On a group visit, you and your group are free to explore the galleries and play with the interactives at your own pace. The maximum number of people on a group at one time is 25 people. If you have more than 25 people in your group, please allow 30 minutes in between bookings.



We require at least 3 days notice for group bookings.

Group visits

Concession tickets

Concessions

Adult price

Want a deeper dive into the history of Oxford and its people? Our expert guides will take you on their personalised highlights tour around the Museum, lasting 45 minutes-1 hour. Please check with the museum and give us at least 14 days notice when booking in order to arrange availability with our guides

Guided tours

Museum of Oxford

At the Museum of Oxford (MOX), we are dedicated to sharing the rich history of Oxford and its diverse communities. We offer a variety of engaging events and activities, including special exhibitions, talks, and guided tours, which allow visitors to explore the stories that shape our city. Our upcoming events, such as the "Lunchtime Talk: The Indian Army in the First World War" and "Inside the Oxford Town Hall" tours, provide opportunities for learning and connection. We also prioritize accessibility, ensuring that everyone can enjoy our offerings, and we actively collaborate with local schools, families, and older adults to create tailored programs that foster community engagement and learning.

Our commitment to community partnerships is at the heart of what we do. By co-curating exhibitions and programs with local residents, we ensure that the narratives we present reflect the voices of those who call Oxford home. Our initiatives not only celebrate our shared heritage but also empower individuals to connect with their history and each other. Through these efforts, we aim to create a welcoming space where everyone can discover and appreciate the unique stories of Oxford, ultimately enriching the cultural fabric of our community and inspiring future generations.

Annual Pass

Group bookings

Pre-book your day ticket entry to the Museum of Oxford galleries. Opens at 10am, last entry 4pm. Adult day ticket - £4 Concessionary day ticket - £2<ul><li>Young person aged 5-17</li><li>Students - part time and full time of any age</li><li>Blue Light card holder</li></ul> Free day ticket<ul><li>Under 5s</li><li>Carers with a Disabled visitor</li><li>Oxford City Council employee</li><li>Museums Association Member</li><li>National Art Pass</li></ul>Please note that you may be required to present identification e.g. student ID to prove eligibility for concessionary and free day tickets when you arrive at the Museum. Tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable You will be entitled to a Year Free Entry pass if one or more of the following apply to you. To register for your entry pass, please visit the museum in person and our friendly team will help to register you:<ul><li>Those who are registered Blind/Disabled</li><li>Foster Carers</li><li>Asylum Seekers, refugees and other people seeking sanctuary</li><li>Council Tax Reduction Scheme (please note this does not include Single Person Discount)</li><li>Severe Disablement Allowance</li><li>Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP)</li><li>Housing Benefit</li><li>Universal Credit – Housing Element</li><li>Pension Credit</li><li>Carer’s Allowance</li><li>Those living in homeless pathway accommodation</li><li>Those supported by Council commissioned services providing Homelessness support</li></ul> Visiting with a group of 10 or more? Head to our group visits page to book your visit: https://book.plinth.org.uk/org/bLAZeF9MleLwO2lubN3n/rooms

Adult

Young person aged 5-17

Student

Blue Light card holder

Under 5

Carer with a Disabled Visitor

Museums Association member

National Art Pass holder

Stories of Oxford guided tours are led by our dedicated volunteer team and will give you an introduction to the people and stories of Oxford. Our guides will take you on their personalised themed tour around the Museum, lasting 30-45 minutes, with time for questions at the end. From football to fairgrounds, marmalade to Morris Motors, patron saints to pubs, barges, bones, and all types of quirky customs — there’s something for everyone in the stories of Oxford and its people. Tickets cost £4 per person. Book online or at the Museum Shop. Booking in advance is recommended. Free entry to the Museum of Oxford galleries is included with event tickets. Event tickets are non-refundable if you choose to cancel your booking.&nbsp;A refund will only be issued if the event is cancelled or if there is a significant change to the advertised programme. When you arrive for the tour, please make yourself known to the team in the Museum Shop. We recommend arriving by 12.55pm to ensure a prompt start to the tour. <h2>Tour themes</h2>An introduction to Oxford's Past: What is it that's unique about Oxford? This tour identifies some of the features that have made the city special: from the Saxon period, the development of the university, and the English Civil Wars, to more recent features such as the growth of the car industry, the Covered Market and the important literary figures linked to the city, Artisan Oxford: Arts, Crafts and Creations: What connects James Bond’s favourite breakfast with the South Pole? How did a small Oxford boutique become the “Holy Grail” of fashion? Encompassing cutting-edge design, folk frivolities, and rare architecture, Oxford arts is unique. Explore our city’s rich creative heritage through a hand-picked selection of artisan objects. An Oxford Night Out: Since medieval times Oxford has been famous for its vibrant social and cultural scene, making it one of the best places for a night out in the UK. In this tour, we'll explore four aspects of a night out in Oxford through the ages: pubs, music venues, cinema and theatre, and St. Giles Fair, highlighting topics of celebrity, disorder, and hygiene. The Oxford Story: This tour will explore the stories of the city, and the city of stories. This includes Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Oxford’s cinemas, and Oxford as a film location and place of inspiration for stories. This Talented Town: A mixture of Oxford city specialities, this tour will highlight the achievements of some of the extraordinary people from this spectacular town. <h2>Tours - June-November 2026</h2>Tuesday 9 June - Artisan Oxford: Arts, Crafts and CreationsThursday 18 June - Artisan Oxford: Arts, Crafts and CreationsSaturday 27 June - This Talented TownTuesday 7 July - The Oxford StoryThursday 16 July - An Introduction to Oxford's PastSaturday 25 July - An Oxford Night OutTuesday 18 August - The Oxford StorySaturday 29 August - This Talented TownThursday 10 September - An Introduction to Oxford's PastTuesday 15 September - Artisan Oxford: Arts, Crafts and CreationsSaturday 26 September - An Oxford Night OutThursday 8 October - An Introduction to Oxford's PastTuesday 17 November - The Oxford StorySaturday 28 November - An Oxford Night Out <h2>Access and further information</h2>The Museum of Oxford is accessible for wheelchair users and baby carriers. There is step-free, level entry access to the Town Hall via the entrance closest to Carfax Tower (to the left of the main steps as you face the Town Hall). Further information about access at the Museum of Oxford can be found on the <a href="https://museumofoxford.org/visiting/access-at-the-museum/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: inherit;">Museum of Oxford website</a>. Please <a href="https://museumofoxford.org/get-in-touch/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: inherit;">contact the Museum team</a> if you'd like to talk to a member of staff about your access requirements before your visit.

