History walked differently
Looking for a fun and engaging way to get to know Oxford?
Discover the stories beneath the spires with a university historian. We take you on a unique journey through the historic city centre, offering an engaging and rich walking tour on the complex history that helped shape the beauty and grandeur of the Oxford landscape.
Our tours provide newcomers with a good introduction to the city while going beyond the traditional narratives, highlighting histories of race, gender, class, disability, and the lasting legacies of empire.​ All our guides are university researchers who are passionate about the city, its people, and its diverse history.
CITY TOURS
The Original Uncomfortable Oxfordâ„¢ Tour
History of Medicine Tour
Follow the Money Tour
Hidden Histories Tour
Mediaeval Oxford Tour
Haunted Oxford Tour
MUSEUM TOURS
Uncomfortable Ashmolean Tour
Unnatural Histories Tour
Upcoming Tours
Select a date and book your tour
Top Reviews
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.“
Definitely a must-do tour! ★★★★★
“Loved every minute – guide 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”
Highly recommended! ★★★★★
“I would highly recommend this tour! Led by students, it captures the uncomfortable side of Oxford’s long history, from murders, slave ownership and imperialism. It is an important aspect of understanding how one of the greatest universities in the world came to be, the sacrifices made by innocent people all over to make Oxford what it is. Shoutout to Julie, our lovely guide!”
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. 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.”
A sorely needed tour, vital to the countercurrent of more simple histories. ★★★★★
“Cannot recommend this highly enough! … An absolute must and a unique social initiative, that stands head and shoulders above the cookie-cutter public tours of Oxford’s tourist-friendly, safe and warm narrative.”
Excellent tours ★★★★★
“I did the hidden histories, colonial, and original tours. All were exceptional. I learned a lot, loved how interactive it was, and found my guides really friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend these tours!!”
Don’t miss!
★★★★★
“Start your experience of Oxford with one of these tours – no visit to the city is complete without it!“
A different angle on a historic city
★★★★★
“It’s a really interesting alternative look at the history (and future) of Oxford. Based in the historic centre a well-informed enthusiastic guide leads a discussion on the controversial questions of the historic legacy“
Such a fun and informative tour!
★★★★★
“Chloe was really knowledgeable but also left loads of time and space for respectful discussion around the topics that were covered. I will definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Oxford. A really unique and thought provoking experience.“
Engaging and provocative ★★★★★
“Wonderfully crafted approach to showing and explaining the “other” side of Oxford’s role in UK’s modern history. Engaging format where guides ask opinions and ideas of participants. Thoughtful, provocative and engaging. One of the best tours I have ever taken.”
