How to plan your uncomfortable guided tour of the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford

If you are planning a trip to Oxford, a visit to the Ashmolean Museum is a must. But have you considered taking an uncomfortable guided tour of the museum? This tour will challenge your perspectives and provide you with new insights into the items on display. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to plan your uncomfortable guided tour of the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford:

Step 1: Book the tour

To start planning your tour, book your ticket online at the official website of the tour provider: Book the tour here.

Step 2: Plan your visit

The Ashmolean Museum is located at Beaumont St, Oxford OX1 2PH, United Kingdom. The museum is open seven days a week from 10 AM to 5 PM. It is best to arrive early to avoid crowds and have enough time to explore the museum before the tour.

Step 3: Prepare for the tour

Before the tour, make sure to read the suggested reading list provided by the tour provider to familiarize yourself with the history and context of the museum. Also, dress comfortably as the tour involves a fair amount of walking.

Step 4: Meet your guide

Upon arrival, check-in with the tour provider’s representative at the museum entrance. Your expert guide will be wearing an Uncomfortable Oxford branded Sticker and will meet you at the designated spot in the museum. Make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time of the tour.

Step 5: Experience the tour

The tour will challenge you to delve deeper into the contentious histories inherent in museum spaces. You will be asked difficult questions and gain new insights as you view the items on display. Your guide will lead you through the museum and discuss its colonial origins, repatriation requests and ways of display, and objects labelling practices used by museums.

Step 6: After the tour

After the tour, take the time to reflect on what you have learned and explore the museum further. You can also revisit and revisit the suggested reading list to delve deeper into the issues you have learned about.

Book Your Tour Now

An uncomfortable guided tour of the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford is an excellent way to challenge your perspectives and immerse yourself in the contentious histories inherent in museum spaces. By following these simple steps, you can plan your tour with ease, gain new insights into the items on display, and leave with a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding museum practice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oxford

Oxford is a city in the south of England that is famed for its history, prestigious university, and beautiful architecture. It’s no wonder that so many tourists flock here every year. If you’re planning a trip to Oxford but have some questions, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.

What is the best way to get to Oxford?

There are several ways to get to Oxford, depending on your departure point. If you’re flying, Heathrow and Gatwick airports are the most convenient. From there, you can take the Oxford Bus Company’s Airline service or the RailAir service to Oxford, which run regularly throughout the day. If you’re coming from London, you can take a direct train from Paddington Station to Oxford, which takes roughly an hour. Alternatively, you can drive – it’s about a two-hour journey from central London.

What is the best time of year to visit Oxford?

Oxford is a great city to visit year-round, but the best time to go really depends on your preferences. If you don’t like crowds, try to avoid the summer months (June to August) when the city can get quite busy with tourists. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are lovely times to visit, with mild weather and fewer crowds. If you’re interested in catching any of Oxford’s events or festivals, be sure to check the city’s calendar. The Oxford Literary Festival takes place in March or April, while the Oxford Christmas Market is held in December.

What should I see and do in Oxford?

There are so many things to see and do in Oxford, it’s hard to know where to start! Here are a few must-see attractions: – The University of Oxford: Founded in the 12th century, the University of Oxford is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. Take a guided tour of its stunning buildings and learn about its rich history. – Oxford Castle and Prison: This Norman castle-turned-prison is open to visitors and offers tours with costumed guides. It’s a fascinating glimpse into Oxford’s past. – The Ashmolean Museum: This world-renowned museum houses an incredible collection of art, archaeology, and anthropology. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace, which offers stunning views of the city. – The Botanic Garden: Founded in 1621, the Oxford Botanic Garden is the oldest in the UK. It’s a beautiful place to take a stroll on a sunny day.

Where should I stay in Oxford?

There are plenty of options for accommodation in Oxford, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Here are a few choices: – The Randolph Hotel: This iconic hotel in the heart of Oxford offers luxury rooms and suites, as well as a spa and restaurant. – YHA Oxford: This budget-friendly hostel is located just a few minutes’ walk from the city centre. It offers private rooms as well as dorms. – The Old Bank Hotel: This boutique hotel is housed in a converted Georgian bank and offers stylish rooms and suites.

What are some good restaurants in Oxford?

Oxford has a great food scene, with plenty of options for all tastes and budgets. Here are a few recommendations: – The Rickety Press: This gastropub in Jericho serves up delicious burgers, pizzas, and craft beer. – Cherwell Boathouse: This riverside restaurant is a bit of a splurge, but offers an unbeatable setting and fantastic seafood. – The Fishes: This stylish pub in Headington is known for its fresh seafood and excellent Sunday roast.

What is Oxford’s nightlife like?

