What do four prime ministers, eight princesses, two Nobel prize winners and a circus owner have in common? Answer: they are all women associated with Oxford.

From Dorothy Hodgkin, the Nobel prize winnert who first synthesised penicillin - to Sarah Cooper, the resourceful grocer’s wife who used up a glut of oranges to invent Oxford marmalade - Oxford abounds with the stories of remarkable women. Strolling through Oxford you’ll discover their stories and hidden corners.

Sites include the door used by Henrietta Maria for secret assignations with her husband King Charles I, the modest origins of Jane Burden, pre-raphaelite muse and original stunner, local girls (scandalously) immortalised as allegories of languages and a riddle spelt in Gargoyles that boasts the first female head of an Oxford college.

Discover how women gradually integrated into university life, breaking barriers. The first females to cross the threshold in exclusively male colleges was in 1974. Since then, they have risen to hold significant positions within the university's leadership, marking a turning point in academic and institutional history of the university.

Come and enjoy a gentle stroll through one of England’s most beautiful and historical cities and celebrate the legacy of its women.

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Walk along cobbled streets, and admire a college on every corner. Your guide will take you to carefully selected vantage points, perfect for appreciating spiritual traditions and their landmarks in Oxford.

Each stop will deepen your understanding not only of just the city's worship and ritual, but also of the university's architectural splendor, step by step building a picture of the university and the city.

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Why choose an Oxford History Tour#

• We pair you with a guide whose expertise aligns with your interests and who is accredited by the Institute of Tourist Guiding. Their insight and experience guarantees an engaging and memorable experience..
• We carefully select guides who are passionate about history and ensure a great tour experience. Their passion, enthusiasm and unique perspective ensures opportunities for an exchange of ideas.
• Discover Oxford's history through stories of patrons, artists, politicians, saints, scholars, rebels and martyrs.
• If you wish to adjust the route or make a special request we are happy to personalise the tour to suit your interests.
• Members of the Oxford Guild of Guides can arrange privileged access to colleges not normally accessible to the public.
• This tour includes iconic and monumental landmarks. Your guide will also reveal hidden gems that bring Oxford's significant influence on science and medicine to life.

Meeting Point: Meeting points are in the city centre and the tour can start from a point of your choosing.

Hidden Gems: Whether your interests include literature, religion, academia, or science, your guide will share unique insights and lesser-known facts that most tourists miss. These hidden gems will give you a fresh perspective on Oxford’s fascinating history, offering a richer experience that goes beyond the typical visit to Oxford. Informative and Entertaining: At every stop, prepare for surprising stories and entertaining facts that only a knowledgeable local guide can provide. With their expertise and insights, you’ll uncover fascinating details and anecdotes that bring Oxford's rich history to life, ensuring a memorable and engaging experience. Orientation: With so many quality options available in Oxford across various realms, it can be challenging to make quick decisions. Your guide will provide suggestions and assist you in discovering the right experiences to suit your interests and preferences in this historic city.

Duration The 2 hour tour puts Oxford's theological legacies into the context of over 1000 years. Longer tours are available on enquiry allowing for a break and a leisurely meander to the East of the city to include another swathe of stunning sites.

Important information#

• Kindly ensure you arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
• Should you anticipate any delays, please contact the guide at the provided telephone number at your earliest convenience.
• Photography is allowed unless otherwise requested.
• Suitable walking footwear recommended. There are cobbled areas on the route.
• Only private tours can be tailored to include a college and meeting points of your choice
• Oxford History Tours must be informed of special access requirements when your reservation is made.
• Individuals under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s Included Private accredited guide Reservation and payment of first two entries into a college Carbon neutral

What’s not Included Entry for up to two visitors is free; additional participants will incur a charge. Cancellation You will receive a full refund when canceling within 24 hours of making the booking. You will receive a 50% refund of the amount you paid when canceling more than 24 hours after making the booking and more than 7 days before the start of the booking.

What to bring Please bring sun or rain protection as appropriate for the weather.

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FAQ#

Are the tours suitable for all ages and fitness levels? Yes, the tours are designed to accommodate a wide range of ages and fitness levels, with regular breaks and flat walking paths. What happens if the weather is bad? Tours generally proceed in all weather conditions, so we recommend bringing appropriate clothing. In extreme weather, we may reschedule or offer a refund. Please bring sun or rain protection as appropriate for the weather