See & Do

Oxford Castle and Prison

££

Attraction

Hightlight

City Centre
Family Friendly

Oxford Castle and Prison is one of the best attractions found in Oxford city centre. Fun for all the family, the tours are a wealth of historical knowledge. Learn about past occupants and the characters involved and dwelt in these historic thick walls. Experience how the convicted felt and how they lives through these times.

From Private Guided Tours to our Escape Room: Jailbreak, they have a great range of experiences that go beyond the daily guided tours. Please note, that all experiences listed are subject to availability.

Book the family into one of their tours or try the Evening Tours. During a private evening tour, you can feel the full historic atmosphere of the 1,000-year building all to yourself. Accompanied by a costumed guide, you will be able to enjoy an extended tour.

Your tour guide will lead you to the top of St. George’s Tower to view the dreaming spires, then head to the underground candle-lit crypt and visit the historic prison cells. The private evening tours are a perfect after work social, or a great experience for groups of friends looking for something different to do in the evenings.

Why not enjoy the history in style with a prosecco upgrade!

At just a short 10 minute walk away from Oxford Train Station, you and your family will be able to enjoy Oxford’s best attraction.

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Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 - 17:00

Tuesday: 10:00 - 17:00

Wednesday: 10:00 - 17:00

Thursday: 10:00 - 17:00

Friday: 10:00 - 17:00

Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00

Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00

Closed

Google Reviews

Oxford Castle & Prison

4.47272 reviews

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Sam Smith

a week ago

Myself and 2 others visited here! Our tour guide Rory was good, knowledgeable and engaging. The prison was fascinating, cannot believe it was still operating until 1996! There was a good back history on the tour and the view from the tower was amazing. The gift shop was good although we bought a letter opener and it said it was £26 and we got charged £40, so not overly impressed by that, we disnt notice at the time. Pros: an hour tour, interesting history, good shop, free time to reexplkre any part apart from the tower. Small tour group. Cons: only if youre not able bodied the toerr is over 100 steps, but the view is amazing!

Deirdre McCann

2 weeks ago

Well worth a visit. Guide Anne was very knowledgable and spoke clearly and in a friendly manner. You get to climb uneven steps in the oldest section for a wonderful view of Oxford, check out Victorian and Georgian cells while listening to great stories and getting a sense of life in the prison. The Norman crypt is eerie but beautiful and at the end you get to wander at your own pace through exhibits of artefacts and more stories.

Dick “Cheuk Wai” Cheng

2 months ago

Bought tickets in advance, but the staffs were quite helpful as to where to wait for the tour to start. To go into a lot of places, the guide will take you on the 1-hour walk. The guide was very informative, explaining the full history of all parts of the castle. For a 101 stair climb, you won’t be required to go if you feel like you cannot complete it due to the steepness and how small the steps are. Throughout, everything was very nicely presented. Well recommended.

Digital Vampire

2 months ago

Interesting place, situated in the heart of Oxford. Fun to find as it is buried in the middle of the Castle quarter in between restaurants and a newly commissioned Maddison hotel using part of the old castle/prison. The location has been made safe and appealing to tourist with a visitors centre and a nice secluded coffee shop next door. On walking into the visitors centre you are immediately presented with the prison visitors centre shop with all the usual items to buy ranging from fridge magnates to Mead, flavoured Vodka and English heritage wine all at the usual inflated prices. Tickets cost bout £20 for adults, kids about £10. Ticket prices are slightly cheaper online. The tours are guided and take about an hours. The site is small but worth a visit.

Jenny Petersen

4 months ago

Excellent tour led by Anne. Jericho Coffee and the gift shop are a cut above too. Social history at its best and great view too. Events and activities regularly in the precincts too. Highly recommended.