Step right up and get creative together! Families are invited to be inspired by the sights, sounds, and long‑standing traditions of Oxford’s St Giles Fair by making your own colourful creations. Colour and craft a carousel horse based on of the most historic fairground rides. &nbsp;The session runs from 11.00-12.30 and 13.30-15.00. Drop in between these times but make sure you leave enough time to complete the activities. The activities will close for lunch between 12.30-13.30. This workshop is suitable for&nbsp;ages 5-11. Children must be supervised at all times. Tickets cost&nbsp;£2&nbsp;per child and can be purchased online via our website or at the Museum Shop. Each child ticket includes free entry for one accompanying adult. This event ticket includes access to the Galleries for one child and one adult. We recommend booking in advance to secure your place. Sales from tickets help support our work to deliver fun and accessible family activities, community engagement projects, schools’ workshops, exhibitions and special events for Oxford’s people in our Museum spaces.&nbsp;&nbsp;Further information&nbsp;Access&nbsp;There is step-free, level entry access to the Town Hall via the entrance closest to Carfax Tower (to the left of the main steps as you face the Town Hall). Inside the Museum, Museum Makers is accessible via a platform lift to the Galleries and then a lift to the basement.Accessible toilets are available in the Museum (close to Museum Makers) and in the Town Hall on the ground floor, before entering the Museum. Please&nbsp;<a href="https://museumofoxford.org/get-in-touch/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">contact the Museum team</a>&nbsp;if you’d like to talk to a member of staff about your access requirements. Further access information can be found on our page dedicated to&nbsp;<a href="https://museumofoxford.org/visiting/access-at-the-museum/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">access at the museum</a>.&nbsp;

We are looking forward to welcoming you to the Museum of Oxford for this family event. Head to the <a href="https://museumofoxford.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Museum website</a> to find out more information about the Museum and how to find us.

Thank you for booking your place on Inside the Oxford Town Hall. We're looking forward to welcoming you to the event! When you arrive for the tour, please make yourself known to the team in the Museum Shop. We recommend arriving at 10.55am to ensure a prompt start to the tour.

Join the Museum of Oxford as we take you on a tour around Oxford's magnificent Town Hall. You will see rooms not normally open to the public, including the Court Room and the Council Chamber. All other rooms in the Town Hall are subject to availability. Tickets cost £5. Book online or at the Museum Shop. Booking in advance is recommended. Free entry to the Museum of Oxford galleries is included with event tickets. Event tickets are non-refundable if you choose to cancel your booking.&nbsp;A refund will only be issued if the event is cancelled or if there is a significant change to the advertised programme. When you arrive for the tour, please make yourself known to the team in the Museum Shop. We recommend arriving at 10.55am to ensure a prompt start to the tour. Tours take place twice a month on Saturday mornings. Please note that the tour is aimed at an adult audience. <h2>Access and further information</h2>The Museum of Oxford is accessible for wheelchair users and baby carriers. There is step-free, level entry access to the Town Hall via the entrance closest to Carfax Tower (to the left of the main steps as you face the Town Hall). Inside Oxford Town Hall, there is a lift near the reception which provides access to the first floor. Further information about access at Oxford Town Hall can be found on the <a href="https://www.oxfordtownhall.co.uk/about/accessibility/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Oxford Town Hall website</a>. Please ask at the Town Hall reception if you are unsure or require assistance during your visit. Further information about access at the Museum of Oxford can be found on the <a href="https://museumofoxford.org/visiting/access-at-the-museum/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Museum of Oxford website</a>. Please <a href="https://museumofoxford.org/get-in-touch/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">contact the Museum team</a> if you'd like to talk to a member of staff about your access requirements before your visit.

