Join us for a free tour as part of Oxford Open Doors 2025!

Step back in time with us to explore the city’s fascinating origins as a medieval town. This walking tour offers a fresh perspective on Oxford history, revealing the complex realities of medieval life beyond the clichés of violence, superstition, and filth.

This tour asks you to consider, why being “medieval” is seen as an insult and why modern portrayals of the Middle Ages dwell on the “horrible histories”? Through this tour, we challenge popular misconceptions about life in the past and invite you to rethink what you know about Oxford History.

Led by university researchers trained through our official Uncomfortable Oxford programme, this engaging experience connects medieval Oxford to present-day issues, showing how echoes of the past still shape our world today. Expect thoughtful insights, surprising facts, and meaningful discussion.

Perfect for curious minds aged 12+, this is not your average history tour—this is Oxford history told differently.

ITINERARY:

1. Oxford Castle & Prison
2. Castle Mill Stream
3. Old Greyfriars Street
4. Brewer Street
5. Christ Church
6. Oriel College, Oriel Square
7. St. Michael at the North Gate

Tour itinerary may vary depending on time and guide.

NOTE: To ensure as many people can join as possible, we ask that attendees book a maximum of two tickets per booking for this festival tour. All youths must be accompanied by an adult.

ACCESSIBLITY:

• All tours are wheelchair accessible, but please note some mildly uneven pavement and crowding in the city centre, especially on weekends.
• Service animals are welcome on all tours.
• Caregivers and accessibility aids are welcome to attend tours for free, with no need to register.
• The total distance walked during each tour is less than one mile. Each tour includes moments for sitting/leaning against walls, and toilets are available at certain points along the routes.

Please inform your guide if any visual or hearing accommodations are needed and they will keep this in mind throughout the tour. All our guides receive accessibility training and are prepared to make accommodations as needed.