Oxford Castle Prison
44-46 Oxford Castle, Oxford OX1 1AY
Rating: 4.4 ★ (7644 ratings)
Details
Oxford Castle Prison stands as a profound historical landmark in the very heart of Oxford, its formidable walls echoing a thousand years of history. Originally constructed as a Norman fortress in 1071 by William the Conqueror, it later transitioned into a prominent courthouse and then a working prison until 1996. This remarkable site, now meticulously restored, blends tales of medieval power with the austere realities of penal justice, offering an atmospheric setting that vividly brings Oxford's living history to life for every visitor.
Engaging costumed guided tours unveil fascinating narratives of traitors, royalty, and rebels who once inhabited these ancient grounds. Key features include the ascent of the Saxon St George's Tower, which rewards climbers with breathtaking panoramic views across Oxford's iconic "dreaming spires". Visitors can also descend into the atmospheric 900-year-old crypt, said to have connections to the legend of King Arthur, and explore the authentic 18th-century prison cells, including the D-Wing and Debtors' Tower, where real stories of inmates and daring escapes are recounted.
This captivating attraction is ideal for those with a keen interest in British history, from medieval sieges to Victorian justice, and provides an engaging experience for families and educational groups alike. Guests can immerse themselves in interactive exhibits or even join a ghost tour for a thrilling evening. Oxford Castle Prison offers a truly unique insight into the city's past, presenting a compelling contrast to Oxford's academic renown and making it an unforgettable visit for anyone exploring this historic English city.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM | Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM | Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM | Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM | Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM | Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM | Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Contact
+44 1865 260663 | https://www.oxfordcastleprison.co.uk/
Comments
We booked a guided tour for the 29.06.2026, and booked online - cheaper tickets at £15 per adult and a guaranteed booking.
Parking:
We parked in Worcester car park which is a few minute walk to the destination - we booked 3 hours which was £12.10.
The tour:
We checked in around 15 mins before our tour was due to commence at 1pm, we had a little look around the gift shop which had really cool and quirky bits. Our tour started on time, with our tour guide Talia; Talia was a great story teller, full of knowledge and pleasantly expressive. After the hour tour, we had free time to explore, apart from tower, that is guided only (there are around 100 steps to walk to the top of the tower, with a short break and story telling in between, if you do not wish to walk the steps, you can stay on ground and watch a video) the views are fabulous from the top of the tour.
The Malmaison hotel is close by, which we had a look around in, it was brilliant to see the original landings and where a number of shows I used to watch were filmed.
Overall, a very interesting tour with tons of history and would recommend to all that are into that type of thing.
We had Ella taking us on the tour. She was amazing! Loved the entertainment.
The view is amazing and they had a lovely gift shop.
Grace was a fantastic tour guide and presented the history really well, making the experience enjoyable and interesting. A few more interactive elements for children would make it even better.