Shakespeare came to Oxford when travelling between work (London) and his family (Stratford-upon-Avon) - what a commute! What was Oxford like during his lifetime? What did he get up to while he was in town? This is an opportunity to pause and look carefully at Oxford city centre, noticing Elizabethan and Jacobean details you might pass by every day. The tour includes a unique Tudor bedroom above Cornmarket Street, the famous Painted Room which will be opened specially by Oxford Preservation Trust, just for us! Want to know more about Elizabethan eating and drinking, entertainment and travel? Or the rollercoaster of religious change in Tudor and Stuart England? Led by historian Dr Elizabeth Sandis, this is a Shakespeare-themed journey through Oxford's famous streets. At the end there will be an optional 20-minute extension to the tour (included in the price), exploring Tudor and Stuart treasures in the Museum of Oxford's galleries. Join a Shakespeare and Oxford walking tour to see Oxford through the eyes of an expert and learn about a fascinating period in its history through the eyes of its most celebrated literary figure. <h2>Accessibility and further information:</h2> Meeting point: Museum of Oxford shop (located inside the Oxford Town Hall). Please arrive 5 minutes before the start of the walk and check in at the Museum Shop with our friendly front of house team. The walk lasts for approx. 90 minutes and is a circular walk around central Oxford. Length: approx. 1.2 miles / 1.9 km. Two toilet stops are available along the way. Please note the Tudor Painted Room is up a steep flight of stairs without a lift; it is sadly not accessible to wheelchairs. The rest of the tour can be adapted to offer a more wheelchair-friendly route, avoiding narrow doorways and cobbles (please let us know if you would prefer this option by emailing <a href="mailto:museum@oxford.gov.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">museum@oxford.gov.uk</a>). Please note that this walk is recommended for ages 16+. Tickets cost £15 and are available to purchase online (booking fee applies) or at the Museum shop. Your ticket also gives you access to the MOX galleries on the day of the walk, at any time during opening hours. Event tickets are non-refundable if you choose to cancel your booking.&nbsp;A refund will only be issued if the event is cancelled or if there is a significant change to the advertised programme.&nbsp;Meet Your Tour Guide: Elizabeth Sandis Dr Elizabeth Sandis works at the Ashmolean Museum and is the author of Early Modern Drama at the Universities: Institutions, Intertexts, Individuals (Oxford University Press, 2022). She researches the way in which the Classical culture of Greece and Rome impacted on English society and values during the early modern period. With a passion for local history and theatre, she enjoys translating and staging examples of the kind of plays students were producing in Oxford during the time of Shakespeare. Access at the Museum The Museum is accessible for wheelchair users, buggies and baby carriers. There is step-free, level entry access to the Town Hall via the entrance closest to Carfax (to the left of the main steps as you face the Town Hall). Inside the Museum, Museum Makers is accessible via a platform lift and lift to the basement level. Accessible toilets are available in the Museum (close to Museum Makers) and in the Town Hall on the ground floor, before entering the Museum. Please contact the Museum team if you'd like to talk to a member of staff about your access requirements. Further access information can be found on our website: <a href="https://museumofoxford.org/plan-your-visit/access" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://museumofoxford.org/plan-your-visit/access</a>

Museum of Oxford Walks: Shakespeare and Oxford

Don’t miss our summertime Fam Jam! Dance, activities, making and sensory play for you and your little ones in a fun disco party atmosphere. Come and join the party, show off your moves and make new friends, everyone’s welcome! Sessions are led by Roly Carline. There are two sessions. Each session is 60 minutes. 11.00-12.00 and 14.00-15.00. Please make sure to arrive on time. We allow a 10 minute grace period for late arrivals. After this point, we cannot guarantee admission to the activity. This workshop is focused on&nbsp;children aged 5 and under&nbsp;and their carers.&nbsp;But siblings are welcome too! This session will include disco lighting and loud music. Children’s ear defenders will be on hand&nbsp;. A separate quiet space will be available for all families attending the session. Please contact the museum if you have a specific questions about how we can make your visit more accessible. Tickets cost&nbsp;£3&nbsp;and can be purchased online or at the Museum Shop. Each child ticket includes free entry for one accompanying adult. This event ticket includes access to the Galleries for one child and one adult. Children must be supervised at all times by a parent or carer. Please ensure all children have their own ticket. We recommend booking in advance to secure your place. Event tickets are non-refundable if you choose to cancel your booking.&nbsp;A refund will only be issued if the event is cancelled or if there is a significant change to the advertised programme. Sales from tickets help support our work to deliver fun and accessible family activities, community engagement projects, schools workshops, exhibitions and special events for Oxford’s people in our Museum spaces. <h2>Further information</h2><h3>Access</h3>There is step-free, level entry access to the Town Hall via the entrance closest to Carfax Tower (to the left of the main steps as you face the Town Hall). Inside the Museum, Museum Makers is accessible via a platform lift to the Galleries and then a lift to the basement.Accessible toilets are available in the Museum (close to Museum Makers) and in the Town Hall on the ground floor, before entering the Museum. Please&nbsp;<a href="https://museumofoxford.org/get-in-touch/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">contact the Museum team</a>&nbsp;if you’d like to talk to a member of staff about your access requirements. Further access information can be found on our page dedicated to&nbsp;<a href="https://museumofoxford.org/visiting/access-at-the-museum/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">access at the museum</a>.<h3> </h3><h3> </h3>

Shakespeare came to Oxford when travelling between work (London) and his family (Stratford-upon-Avon) - what a commute! What was Oxford like during his lifetime? What did he get up to while he was in town? This is an opportunity to pause and look carefully at Oxford city centre, noticing Elizabethan and Jacobean details you might pass by every day. The tour includes a unique Tudor bedroom above Cornmarket Street, the famous Painted Room which will be opened specially by Oxford Preservation Trust, just for us! Want to know more about Elizabethan eating and drinking, entertainment and travel? Or the rollercoaster of religious change in Tudor and Stuart England? Led by historian Dr Elizabeth Sandis, this is a Shakespeare-themed journey through Oxford's famous streets. At the end there will be an optional 20-minute extension to the tour (included in the price), exploring Tudor and Stuart treasures in the Museum of Oxford's galleries. Join a Shakespeare and Oxford walking tour to see Oxford through the eyes of an expert and learn about a fascinating period in its history through the eyes of its most celebrated literary figure. <h2>Accessibility and further information:</h2> Meeting point: Museum of Oxford shop (located inside the Oxford Town Hall). Please arrive 5 minutes before the start of the walk and check in at the Museum Shop with our friendly front of house team. The walk lasts for approx. 90 minutes and is a circular walk around central Oxford. Length: approx. 1.2 miles / 1.9 km. Two toilet stops are available along the way. Please note the Tudor Painted Room is up a steep flight of stairs without a lift; it is sadly not accessible to wheelchairs. The rest of the tour can be adapted to offer a more wheelchair-friendly route, avoiding narrow doorways and cobbles (please let us know if you would prefer this option by emailing <a href="mailto:museum@oxford.gov.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">museum@oxford.gov.uk</a>). Please note that this walk is recommended for ages 16+. Tickets cost £15 and are available to purchase online (booking fee applies) or at the Museum shop. Your ticket also gives you access to the MOX galleries on the day of the walk, at any time during opening hours. ﻿Event tickets are non-refundable if you choose to cancel your booking.&nbsp;A refund will only be issued if the event is cancelled or if there is a significant change to the advertised programme. Meet Your Tour Guide: Elizabeth Sandis Dr Elizabeth Sandis works at the Ashmolean Museum and is the author of Early Modern Drama at the Universities: Institutions, Intertexts, Individuals (Oxford University Press, 2022). She researches the way in which the Classical culture of Greece and Rome impacted on English society and values during the early modern period. With a passion for local history and theatre, she enjoys translating and staging examples of the kind of plays students were producing in Oxford during the time of Shakespeare. Access at the Museum The Museum is accessible for wheelchair users, buggies and baby carriers. There is step-free, level entry access to the Town Hall via the entrance closest to Carfax (to the left of the main steps as you face the Town Hall). Inside the Museum, Museum Makers is accessible via a platform lift and lift to the basement level. Accessible toilets are available in the Museum (close to Museum Makers) and in the Town Hall on the ground floor, before entering the Museum. Please contact the Museum team if you'd like to talk to a member of staff about your access requirements. Further access information can be found on our website: <a href="https://museumofoxford.org/plan-your-visit/access" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://museumofoxford.org/plan-your-visit/access</a>

