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History of Medicine Tour - by Uncomfortable Oxford™

8 Reviews 4.50 out of 5 stars Based on 8 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Oxford, England

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On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.

1 hour 45 minutes (approx.)
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Overview

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.

What's Included

  • Uncomfortable Oxford™ souvenir postcard
  • Certified Uncomfortable Oxford™ Guide
  • Tips
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

New College Lane
Oxford OX1 3BL, UK

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Radcliffe Observatory Quarter
Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK

Tour ends at the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter.

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.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

New College

The first stop is outside medieval New College, for a discussion of plague and historical epidemics.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Bodleian Library

Enter the heart of the old libraries to learn about anatomical dissections and the early study of medicine in the University.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Clarendon Building

The current office of the Vice Chancellor provides an interesting setting to learning about the history of prostitution and public health.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

King's Arms, Oxford

Did you know that pubs served as the original place for inoculation in the city?
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Oxford University Museum Of Natural History

Outside the Museum of Natural Hisotry you will learn about how science and medicine transformed in the 18th century through imperialism.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

War Memorial Garden

At the St. Giles' Memorial Garden, participants will reflect on the major developments in medical practice that stemmed from First and Second World Wars.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

St Luke's Chapel

The tour finishes outside the former city hospital for a discussion on the early trials of penicillin in the city, and the founding of the NHS.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the History of Medicine Tour – by Uncomfortable Oxford™?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).This tour 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. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-158482P5

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.50
8 reviews

Average 4.50 out of 5 stars based on 8 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

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1 star
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On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Uncomfortable Oxford™ souvenir postcard
  • Certified Uncomfortable Oxford™ Guide
  • Tips

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

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Free Cancellation

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100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).
  • This tour 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.

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