend - Everyone who 'thinks' they know Oxford should do this tour. Local resident, University/College staff, University student or just moved to Oxford. Thank you Milan! We need more spaces like this to have conversations. Your 'average' tour doesn't cover reality like this.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Helen_s
Aug 15, 2023
Definitely a must-do tour! - Loved every minute - guide (Jonathan) was really interesting; interested in our thoughts and opinions, and hugely knowledgeable! Could have walked round for 9 hours rather than 90 minutes! Learned heaps! Thanks
Review provided by Viator
Kathryntx705zt
Sep 12, 2023
An interesting tour - This was a very interesting tour and our guide was very knowledgeable. He answered most of the questions asked of him with great depth. He was very clearly spoken and kept the party interested and involved with various opportunities for debate.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cruiser43049109241
Mar 30, 2024
One to avoid! - The name says it all - uncomfortable. We have traveled quite a bit and never have we experienced something like this. This is not a tour to provide history or information, this is a social justice commentary and an attempt at indoctrination. While their differentiation is to provide the "uncomfortable history" of Oxford by pointing out potential abuse of power in history, our guide continued to pressed and ask the group where such abuses continues today. We spent most of our time at each stop commenting on todays issues with privilege and the underprivileged, rights to an abortion, right to contraception, socioeconomic access to healthcare or lack their of, etc. Rather than speaking about the beautiful buildings, what they were and are used for, how did it come to be that there are multiple colleges, why the architecture includes courtyards, style of buildings through time, AND include the "uncomfortable history" that happened all over the world and is part of history and our development as as people; the tour was simply a social commentary rather than anything historical. If you want to be indoctrinated as to why government and power are bad now then take this tour. If you want a historical education on Oxford avoid this tour at all costs.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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