Once a thriving residential area for a working-class community in the heart of Oxford, the so-called ‘slums’ of St Ebbe’s were designated for demolition after the Second World War. Today, it is hard to imagine that these buildings and this community ever existed. This 90-minute circular walking tour will bring the lost buildings, streets and people of St Ebbe’s to life. On the walk, you will discover the fragments that still remain of a district which once housed thousands, along with the stories of the people who lived, loved, drank, ate worked and shopped there. Guided by Maurice East, local Oxford resident and historian, you will see the lost streets, alleyways, yards and homes come alive amidst the present-day monoliths of the Westgate shopping centre and Speedwell House. Join a tour of the Lost Streets of St Ebbe’s to discover why this community grew, how it thrived, and why it was so brutally destroyed. As part of the tour, you will see: The Wharf House Pub, one of the last remaining buildings from the historic residential district, Speedwell Street and the plans to modernise Oxford by clearing a ‘slum’, three surviving 17th century cottages – and more historic locations that will be brought to life on this walk. <h2>Accessibility and further information:</h2> Meeting point: Museum of Oxford shop (located inside the Oxford Town Hall). Please arrive 5 minutes before the start of the walk and check in at the Museum Shop with our friendly front of house team.&nbsp; The walk lasts 1.5 hours. The itinerary includes cobbled streets, uneven surfaces and narrow pavements. Please email <a href="mailto:museum@oxford.gov.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">museum@oxford.gov.uk</a> if you would like to discuss any access requirements ahead of booking a walk.&nbsp; Please note that this walk is recommended for ages 16+.&nbsp;&nbsp; Tickets cost £15 and are available to purchase online or at the Museum shop.&nbsp; Your ticket also gives you access to the MOX galleries on the day of the walk, at any time during opening hours. Event tickets are non-refundable if you choose to cancel your booking.&nbsp;A refund will only be issued if the event is cancelled or if there is a significant change to the advertised programme.&nbsp; Meet Your Tour Guide: Maurice East Maurice East is a local historian who was born and raised in Oxford. He interprets the social history of the city through the lens of growing up as a ‘townie’ and shines a spotlight on stories far off the usual tourist trail. His main area of research is the history of car making at Cowley and how the arrival of industry, cars and blue collar workers changed Oxford forever in the early twentieth century. Access at the Museum The Museum is accessible for wheelchair users, buggies and baby carriers. There is step-free, level entry access to the Town Hall via the entrance closest to Carfax (to the left of the main steps as you face the Town Hall). Inside the Museum, Museum Makers is accessible via a platform lift and lift to the basement level. Accessible toilets are available in the Museum (close to Museum Makers) and in the Town Hall on the ground floor, before entering the Museum. Please contact the Museum team if you'd like to talk to a member of staff about your access requirements. Further access information can be found on our website: <a href="https://museumofoxford.org/plan-your-visit/access" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://museumofoxford.org/plan-your-visit/access</a>

Museum of Oxford Walks: The Lost Streets of St Ebbes

Celebrating the links between past and present the talk will explore the Bartlemas hamlet and leper hospital on the 900th anniversary of their foundation. A rich mix of place, spirituality, 'edgeland' and contemporary stories that still infuse this unique locality. Photographer and local historian <a href="https://martin-stott.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Martin Stott </a>charts its origins, turbulent history, its focus on the outcasts, dispossessed, and stigmatised of the times, and the healing, care, compassion, refuge and sanctuary it offered. He traces its impact on East Oxford over 900 years, drawing out the threads of these traditions remade and celebrated in the neighbourhood today. Tickets cost £6 and are available online via Plinth or at the Museum shop. Tickets for this event also include access to our Galleries. Event tickets are non-refundable if you choose to cancel your booking.&nbsp;A refund will only be issued if the event is cancelled or if there is a significant change to the advertised programme.&nbsp; <h2>Further information</h2> Complimentary tea and coffee will be available to enjoy during the talk. We recommend arriving before the start of the talk if you would like to grab a refreshment. Sales from tickets help support our work to deliver fun and accessible family activities, community engagement projects, schools workshops, exhibitions and special events for Oxford’s people in our Museum spaces. Access There is step-free, level entry access to the Town Hall via the entrance closest to Carfax Tower (to the left of the main steps as you face the Town Hall). Inside the Museum, Museum Makers is accessible via a platform lift to the Galleries and then a lift to the basement. Accessible toilets are available in the Museum (close to Museum Makers) and in the Town Hall on the ground floor, before entering the Museum. Please <a href="https://museumofoxford.org/get-in-touch/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">contact the Museum team</a> if you’d like to talk to a member of staff about your access requirements. Further access information can be found on our page dedicated to <a href="https://museumofoxford.org/visiting/access-at-the-museum/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">access at the museum</a>.

