
History of Medicine Tour - by Uncomfortable Oxford™
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 12 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is History of Medicine Tour - by Uncomfortable Oxford™ worth booking?
History of Medicine Tour - by Uncomfortable Oxford™ is a 1.8-hour experience in Oxford, United Kingdom, from $95 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 12 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (12)
- Duration
- 1.8 hours
- From
- $95 per person
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 you get
About this experience
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
Included
- Certified Uncomfortable Oxford™ Guide
- Uncomfortable Oxford™ souvenir postcard
Not included
- Tips
What you'll see and do
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.
10 minutes here
New College
The first stop is outside medieval New College, for a discussion of plague and historical epidemics.
10 minutes here
Bodleian Library
Enter the heart of the old libraries to learn about anatomical dissections and the early study of medicine in the University.
15 minutes here
Clarendon Building
The current office of the Vice Chancellor provides an interesting setting to learning about the history of prostitution and public health.
10 minutes here
Did you know that pubs served as the original place for inoculation in the city?
15 minutes here
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.
15 minutes here
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.
15 minutes here
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.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Oxford
Meet under the 'Bridge of Sighs' (Hertford Bridge) on New College Lane. The guide will be carrying a blue & white Uncomfortable Oxford tote bag.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Tour ends at the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Uncomfortable Oxford
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 12 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
12 verified traveler reviews for History of Medicine Tour - by Uncomfortable Oxford™. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fantastic guide
Jonathan was a fantastic guide. As well as being very knowledgeable, he posed interesting questions to our group which encouraged interaction and debate. We really enjoyed our walk and will definitely book another soon!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your lovely review Jackie - we will be sure to pass along your kind feedback to Jonathan & can't wait for you to join us again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Funny and smart
The best Oxford tour I've ever been on. Smart, funny and insightful. Highly recommended.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this review! Delighted you enjoyed it so much. Please join us again very soon!
via Tripadvisor
Enjoyable thought provoking tour
Really enjoyable and thought provoking tour. It's great to get a sense of a place and its history that highlights the less repeated, shiny perspectives. I really appreciated the clear delivery as my hearing is not the best. Devika, our tour guide, was personable and funny.
Response from the operator: Thank you for this lovely review! We're so glad you found the tour interesting as well as accessible; it's meaningful to us that all participants are able to get everything they can out of it. We will be sure to pass your kind words onto Devika & please join us again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Great experience.
Really knowledgeable pleasant guide. Learnt things and was given opportunity to discuss the subject..
Response from the operator: Thanks Ron for your kind review! Join us again soon.
via Viator
So much information
This 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.
Response from the operator: Dear Amy - thank you so much for this fantastic review. We will share your feedback with Devika and we hope to see you on another tour soon!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $95 to $130
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Uncomfortable Oxford, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.6.
See everything Uncomfortable Oxford runsWhy this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
History of Medicine Tour - by Uncomfortable Oxford™: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Oxford.
How much does History of Medicine Tour - by Uncomfortable Oxford™ cost?
+
Prices start at $95 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Oxford usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does History of Medicine Tour - by Uncomfortable Oxford™ take?
+
Plan for about 1.8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Oxford is not rushed.
Is History of Medicine Tour - by Uncomfortable Oxford™ worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 12 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Oxford, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule History of Medicine Tour - by Uncomfortable Oxford™?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is History of Medicine Tour - by Uncomfortable Oxford™ suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book History of Medicine Tour - by Uncomfortable Oxford™?
+
Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Oxford can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Oxford and add a light layer if any part of the 1.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does History of Medicine Tour - by Uncomfortable Oxford™ start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Oxford within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Oxford?
+
On Outty we rank every Oxford experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cotswolds in a Day Tour from Moreton-in-Marsh / Stratford-on-Avon, Oxford University Walking Tour With University Alumni Guide, Oxford Official University & City Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Oxford?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Oxford?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in History of Medicine Tour - by Uncomfortable Oxford™?
+
Included: Certified Uncomfortable Oxford™ Guide; and Uncomfortable Oxford™ souvenir postcard. Not included: Tips. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for History of Medicine Tour - by Uncomfortable Oxford™?
+
Meet under the 'Bridge of Sighs' (Hertford Bridge) on New College Lane. The guide will be carrying a blue & white Uncomfortable Oxford tote bag. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is History of Medicine Tour - by Uncomfortable Oxford™ offered in?
+
It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for History of Medicine Tour - by Uncomfortable Oxford™?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is History of Medicine Tour - by Uncomfortable Oxford™ wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and Wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to History of Medicine Tour - by Uncomfortable Oxford™ if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Oxford. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about History of Medicine Tour - by Uncomfortable Oxford™?
+
Across 12 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for History of Medicine Tour - by Uncomfortable Oxford™.
Pick your date




