The Original Uncomfortable Oxford™ Tour | La Vacanza Travel

The Original Uncomfortable Oxford™ Tour

Duration: 90 to 100 minutes
Destination: United Kingdom, England, Oxford
from
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  • 90 to 100 minutes
  • Oxford
  • E-Voucher
  • Lowest Price
  • Not-Cancellable

Overview

Uncomfortable Oxford takes a unique approach to the walking tour format - both fun and thoughtful, we encourage analysis and discussion about uncomfortable subjects within the city.

This walking tour engages with the politics of memory in the city and university. It covers histories of empire, inequality, and race, class, and gender discrimination, highlighting how these legacies have an enduring impact on our modern lives.

Discover Oxford's beautiful landmarks, colleges, and statues while going beyond the traditional view of the dreaming spires.

This tour lasts for about 1.5hrs.

We will walk no more than two miles, but please be aware that cobble stones and uneven pavement may restrict the accessibility of this event.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Carfax Tower, Corner of Carfax and Cornmarket, Oxford OX1 England

Begin the tour with an overview of the historic divide between the town of Oxford and the university.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: University Church of St. Mary the Virgin, The High Street University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 4BJ England

Discuss the controversies surrounding the statue of Cecil Rhodes

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: All Souls College, High Street, Oxford OX1 4AL England

Learn about the connections between All Soul's College and money from slave plantations.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Weston Library, Bodleian Library Broad Street Bodleian Library, Oxford OX1 3BG England

Hear the story of Christian Cole, Oxford's first black scholar.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Sheldonian Theatre, Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3AZ England

Learn about the struggle for women to join as full members of the University.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Balliol College, Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BJ England

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.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Faculty of History, University of Oxford, 41-47 George St, Oxford OX1 2BE, UK

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.

Duration: 10 minutes

Pass By: Westgate Oxford, Castle Street Oxford's City Centre, Oxford OX1 1TR England

Finish at the Tirah Memorial across from the Westgate Centre to reflect on memories of empire and memorialisation.

Inclusions
  • Uncomfortable Oxford™ Trained Guide

Exclusions
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Stroller accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Near public transportation
    • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
    • Most travelers can participate
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    Departure Point

    Carfax Tower, Queen St, Oxford OX1 1ET, UK

    Voucher info

    You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

    Duration

    90 to 100 minutes


    User's Reviews

    linak824

    30 Jan, 2024

    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.

    U3427OWameliaw

    30 Jan, 2024

    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.

    Andrea C

    13 Jan, 2024

    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.

    Lianne15

    29 Oct, 2023

    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.

    gavishg

    08 Oct, 2023

    Interesting way to experience Oxford. Got a sense of the historical past of the university and certain not-so-obvious aspects.

    User's Picture Gallery

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    Highly recommended to everyone

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    First time

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    Interesting and enjoyably challenging.

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    The best tour to do whether you are in Oxford for just one day or live there long term!

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    A clearer view of Oxford

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