We are looking forward to welcoming you to the Museum of Oxford for this Lunchtime Talk. Head to the <a href="https://museumofoxford.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Museum website</a> to find out more information about the Museum and how to find us.

Lunchtime Talk: ' 'Bartlemas: Oxford's hidden sanctuary'

Linked through time by geography, economics and people, Oxford Castle and Oxford Canal hold almost a thousand years of history between them. This unique 90-minute guided walking tour of Oxford will take you on a scenic tour through Oxford’s past by way of the Saxon Castle and 18th-century canal. Led by local historian, author and former canal boat resident Mark Davies, this walk will reveal stories from Oxford's past linked to the castle and canal. You'll learn of a Norman Empress’s escape from the Castle, other notable escapes and dramatic executions, the extraordinary feats of Daniel 'damnable' Harris, and the past and present of Oxford’s historic canal boat community. As part of the tour, you will see: Swan Island and Oxford’s brewing district, a view of Oxford Castle and tales of convicts, Isis Lock, the meeting point of the Thames and Canal, an extraordinary example of Victorian railway engineering – plus more historic Oxford locations. The walk will begin at the Museum and finish near the canal’s 1790 terminus (Worcester St). Join a Canal, Castle and Convicts walking tour to see Oxford through the eyes of an expert and discover another side of Oxford's history. Please note that this tour was previously run under the name 'Canal, Castle and Chapel walk'. <h2>Accessibility and further information:</h2> Meeting point: Museum of Oxford shop (located inside the Oxford Town Hall). Please arrive 5 minutes before the start of the walk and check in at the Museum Shop with our friendly front of house team. The walk lasts 1.5 hours. The itinerary includes cobbled streets, uneven surfaces and narrow pavements. The walk also includes a short stretch of footpath, on which there are a few steps, both up and down. Please email <a href="mailto:museum@oxford.gov.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">museum@oxford.gov.uk</a> if you would like to discuss any access requirements ahead of booking a walk. Please note that this walk is recommended for ages 16+.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tickets cost £15 and are available to purchase online (booking fee applies) or at the Museum shop. Your ticket also gives you access to the MOX galleries on the day of the walk, at any time during opening hours. Event tickets are non-refundable if you choose to cancel your booking.&nbsp;A refund will only be issued if the event is cancelled or if there is a significant change to the advertised programme. Meet Your Tour Guide: Mark Davies Mark Davies is an Oxford local historian, public speaker, and guide. His publications include the social and cultural importance of the city’s waterways (A Towpath Walk in Oxford; Alice in Waterland; Alice’s Oxford on Foot; What a Liberty!); historical crime (Stories of Oxford Castle; The Abingdon Waterturnpike Murder); a biography of the Oxford pastry cook who was the first Englishman to fly (King of all Balloons); and the insightful A Jericho Scrapbook and Jericho - a Celebration. Until 2020 he had lived on an Oxford residential narrowboat for nearly 30 years, and is the Chair of the Jericho (Oxford) Living Heritage Trust. He is also a trustee of the Lewis Carroll Society, a member of the Society of Authors, and on the committee of the Alliance of Literary Societies. Access at the Museum The Museum is accessible for wheelchair users, buggies and baby carriers. There is step-free, level entry access to the Town Hall via the entrance closest to Carfax (to the left of the main steps as you face the Town Hall). Inside the Museum, Museum Makers is accessible via a platform lift and lift to the basement level. Accessible toilets are available in the Museum (close to Museum Makers) and in the Town Hall on the ground floor, before entering the Museum. Please contact the Museum team if you'd like to talk to a member of staff about your access requirements. Further access information can be found on our website: <a href="https://museumofoxford.org/plan-your-visit/access" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://museumofoxford.org/plan-your-visit/access</a>

Museum of Oxford Walks: Canal, Castle and Convicts

<h2>Join us at our next museum late event, celebrating the opening of our Sounds of the City exhibition!</h2>&nbsp;Activities on the night include:<h1></h1>-Drop-in zine making with Imperfect Bound – exploring the ‘Under the Bed’ DIY community collecting themes of the exhibition-Live music in the galleries by overtime (dj set) – inspired by Oxford’s 90s sounds-Badge making-Museum galleries (including the exhibition), gift shop, and a paid bar will also be open throughout the evening<h2></h2>Sounds of the City is an exhibition of objects, memorabilia, and stories celebrating Oxford’s grassroots music scene in the 90s and beyond. The exhibition highlights iconic bands, gigs, grassroots venues, festivals, and independent record labels that all energetically shaped Oxford’s sound. The displays spotlight bands like Supergrass and Radiohead, but also brings to the fore stories about reggae soundsystems, carnival, folk traditions, women in music, LGBTQ+ nightlife, and community events.<h2></h2>This museum late event is a unique opportunity to visit the museum after hours, experience the exhibition being brought to life, and to share your own sounds of the city. The event will kickstart an exciting events programme running at the Museum of Oxford until March 2027.&nbsp;This is a free drop-in event, but tickets are required. All are welcome!<h1></h1><h1></h1><h2>Access</h2>There is step-free, level entry access to the Town Hall via the entrance closest to Carfax Tower (to the left of the main steps as you face the Town Hall). Inside the Museum, Museum Makers is accessible via a platform lift to the Galleries and then a lift to the basement.Accessible toilets are available in the Museum (close to Museum Makers) and in the Town Hall on the ground floor, before entering the Museum. Please contact the Museum team if you’d like to talk to a member of staff about your access requirements. Further access information can be found on our page dedicated to access at the museum.<h2>Photo Consent</h2>Please be aware that photographs will be taken at this event for use in marketing. If you (or a member of your group) would prefer not to be photographed, please let a member of staff know during the event.

