Museum of Oxford Walks: Oxford's Queer History

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.

Accessibility and further information

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 museum@oxford.gov.uk 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 (booking fee applies) or at the Museum shop.

Scaffolding at Oxford Town Hall

From August 2025, scaffolding will be in place outside Oxford Town Hall. Both entrances to the Town Hall (main steps and level access entrance) will remain fully open and accessible while these essential maintenance works are carried out. More information can be found on our Plan Your Visit page.

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, Phillip 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: https://museumofoxford.org/plan-your-visit/access