Oxford has a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, pubs, and clubs to choose from. Here are a few popular spots: – The Turf Tavern: This historic pub near the Bodleian Library is a favourite with locals and tourists alike. – The Jericho Tavern: This music venue and pub has hosted some big names over the years, including Radiohead and Supergrass. – The Bridge: This nightclub in the city centre plays a mix of chart hits and old-school classics.

What is the weather like in Oxford?

Oxford has a temperate maritime climate, which means mild to cool temperatures year-round. Average temperatures range from 4°C in January to 21°C in August. It can rain quite a bit in Oxford, so be sure to pack a raincoat or umbrella, especially if you’re visiting in the autumn or winter.

What is the currency in Oxford?

The currency in Oxford is the British pound (£). You’ll find plenty of ATMs and banks in the city centre where you can withdraw cash or exchange currency.

Is it safe to visit Oxford?

Oxford is generally a safe city to visit, with low levels of crime. As with any city, it’s important to take precautions, such as not leaving valuables unattended and staying aware of your surroundings at night.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Oxford

Oxford, known as the “City of Dreaming Spires,” is a beautiful city located in central southern England. It is home to the world-renowned university, which was established in the 12th century. Oxford not only offers its visitors stunning architecture and beautiful gardens but also boasts museums, art galleries, shopping centers, theaters, and amazing restaurants. Here is a detailed guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Oxford.

1. Visit the Oxford University Colleges

Oxford University is divided into 38 colleges, each with their own unique history and architecture. There are two types of colleges, academic and private, and the majority of the colleges are located in the city center. You can book a guided tour of the colleges or explore them yourself. Most colleges are open to visitors, but some have limited access at certain times of the year. The must-visit colleges include Christ Church College, New College, and Magdalen College.

2. Explore the Ashmolean Museum

The Ashmolean Museum is the world’s first public university museum, established in the 17th century. It holds priceless collections of fine arts, archaeology, and ancient history, including unique relics from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The museum has a vast collection of artifacts, from internationally renowned paintings to everyday objects.

3. Walk around the Oxford Botanic Garden

The Oxford Botanic Garden, established in 1621, is situated in the heart of Oxford. It is one of the oldest scientific gardens in the world and is home to over 6,000 different species of plants. The garden is a beautiful and peaceful space for visitors to explore and learn about the plant world.

4. Visit the Bodleian Library

The Bodleian Library is one of the oldest libraries in Europe, established in 1602. It houses over 12 million books, manuscripts, and other archives, and is used by students and scholars from all over the world. You can take a guided tour of the library or explore it yourself. The highlight of the library is the Duke Humfrey’s Library, which was used as a location for many of the Harry Potter films.

5. Go Punting on the River Thames

Punting is a popular activity in Oxford, especially during the summer months. It involves using a long pole to push a flat-bottomed boat along the river. You can hire a punt and explore the stretch of the Thames that runs through Oxford. This is an excellent way to see the city’s stunning architecture and beautiful gardens from a different perspective.

6. Visit the Oxford Castle and Prison

The Oxford Castle and Prison is a Norman castle built-in 1071. It became a prison in the 18th century and remained in operation until 1996. It has now been transformed into a visitor attraction where you can learn about the castle’s history and view the original prison cells. You can take a guided tour of the castle and climb the Saxon tower for panoramic views of the city.

7. Visit the Covered Market

The Covered Market is a historic indoor market located in the city center. It was established in 1774, and today it is home to a variety of local traders selling antiques, books, clothes, food, and much more. The market is open every day except Sundays and is a great place to experience the local culture and sample some of Oxford’s culinary delights.

8. Take a Harry Potter Tour

Oxford was used as one of the key locations for the filming of the Harry Potter films. You can take a guided tour of the locations used in the films, including Christ Church College and the Bodleian Library. This is an excellent opportunity to see some of the iconic settings from the films and learn about their history and significance.

9. Visit the Museum of Natural History

The Museum of Natural History is a world-class museum located in the University of Oxford. It holds an incredible collection of specimens, including dinosaurs, fossils, and skeletons. The museum also has exhibits on the environment, space, and genetics. This is an excellent place to visit for those interested in science and natural history.

10. Enjoy Oxford’s Fabulous Food Scene

Oxford has a fantastic food scene, with restaurants, cafes, and bars serving up a range of cuisines. From traditional pub grub to fine dining, there is something for everyone. Some of the must-visit restaurants include The Rusty Bicycle, Gee’s Restaurant, and The Trout Inn.

Book Your Tour Now

Oxford is a city full of history, culture, and beauty. There is so much to see and do, from visiting the colleges and museums to punting on the Thames and enjoying the local food scene. Whatever your interests, you are sure to find something to do in Oxford. Use this guide to help plan your trip, and make sure to take your time exploring all that this amazing city has to offer.