We are looking forward to welcoming you to the Museum of Oxford for our Sounds of the City exhibition launch next Friday 11 September! This is a drop-in event, running between 6-9pm with activities and live music throughout the evening.If you are no longer able to attend, please contact the museum so we can allocate your ticket to someone else.Head to the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://museumofoxford.org/">Museum website</a> to find out more information about the Museum of Oxford and how to find us.

Pre-book your free day entry to the Museum of Oxford galleries. Please arrive within your chosen 30 minute arrival slot for priority entry. Last admission into the museum is 4.30pm. Visiting with a group of 10 or more? Head to our group visits page to book your visit: https://book.plinth.org.uk/org/bLAZeF9MleLwO2lubN3n/rooms

How was Oxford in the 17th century for the LGBTQIA+ community? Which college is the queerest? Where is the oldest LGBTQIA+ pub in the city? Find out the answers to these questions – and much more – on this 90-minute guided tour, uncovering stories from the LGBTQIA+ community throughout the history of Oxford. Led by city guide Hannah Field, you will meet a host of fascinating characters including a “lesbian, Indian princess, suffragette, refugee smuggler”, a flamboyant bus conductor, a Catholic Saint, and many more. Learn about local characters, pubs and clubs of Oxford, University societies, Oxford Pride and future events. A unique opportunity to explore an alternative side of Oxford and current local history research. <h2>Accessibility and further information:</h2> Meeting point: Museum of Oxford shop (located inside the Oxford Town Hall). Please arrive 5 minutes before the start of the walk and check in at the Museum Shop with our friendly front of house team. The walk lasts 1.5 hours. The itinerary includes cobbled streets, uneven surfaces and narrow pavements. Please email <a href="mailto:museum@oxford.gov.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">museum@oxford.gov.uk</a> if you would like to discuss any access requirements ahead of booking a walk. Please note that this walk is recommended for ages 16+. Tickets cost £15 and are available to purchase online or at the Museum shop. Your ticket also gives you access to the MOX galleries on the day of the walk, at any time during opening hours. Event tickets are non-refundable if you choose to cancel your booking.&nbsp;A refund will only be issued if the event is cancelled or if there is a significant change to the advertised programme.&nbsp;Meet Your Tour Guide: Hannah Field Hannah is a local tour guide, she grew up in Oxford and is openly bisexual. She has a passion for queer history and has researched this tour with the help of friends and the Bodleian Library. Her other interests include Women at Oxford, stained glass, Philip Pullman, A Discovery of Witches, filming locations, architecture and much more. Access at the Museum The Museum is accessible for wheelchair users, buggies and baby carriers. There is step-free, level entry access to the Town Hall via the entrance closest to Carfax (to the left of the main steps as you face the Town Hall). Inside the Museum, Museum Makers is accessible via a platform lift and lift to the basement level. Accessible toilets are available in the Museum (close to Museum Makers) and in the Town Hall on the ground floor, before entering the Museum. Please contact the Museum team if you'd like to talk to a member of staff about your access requirements. Further access information can be found on our website: <a href="https://museumofoxford.org/plan-your-visit/access" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://museumofoxford.org/plan-your-visit/access</a>

Museum of Oxford Walks: Oxford’s Queer History

This 90-minute walk led by local historian Liz Woolley will take you on a tantalising tour of the quirky world of food and drink in 19th century Oxford. From the ‘Celebrated Oxford Sausage’ to Frank Cooper’s famous ‘Oxford Marmalade’, Liz will expertly guide you through locations associated with Oxford’s unique food and drink heritage. Find out how Oxford’s eponymous delicacies went hand-in-hand with the city’s growing importance as a desirable tourist destination as you visit sites including Morrell’s Lion Brewery, the 250-year old Covered Market and some iconic pubs. You’ll also discover the city’s long history of malting and brewing, and how this important trade contributed to Oxford’s burgeoning industrial economy. Find out how the significant families which controlled these businesses influenced Oxford’s developing economic, social and political life. Join a Beer, Sausages and Marmalade walking tour to see Oxford through the eyes of an expert and discover the unique food heritage embedded in the heart of Oxford. As part of the tour, you will see: Frank Cooper’s Marmalade Factory, the old Swan Brewery malthouse, the street that was once described as a ‘dreadful sort of place’ – and more historic Oxford locations. <h2>Accessibility and further information:</h2> Meeting point: Museum of Oxford shop (located inside the Oxford Town Hall). Please arrive 5 minutes before the start of the walk and check in at the Museum Shop with our friendly front of house team. The walk lasts 1.5 hours.&nbsp; The itinerary includes cobbled streets, uneven surfaces and narrow pavements. The walk will go through Westgate Shopping Centre and down a flight of stairs to Castle Street; lift access is also available there. Please email <a href="mailto:museum@oxford.gov.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">museum@oxford.gov.uk</a> if you would like to discuss any access requirements ahead of booking a walk.&nbsp; Please note that this walk is recommended for ages 16+.&nbsp;&nbsp; Tickets cost £15 and are available to purchase online (booking fee applies) or at the Museum shop.&nbsp; Your ticket also gives you access to the MOX galleries on the day of the walk, at any time during opening hours. Event tickets are non-refundable if you choose to cancel your booking.&nbsp;A refund will only be issued if the event is cancelled or if there is a significant change to the advertised programme. Meet Your Tour Guide: Liz Woolley <a href="http://lizwoolley.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Liz Woolley</a> is a local historian specialising in the history of Oxford’s ‘town’ – as opposed to ‘gown’ – and of the everyday lives of ordinary working people, chiefly during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Liz has lived in Oxford for forty years and has an MSc in English Local History from the University’s Department for Continuing Education. She is an experienced tour guide, speaker, tutor, researcher and writer, who enjoys helping people discover the perhaps less well-known history of Oxford and its citizens. Access at the Museum The Museum is accessible for wheelchair users, buggies and baby carriers. There is step-free, level entry access to the Town Hall via the entrance closest to Carfax (to the left of the main steps as you face the Town Hall). Inside the Museum, Museum Makers is accessible via a platform lift and lift to the basement level. Accessible toilets are available in the Museum (close to Museum Makers) and in the Town Hall on the ground floor, before entering the Museum. Please contact the Museum team if you'd like to talk to a member of staff about your access requirements. Further access information can be found on our website: <a href="https://museumofoxford.org/plan-your-visit/access" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://museumofoxford.org/plan-your-visit/access</a>

