Guided Bus Tours
Introducing....
The Black Oxford
Untold Stories
Guided Bus & Walking Tour
Discover the first ever heritage tour in the city to centre Black presence and uncover the stories left out of the guidebooks
The ground-breaking Black Oxford Untold Stories Guided Bus and Walking Tour, in partnership with City Sightseeing Oxford, brings to life the powerful, often overlooked stories of the trailblazing Black scholars and visionaries who helped shape the University of Oxford and the city itself.
The Bus Tour
Step aboard and prepare to be captivated by a 60-minute guided bus journey through time curated to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Black scholars whose contributions and legacies continue to inspire and resonate today.
Your Journey Begins...
Broad Street: Where Oxford’s intellectual heart beats — and the story of Black excellence begins.
South Parks Road to the Natural History Museum
Glide down Banbury Road
Woodstock Road & St Margaret’s Road: Feel the presence of women trailblazers who once walked these streets to lectures and debates.
Through St Giles and into George Street
Oxford Castle offer a contrast between past oppressions and present freedoms.
and the surrounding Westgate Centre and Paradise Street where the history of the Windrush Generation comes alive.
Pass St Aldates and High Street, pillars of tradition now reframed by new narratives.
From Plain’s Roundabout to the tranquil Long Wall, we approach Rhodes House, a site steeped in colonial legacy, re-examined through today’s eyes.
Conclude past the Museum of the History of Science and iconic Trinity College — institutions reimagined through inclusive storytelling.
Led by author, historian, and cultural advocate Pamela Roberts. Born from years of meticulous research and storytelling, the tour brings to life the powerful narratives featured in her acclaimed book Black Oxford: The Untold Stories of Oxford University's Black Scholars. Her bespoke, engaging live commentary breathes life into the compelling narratives.
The Walking Tour: Step Into Untold Legacies
Put your feet to the pavement for the 45 minute walking tour where pioneers once walked, thought, and led revolutions in silence.
Begin at Broad Street, absorbing the scholarly atmosphere and architectural beauty as context for what lies beneath.
Enter the Bodleian Library’s Old Schools Quadrangle — a sanctuary of knowledge, once restricted, now opened to deeper stories.
Stroll along Turl Street to Jesus College, Lincoln College, and on to All Souls College where the echoes of Black excellence challenge centuries of exclusion.
Trace your steps to The Queen’s College and Hertford College, uncovering how global connections forged powerful identities within ancient walls.
Throughout, your guide breathes life into each landmark, revealing the legacy of scholars and inviting you to see the city through a lens that honours its rich, diverse, and often untold history.
Meet the Pioneers:
Christian Frederick Cole
The University of Oxford’s first Black scholar and Britain’s first Black barrister, whose legacy paved the way for future generations.
15% Off All Items
Merze Tate
inspiring story as the first African - American woman to attend the university
Alain LeRoy Locke
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The first African American to achieve the Rhodes' scholarship. His intellectual and activism reshaped the cultural landscape.
15% Off All Items
Kofoworola Moore
The first African woman to achieve a degree from Oxford.
'A wonderful and enriching experience'.
Dates
All tours start at 1:00 PM from Bus Stop 15, Broad Street
(opposite the History of Science Museum).
Join us every Saturday—except for special midweek tours on Wednesday, 9th July.
Experience the unique and enriching journey of the Black Oxford Untold Stories guided bus and walking tour, uncovering rarely-told stories and perspectives.
'This is a great day out, and when you come back to Oxford, you will always have in mind all those stories. Do not miss this opportunity'
Highly recommended
A Journey of Reclamation, Culture & Connection
Whether you’re a history buff, a cultural explorer, or simply seeking a fresh perspective, this tour offers more than information. It offers transformation.
Ready to Reimagine Oxford?
Be part of a powerful experience where Black heritage takes its rightful place in the city’s story.
Enjoy the experience beyond the tour
Relax
at
The Randolph Hotel
Your journey through Oxford’s Black history doesn’t end when the bus stops—it continues in the echoes of the past, the voices of today, and the spaces where untold stories find new life.
The Randolph Hotel is delighted to offer the passengers of the Black Oxford Guided Bus Tour an exclusive 10% discount off their food and drinks menu. (Simply present your tour ticket to redeem the offer.)
Join us to share your thoughts with fellow passengers, delve deeper into the stories uncovered on the tour, or simply soak in the grandeur of this timeless setting.
Getting to Oxford
car
There are several options for parking if you are travelling by car. The easiest option is to use one of the five Park and Ride cark parks.
TRAIN
Trains leave from London Paddington, London Marylebone, Bristol Temple Meads stations, taking between 1-2hrs total.
Book tickets early on Trainline to ensure you get a good price.
BUS
The Oxford Tube bus runs every 10 minutes, leaving from a number of different stops in London, including Victoria, Marble Arch, Notting Hill Gate, and Shepherd’s Bush. Travel takes between 2-2.5hrs.
Unveiling Inspiration at Every Turn
