History of Medicine Tour - by Uncomfortable Oxford™
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 45 minutes
Mobile ticket
Join a tour that dissects the long history of medical research and practice in Oxford!
The history of medicine is always a bit uncomfortable. This tour walks you through medical history in the city from medieval plagues, to the founding of the medical school, and the first trials of penicillin.
Far from a straightforward linear progression, Oxford’s medical history is a complicated conversation about health equity, medical ethics, and continued clashes over the control of the body.
All our tours are led by university researchers who have completed our official Uncomfortable Oxford training programme. Our guides combine expert knowledge and performance, ensuring each tour is a fun and educational experience.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Bridge of Sighs
The tour begins under the fmaous Bridge of Sighs, providing an overview of medieval geography and how it impacted disease in the city.
New College
The first stop is outside medieval New College, for a discussion of plague and historical epidemics.
Options
Private Tour (up to 15 people)
Private Tour (up to 15 people)
Public Tour
What‘s Included
Certified Uncomfortable Oxford™ Guide
Uncomfortable Oxford™ souvenir postcard
Tips
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
8 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience.
Ron T,Aug 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Really knowledgeable pleasant guide. Learnt things and was given opportunity to discuss the subject..
So much information
Amy B,Aug 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a wonderful tour from beginning to end. Davica was excellent . She shared her knowledge , her sources, gave us thought -provoking questions to ponder and discuss and increased our knowledge in a broad way that included the history and social impacts behind the history. We are so glad we picked this tour. It had aomething for each of us, not just the medical one.
Cold but ever so informative!
robinI8102PI,Oct 17, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We arranged for a tour for mature Oxford students who are all working in health services in many parts of the world. Most were completely new to Oxford so this tour was a great introduction to some Oxford history and tied in well with their studies. I'm not a student and I can say it was every bit as interesting and informative for me as it was for the students. Very interactive as well. I highly recommend!
A memorable walking tour
peterbF2034OC,Aug 27, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Louis was professional and well informed. He was happy to continue with the tour even though I was the only one who turned up. He had many fascinating anecdotes and the tour felt like a real dialogue. Would recommend. I suppose the only negative thing is that there are so many medically interesting sites in Oxford that it is inevitable that more will be omitted than can be included, and I would probably have chosen different ones. But that is mainly a matter of personal preference
Unusual and interesting tour
hollyt905,Jul 29, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00If you already have some knowledge of Oxford then I would recommend this tour. It goes past the surface, to discuss some more of the obscure and unknown facts about the area. Prompting discussions. Would recommend if you want to learn something different about the area.
A fabulous tour for those looking to understand Oxford more deeply
sophia-brehmX,Jul 22, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour goes beyond the traditional walking tour format by illuminating hidden aspects of Oxford's history. The guides are experienced, knowledgeable and dedicated to Uncomfortable Oxford's goal of raising awareness through discussion based tours. Not only is this tour an excellent way to explore both the classic and more hidden sites in Oxford but it also leaves you looking at Oxford, and the wider world, differently and more inquisitively. A fabulous tour for those looking to understand Oxford more deeply and in particular the rich medical history of the city.
Reading a guidebook aloud would feel better
Srapcia,Jun 8, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00It has ended half an hour before time and felt like a speedy race. The student spoke really fast supporting herself with some notes. It felt like unrehearsed performance.
A fuller story of Oxford
johntheLADodgersfan,Oct 26, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a great tour with insights into Oxford based writers who you will know and some you may not. Malak is a great guide and was very informative and supportive of a good group discussion at each of our stops. This tour is an excellent and recommend if you want to understand a fuller story of Oxford beyond traditional sightseeing. It’s a very enjoyable experience.
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