Museum of Oxford Walks: Beer, Sausages and Marmalade

Oxford University is well known as a bastion of tradition and training ground for future Prime Ministers, but how much do you know about the city's radical past and present? On this two-hour circular walking tour, you will hear about epic 'town vs gown' riots, fiercely independent medieval women, determined but doomed Levellers, acid-sprinkling Suffragettes and the locals who kicked fascists out of the city for good. From Oscar Wilde, through Oxfam, to Rhodes Must Fall, this tour tells the fascinating and inspiring stories of those who have pushed back against power, privilege, colonialism and discrimination throughout Oxford's thousand-year history.This tour aims to tell the forgotten stories of Oxford's radicals, and to spark respectful debate and discussion. Please come prepared to listen and engage. As part of the tour, you will see: Carfax Tower, the site of an infamous riot; Gloucester Green, where Oliver Cromwell crushed Britain’s first great egalitarian movement; All Souls College, whose library was funded by a slave owner; University Church gardens where a bench is dedicated to one of Oxford’s most determined campaigners for women’s education – plus more locations from Oxford’s rebellious history. Please note that this tour does not include entry into any buildings and stops may be subject to change. Join a tour of Oxford’s Rebels and Radicals to see Oxford through the eyes of an expert and unlock the secrets of its radical history. <h2>Accessibility and further information:</h2> Meeting point: Museum of Oxford shop (located inside the Oxford Town Hall). Please arrive 5 minutes before the start of the walk and check in at the Museum Shop with our friendly front of house team. The walk lasts up to 2 hours. The itinerary includes cobbled streets, uneven surfaces and narrow pavements. The walk includes a few steps down to the University Church gardens; a step-free option is also available here. Please email <a href="mailto:museum@oxford.gov.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">museum@oxford.gov.uk</a> if you would like to discuss any access requirements ahead of booking a walk. ﻿Please note that this walk is recommended for ages 16+.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tickets cost £15 and are available to purchase online or at the Museum shop. Your ticket also gives you access to the MOX galleries on the day of the walk, at any time during opening hours.&nbsp; Event tickets are non-refundable if you choose to cancel your booking.&nbsp;A refund will only be issued if the event is cancelled or if there is a significant change to the advertised programme. Meet Your Tour Guide: Jess Worth Jess Worth is an award-winning Green Badge tour guide and has lived in Oxford for over 25 years. She loves sharing her enthusiasm for the extraordinary history, culture and people who have shaped our city of dreaming spires. Before becoming a tour guide she was a campaigner, journalist, activist and theatre-maker working on social and climate justice issues. This experience has led to a fascination with the social, political and imaginative role that Oxford has played – both good and bad - in the wider history of Britain, and the world. Access at the Museum The Museum is accessible for wheelchair users, buggies and baby carriers. There is step-free, level entry access to the Town Hall via the entrance closest to Carfax (to the left of the main steps as you face the Town Hall). Inside the Museum, Museum Makers is accessible via a platform lift and lift to the basement level. Accessible toilets are available in the Museum (close to Museum Makers) and in the Town Hall on the ground floor, before entering the Museum. Please contact the Museum team if you'd like to talk to a member of staff about your access requirements. Further access information can be found on our website: <a href="https://museumofoxford.org/plan-your-visit/access" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://museumofoxford.org/plan-your-visit/access</a>

Museum of Oxford Walks: Oxford’s Rebels and Radicals

The 1970s saw music in Oxford move from pop and ballrooms to pubs, colleges, and festivals (and through prog-rock and punk) to the roots of bands we know today.&nbsp; A shortage of places to play (then as now!) saw new bands find new venues and develop a whole local music scene, crossing the ‘town and gown’ divide. Oxford Polytechnic (now Oxford Brookes) became one of the top student venues, with many American bands (including the Eagles) playing there, while the New Theatre hosted Led Zeppelin, Bowie and many others. All of this somehow turned into the roots of what we have today. In this original talk, Chris Church will cover these themes, look at how the music and action fitted into the changing times that were the 1970s, and give some credit to many great bands that came and went (and a few who are still around…). In the 1970s Chris ran gigs at Oxford Polytechnic, helped with the annual Oxford Mayfly free festival, and managed (unsuccessfully!) various Oxford bands.&nbsp;Since then, he’s worked on environmental issues in Oxford and in London and recently co-authored a history of the UK environmental movement. Tickets cost £6 and are available to buy online (via Plinth) or at the Museum shop. Tickets for this event also include free entry to the Museum’s galleries. Part of the <a href="https://museumofoxford.org/whats-on/special-exhibitions/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sounds of the City</a> exhibition and events programme. <h2>Further information</h2>Complimentary tea and coffee will be available to enjoy during the talk. We recommend arriving before the start of the talk if you would like to grab a refreshment. Sales from tickets help support our work to deliver fun and accessible family activities, community engagement projects, schools workshops, exhibitions and special events for Oxford’s people in our Museum spaces. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Refunds will only be issued if the event is cancelled or if there is a significant change to the advertised programme. <h2>Access</h2>There is step-free, level entry access to the Town Hall via the entrance closest to Carfax Tower (to the left of the main steps as you face the Town Hall). Inside the Museum, Museum Makers is accessible via a platform lift to the Galleries and then a lift to the basement.Accessible toilets are available in the Museum (close to Museum Makers) and in the Town Hall on the ground floor, before entering the Museum. Please contact the Museum team if you’d like to talk to a member of staff about your access requirements. Further access information can be found on our page dedicated to access at the museum.

