Oxford Castle and Prison Guided Tour
Overview
Available languages
1 hour
Mobile ticket
Explore the 1,000-year history of Oxford Castle and Prison. Step back in time with our costumed guided tours and see fascinating stories come to life. Hear the great tales of Empress Matilda, the fate of Mary Blandy and step inside our padded jail cell.
Find gorgeous views atop of St. Georges' Tower and then descend into the atmospheric crypt of St. Georges’ Chapel. Here you can touch the stones where Oxford University was rumoured to begin and stand in the birthplace of Geofrey of Monmouths’ King Arthur. Wander the austere confines of the prisons’ D-Wing and learn about our youngest inmates.
After your guided tour, you can explore the prison cells at your own leisure and dress up like a prisoner in our exhibition space. Head outside and climb the mound, the remains of our motte and bailey castle.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children under 5 years of age will not be permitted access to St George’s Tower due to health and safety regulations.
Visitors unable to climb the tower may wait at the bottom with a guardian and watch our “Story of Oxford Castle” video. Once the tour group returns from the Tower, you are then able to rejoin your group as the tour continues. To find out more about this policy, click here to view our access information.
Due to the historical nature of the building Prams & Pushchairs do not fit through our doors, so they need to be left in the reception area where they will be looked after from a member of our team.
Payment must be made at the time of booking by credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, Switch or Delta).
No dogs are allowed in the attraction, the mound, Castleyard Cafe or the gift shop except for guide dogs.
Opening times may be subject to change; for up-to-date information on admission prices and opening times, please telephone our information line on +44(0)1865 260666
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Costumed Character Guide
Guided Tour
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
What To Expect
Oxford Castle & Prison
Take a guided tour today and let the characters reveal their fascinating stories entrenched in the building’s 1,000 year history. When William the Conqueror invaded England and won the Battle of Hastings in 1066, Oxford Castle was marked by the Normans as the ideal place for a motte-and-bailey castle. Today, after almost one millennia, Oxford Castle & Prison is a visitor attraction with a past stretching far beyond your imagination. Guided tours last approx. an hour and run every 20 minutes and are led by one of the castle's costumed character guides. The rich history of Oxford and the castle is revealed as you climb the Saxon St George’s Tower, one of the oldest buildings in Oxford, and enjoy its stunning 360° panoramic views over the historic city of Oxford. Then, descend deep underground into the dark atmosphere of the 900 year old crypt, the only surviving remains of St. George’s Chapel where it is said, began the education for which Oxford is famed, and where Geoffrey of Monmouth penned the Legends of King Arthur. Explore the austere confines of the 18th century Debtors’ Tower and Prison D-Wing and scale the Mound of the 11th century motte-and-bailey castle. After your tour, you will be inducted into the castle’s prison and wider site where you will be able to explore at your own leisure. Admission to the castle is by guided tour only.
Options
Tours 2024/25
Guided Tour
Reviews
1,325 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Bad experience
Andrew W,
Oct 31, 2024
- Viator
1.00We had the 4.40 visit. The prison was closing and it felt very much like the tour was rushed. As we was leaving each area staff members was waiting for us and closing and turning lights off.
Great guide, basic tour
Jacqueline N,
Oct 22, 2024
- Viator
3.00We had an brilliant guide, Emily, who articulated stories of the castle and prison excellently. The tour itself however, is very average.
Fun history.
Karen R,
Oct 22, 2024
- Viator
5.00Learning about the prisons history. The little details given. The view from the top of the tower. Then definitely dressing up and taking photos. I brought a friend from Australia and she enjoyed it very much. The cafe does a lovely chai latte too. Thank you. ☺️
Good fun & interesting
Colin S,
Oct 18, 2024
- Viator
5.00Great experience. Joe our guide was interesting, informative and great fun. We went with friends and had a very enjoyable time. Highly recommend
Interesting expo
Elly N,
Sep 30, 2024
- Viator
4.00Good tour guide. After the tour, there was an opportunity to walk around on my own to take some extra pictures in the castle and to read all the other information on the displays in the museum. Very interesting to learn more about the daily life in the prison.
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