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.

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.

Thumbnail 1

Thumbnail 2

Thumbnail 3

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.

BMH Productions Presents: The Life and Death of Julius Caesar | Summer Holidays

About the Experience

Experience Shakespeare’s gripping political thriller in the dramatic open-air setting of Oxford Castle & Prison as BMH return for their 11th season at this historic venue. As the Roman Republic teeters on the brink of collapse, Julius Caesar rises toward absolute power, adored by the masses and feared by those who see tyranny looming.

Brutus and Cassius believe assassination is the only way to save the Republic, but once Caesar falls, what happens next? Can the Republic cling to its lofty ideals whilst the rich and powerful carve it up between themselves? Can Brutus and Cassius hold firm to the founding promise of Rome as the mighty fight to shape the future to match their own visions? Or are the political currents sweeping them towards dictatorship already too strong to escape?

Celebrating 20 years of theatre-making in Oxford, BMH deliver their signature blend of clarity, energy, and wit in a classic story that still resonates today.

What’s Included

• An open-air performance of The Life and Death of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare.
• Access to beverages and snacks during intermission.

What Others Say

“…the acting and zeal was exceptional, the thrill of Shakespeare’s play being brought gloriously to life palpable, the narrative ripping along at a cracking pace, the joy, humour and fluency unlocked…” Ox in a box, 2025 (Twelfth Night)

“A thoroughly enjoyable night out – and a wonderful way to kick-off a summer of outdoor theatre”. – Daily Info, 2022 (Hamlet)

Wild Goose Theatre Presents: Macbeth at Oxford Castle | Summer Holidays

About the Experience

Shakespeare’s darkest tragedy is coming back to life beneath the summer sky as Macbeth takes over one of Oxford’s most atmospheric landmarks. Wild Goose Theatre returns for its 15th consecutive year at Oxford Castle, transforming the historic site into a haunting world of ambition, prophecy, and bloody consequence.

As witches whisper fate and desire eclipses reason, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are drawn into a chilling spiral of guilt and violence. This bold, visceral production places audiences at the heart of the action, where shadows lengthen, tension mounts, and the cost of the crown becomes terrifyingly clear.

From thunderous battle scenes to moments of chilling horror, Macbeth at Oxford Castle promises an unforgettable theatrical experience.

What’s Included

• An open-air performance of Macbeth by William Shakespeare.
• Fight scenes featuring stage blood and gunshot sound effects.
• Access to purchase beverages and snacks during intermission.

Important Notes

In case of wet weather, our Wet Weather Policy will apply.

Siege Theatre Presents: Romeo & Juliet | Summer Holidays

About the Experience

Join Siege Theatre for an unforgettable evening of open-air theatre as they return to Oxford Castle & Prison for their landmark 10th season. Known for breathing new twists into Shakespeare, Siege Theatre re-imagines Romeo and Juliet against the turbulent backdrop of the American War of Independence.

In a world divided by loyalty, honour, and conflict, love becomes both dangerous and defiant. With families on opposing sides of a fractured nation, the star-crossed lovers must navigate duty to their country, allegiance to their kin, and devotion to one another. This bold reinterpretation explores love, identity, and sacrifice in a time when every choice carries consequence.

Held within the Oxford historic castle grounds, this production promises an emotionally charged and visually striking take on Shakespeare’s most famous love story.

What’s Included

• An open-air performance of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare.
• Access to purchase beverages and snacks during intermission.

Monetary Gift Voucher

Knight School Gift Voucher