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.

Visit your local castle – Oxfordshire Residents Discount

Throughout January, Oxfordshire residents get 30% off standard guided tours at Oxford’s very own castle!

For nearly 1,000 years, Oxford Castle & Prison has stood watch over the dreaming spires, and the story of the castle and prison is interwoven with the city and its residents.

Eligible Postcodes*

*Full Details can be found below for eligible postcodes 

Join our costumed tour guides as we explore the historic buildings that have witnessed events throughout the decades. Hear tales of a daring medieval escape from St George’s Tower, descend to the crypt to learn Oxford’s connection to King Arthur, and discover the changing role of crime and punishment from the Civil War through to Victorian times and the prison’s closure in 1996.

Highlights of our Guided Tour

• Climb the 101 steps of St. George’s Tower and enjoy the 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 our carefully curated collection of gifts and treats in our gift shop.

How to find us

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

Eligibility

To be eligible for this offer, we require all residents to provide proof of residency. This includes:

• Photo ID with address.
• Utility Bill or an authorised letter with a name and address on it.

• The experience lasts around 1-1.5 hours.
• Under 5’s go free with a paying adult. Due to the steep steps, those under 5’s cannot climb St. George’s Tower.

Eligible Postcodes

OX1 Oxford, OX2 Oxford, OX3 Oxford, OX4 Oxford, OX5 Kidlington, OX7 Chipping Norton, OX9 Thame, OX10 Wallingford, OX11 Didcot, OX12 Wantage, OX13 Abingdon, OX14 Abingdon, OX15 Banbury, OX16 Banbury, OX17 Banbury, OX18 Bampton, Burford, Carterton, OX20 Woodstock, OX25 Bicester, OX26 Bicester, OX27 Bicester, OX28 Witney, OX29 Witney, OX33 Oxford, OX39 Chinnor, OX44 Oxford, OX49 Watlington, RG9 Henley, GL56 Chipping Norton, GL7 Faringdon, HP14 Thame, HP18 Bicester & Kidlington, MK18 Bicester & Kidlington, NN13 Bicester & Kidlington, RG16 Faringdon, RG17 Thame, RG4 Henley, RG8 Thame, RG9 Didcot, SN6 Faringdon, SN7 Faringdon.

 

DIG! February Half-Term

Join us this half-term for DIG!, Oxford's archaeological adventure designed for children with a passion for history.

About the Experience

Introduce your children to archaeology through guided digging and discovery at DIG!. During the archaeology session, you will learn how archaeologists work, what objects have been found at the castle-turned-prison site and how to professionally study them.

You’ll also explore what the finds tell us about the past as Daniel Harris, Oxford Castle & Prison’s 18th‑century governor, guides you through how he found and restored the castle’s lost Norman crypt.

What’s Included

• A guided archaeological digging activity handling relics.
• Learning about real artefacts found at Oxford Castle & Prison.
• Tutalage from a costumed historical guide, Daniel Harris.
• Fun, age-appropriate educational activities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What age is DIG! suitable for?

DIG! is designed for children aged 5–10 years. However, if you feel your child would be interested in taking part and is above this age range, they are still welcome to join.

How long does the activity last?

Each session lasts approximately 50–60 minutes.

Do children need to be accompanied?

Yes, all children must attend with an adult aged 18 or above. If you would like additional adult tickets, you can select how many more you want at checkout.

Does DIG! include general admission to the daily guided tour?

No, it is not. DIG! is a separate ticketed activity and does not include the Oxford Castle & Prison daily guided tour or St George’s Tower. If you would like to join a tour to see the rest of the castle and prison, tickets can be booked here.

Do I need to buy a general admission ticket to take part?
No, a general admission ticket is not required to attend DIG!.

Is booking in advance recommended?

Yes. As spaces are limited and sell out, we recommend booking in advance.

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.

Monetary Gift Voucher

Knight School Gift Voucher