Oxford Castle & Prison Guided Tour

Discover 1,000 years of Oxford's history on our classic guided tour. Save 10% when pre-booking.

Discover a historic prison, hidden in the heart of Oxford…

For over a thousand years, Oxford Castle & Prison has stood watch over the city of Oxford.

Join our costumed tour guide on a journey through 1,000 years of Oxford’s history; from Viking raids and the Norman conquest to the Castle’s role in Georgian and Victorian era justice.

Uncover the origins of education in the city, and experience the stories of the Castle’s most infamous residents.

Highlights of our Guided Tour

• Climb the 101 steps of St. George’s Tower and enjoy panoramic views of Oxford.
• Descend into the candle-lit crypt and learn about the Castle’s connection with the legend of King Arthur.
• Explore 18th Century prison cells, home to poisoners, miscreants and desperate criminals.
• Follow the story of the Castle & Prison right up to its closure in 1996.
• Browse through our carefully curated collection of gifts and treats in our gift shop.

From daring escapes to deadly curses, step inside and do 1,000 years of time. Oxford starts here!

How to find us

Nestled in Oxford’s Castle Quarter, Oxford Castle & Prison is a short walk from Oxford Station.

View map

Important Information

The experience lasts around 1-1.5 hours

Under 5’s go free with a paying adult, please note that due to steep steps, under 5’s are not able to climb St. George’s Tower.

Tales of the Tower

Step inside 1,000 years of history for our brand new 40-minute seasonal guided tour, focusing on the oldest and darkest corners of Oxford Castle & Prison, with a chilling twist.

Step inside 1,000 years of history for a brand new 40-minute guided tour, focusing on the oldest and darkest corners of Oxford Castle & Prison, with a seasonal twist.

Highlights

• St George’s Tower: Climb 101 steps to experience the panoramic views of Oxford’s skyline and learn about life in the tower during harsh winters.
• Punishment Cells: Unlock stories of justice, punishment, and the ghostly legends in the castle and prison’s darkest space.
• Castle Motte: Explore the motte, where you can enjoy more views of the city before or after your tour.

How does this compare to the daily guided tour?

Tales of the Tower will take you to a part of the castle and prison not available on the guided tour, and include stories you won’t hear on the general tour. This tour does not include access to the prison, crypt or Debtors Tower. This tour is a combination of indoor and outdoor.

Accessibility

Tales of the Tour includes a climb of 101 steps within St George’s Tower.

Due to the historic structure and the lack of alternative access, this experience is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or children under 5 years, as they would miss a substantial part of the tour.

Cold weather warning

Please be aware that the site is cold this time of year, and some sections of the tour are outside, so wrap up warm and wear sensible footwear! Children aged between 5-15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Santa's Teddy Bear Workshop

Come along to meet Santa Claus and lend a helping hand to our cheerful elves in their magical bear-making workshop.

Come and meet Santa at his Beary Merry Workshop!

Santa is coming to town, and he’s setting up shop at Oxford Castle & Prison. Come along to meet Father Christmas himself, and lend a helping hand to our cheerful elves in their magical bear-making workshop.

Get into the festive spirit as you journey through Santa’s enchanting workshop. Our friendly elves will greet you in the candle-lit crypt and take you to their fun-filled workshop, where you’ll:

• Make your very own cuddly bear🧸
• Choose a name and officially adopt your new friend🖊️
• Design and personalise a festive top just for them👕

But before you meet your new bear, it’s time for a special visit with Santa Claus himself! Share your Christmas wishes, snap a photo, and find out whether you’ve made the naughty or nice list this year. (Don’t worry, there’s still time to switch to the nice list!)

Have you sent your Christmas list to Santa yet?

Before you leave Santa’s Teddy Bear Workshop, don’t forget to post your Christmas letters. Santa’s brought along his magical postbox.

Just pop your letters inside, and it will be whisked away to the North Pole that very night!

• Recommended ages are 3-7 years.
• The experience lasts around 50 minutes to 1 hour.
• Additional adult tickets can be booked at checkout.
• Please note that the experience is separate from our Guided Tours. The experience includes all locations at the Castle & Prison except the top of St George’s Tower, as we are unable to provide access to children under 5.
• To make sure you get a photo you’re happy with, each booking includes two shots with Santa (not two per child).

Spectre Ghost Tour - Friday's

You are hereby cordially invited to discover the ghosts of Oxford city!

Stroll into the darker side of Oxford

Explore the city on an outdoor walking guided tour and let our paranormal enthusiast, Ms. Morgana McGhoul bring to light what you may not be able to see.

Whilst the nature of the tour is spooky, it has also been designed to be family-friendly with humour throughout!

Take in Oxford’s history from a different perspective with this outside walking tour every Friday.

Important Notes

• The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Under 5s go free with a paying adult.
• The tours are accessible to wheelchair and pushchair users. However, please note that there are uneven pavements and kerb stones to be negotiated throughout Oxford.

Tales of the Tower

Step inside 1,000 years of history for our brand new 40-minute seasonal guided tour, focusing on the oldest and darkest corners of Oxford Castle & Prison, with a chilling twist.

Step inside 1,000 years of history for a brand new 40-minute guided tour, focusing on the oldest and darkest corners of Oxford Castle & Prison, with a seasonal twist.

Highlights

• St George’s Tower: Climb 101 steps to experience the panoramic views of Oxford’s skyline and learn about life in the tower during harsh winters.
• Punishment Cells: Unlock stories of justice, punishment, and the ghostly legends in the castle and prison’s darkest space.
• Castle Motte: Explore the motte, where you can enjoy more views of the city before or after your tour.

How does this compare to the daily guided tour?

Tales of the Tower will take you to a part of the castle and prison not available on the guided tour, and include stories you won’t hear on the general tour. This tour does not include access to the prison, crypt or Debtors Tower. This tour is a combination of indoor and outdoor.

Accessibility

Tales of the Tour includes a climb of 101 steps within St George’s Tower.

Due to the historic structure and the lack of alternative access, this experience is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or children under 5 years, as they would miss a substantial part of the tour.

Cold weather warning

Please be aware that the site is cold this time of year, and some sections of the tour are outside, so wrap up warm and wear sensible footwear! Children aged between 5-15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Monetary Gift Voucher

Knight School Gift Voucher