Lunchtime Talk: 'Growing the grass roots: Live music in Oxford in the 1970s'

Sharron Jenkinson was brought up on the edge of Florence Park Estate in Cowley, Oxford and later became a history teacher.&nbsp;When studying, she researched the Welsh migration to Cowley.&nbsp;In the 1990s, Sharron’s husband, George, became a member, and later Chairman, of Oxford Welsh Male Voice Choir and Sharron became their archivist and events organiser.&nbsp;In 2018, to celebrate the choir’s 90th year, Sharron wrote ‘From the Valleys to the Spires – A history of Oxford Welsh Male Voice Choir.’ In this talk, Sharron tells the story of the Welsh migration to Oxford through the eyes of several of the choir’s early members.&nbsp;The choir began in the depression years when many Welsh men travelled to Oxford to seek work in Morris Motors and Pressed Steel.&nbsp;Their families followed, and the word spread that Cowley was a good place to work and settle.&nbsp;The quote in the title comes from a cartoon in the Oxford Mail in 1938 and sums up the importance of singing to the Welsh community. The choir has continued to thrive and is an important part of Oxford’s rich cultural musical scene.&nbsp;The talk includes musical extracts which illustrate how the repertoire has developed over the years, although, notably, more is sung in Welsh now than in the 1930s! Tickets cost £6 and are available to buy online (via Plinth) or at the Museum shop. Tickets for this event also include free entry to the Museum’s galleries. Part of the <a href="https://museumofoxford.org/whats-on/special-exhibitions/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sounds of the City</a> exhibition and events programme. <h2>Further information</h2>Complimentary tea and coffee will be available to enjoy during the talk. We recommend arriving before the start of the talk if you would like to grab a refreshment. Sales from tickets help support our work to deliver fun and accessible family activities, community engagement projects, schools workshops, exhibitions and special events for Oxford’s people in our Museum spaces. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Refunds will only be issued if the event is cancelled or if there is a significant change to the advertised programme. <h2>Access</h2>There is step-free, level entry access to the Town Hall via the entrance closest to Carfax Tower (to the left of the main steps as you face the Town Hall). Inside the Museum, Museum Makers is accessible via a platform lift to the Galleries and then a lift to the basement. Accessible toilets are available in the Museum (close to Museum Makers) and in the Town Hall on the ground floor, before entering the Museum. Please contact the Museum team if you’d like to talk to a member of staff about your access requirements. Further access information can be found on our page dedicated to access at the museum.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lunchtime Talk: 'The Story of the Welsh Migration to Oxford: "You can't stop them singing!"

Four hundred years ago, musicians known as The Oxford Waits played ceremonial tunes in the streets of the city, also entertaining audiences at parties, banquets and alehouse singalongs. The hits of the day were not measured by downloads or CDs but in sales of ballad sheets. Songs told of love, death, war, scandal – all the themes relished by the tabloids today. Tim Healey, director of the present-day Oxford Waits, tells of the city’s music scene in a bygone age with fellow band members Caroline Butler and Edwin Pritchard illustrating the songs and tunes. The trio appear in period costume with instruments that include shawm, fiddle, hurdy gurdy, hammered dulcimer, bandora, nyckelharpa &amp; more. Join us for this special Lunchtime Talk from The Oxford Waits, featuring historical narration and performance elements throughout. The talk and performance will last for approximately 1 hour, followed by 15 minutes for questions from the audience for a 2.15pm finish.&nbsp;Tickets cost £6 and are available to buy online (via Plinth) or at the Museum shop. Tickets for this event also include free entry to the Museum’s galleries. Part of the <a href="https://museumofoxford.org/whats-on/special-exhibitions/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sounds of the City</a> exhibition and events programme. <h2>Further information</h2>Complimentary tea and coffee will be available to enjoy during the talk. We recommend arriving before the start of the talk if you would like to grab a refreshment. Sales from tickets help support our work to deliver fun and accessible family activities, community engagement projects, schools workshops, exhibitions and special events for Oxford’s people in our Museum spaces. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Refunds will only be issued if the event is cancelled or if there is a significant change to the advertised programme. <h2>Access</h2>There is step-free, level entry access to the Town Hall via the entrance closest to Carfax Tower (to the left of the main steps as you face the Town Hall). Inside the Museum, Museum Makers is accessible via a platform lift to the Galleries and then a lift to the basement.Accessible toilets are available in the Museum (close to Museum Makers) and in the Town Hall on the ground floor, before entering the Museum. Please contact the Museum team if you’d like to talk to a member of staff about your access requirements. Further access information can be found on our page dedicated to access at the museum.

Lunchtime Talk: '"A-begging we will go": Popular music in 17th century Oxford'

Museum of Oxford

General Admission

Stories of Oxford Tours

Fun at the Fair: Family Crafting

Inside the Oxford Town Hall

Museum of Oxford Walks: Shakespeare and Oxford

Fam Jam

Museum of Oxford Walks: Shakespeare and Oxford

Museum of Oxford Walks: The Lost Streets of St Ebbes

Lunchtime Talk: ' 'Bartlemas: Oxford's hidden sanctuary'

Museum of Oxford Walks: Canal, Castle and Convicts

Sounds of the City Exhibition Launch

Free Entry Day

Museum of Oxford Walks: Oxford’s Queer History

Museum of Oxford Walks: Beer, Sausages and Marmalade

Museum of Oxford Walks: Oxford’s Rebels and Radicals

Lunchtime Talk: 'Growing the grass roots: Live music in Oxford in the 1970s'