The Siege of Oxford at Oxford Castle & Prison

Experience Oxford’s biggest civil war

Travel back to the year 1646, a time when Oxford was caught in the heart of the English Civil War! The city is under siege, will you join the Royalists or the Parliamentarians?

Join The Earl of Manchester’s Regiment of Foote for an action-packed reenactment day of living history at Oxford Castle & Prison. Explore the 17th-century encampment in the Castleyard and discover what life was really like during the Siege of Oxford — from the battlefield to behind-the-scenes spying!

🎭 Become a trained soldier or a spy
💂‍♂️ See and learn more about civil war arms like the pike and musket
🥁 Hear the thunder of drums of war and see the colours fly
🏹 Choose your side and find out who will be victorious!

Soldiers and civilians will be there to share stories, show you the gear they used, and answer your questions about this turbulent time in Oxford’s history.

TICKETS ON SALE SOON
Are you a royalist soldier?

Join the recruitment and defend Oxford!

You’ll learn the skills to become a pikeman or a musketeer in the King’s army. Handle a real musket and see it fired up close, and be put through your paces by the drill sergeant!

£10 per ticket

 

Times available

  • 10:45
  • 14:15
Or are you a Parliamentarian spy?

Learn spy craft and become a Parliamentarian spy during the siege of Oxford.

You will discover cypher codes from the civil wars, learn about invisible ink and how to write your own secret messages. Will you be able to smuggle information out to the Parliamentarian besiegers?

£10 per ticket

Times available

  • 12:30
  • 16:00
Be upstanding for the drill!

Experience the thrill and excitement of regimental musket volleys, pike drill, with drums first-hand and learn of the Siege of Oxford.

£ Free

Times running

  • 11:30 Display of Civil War arms
  • 15:00 Display of Civil War arms

Activities are recommended for ages 7+.

WHEN

21 Jun 2025

TIME

All Day

TICKETS

£0-10

INCLUDES

Kids activities (recommended for 7+)
Siege of Oxford reenactment

NEWSLETTER

Be the first to hear about our new events SIGN UP

Oxford Castle & Prison
44-46 Oxford Castle, Oxford OX1 1AY

Heritage Projects (Oxford Castle) Ltd
Registered in England No: 5763243
Registered Office: St. Edmund's House, Margaret Street, YORK, YO10 4UX

Oxford Preservation Trust
© 2025 Oxford Castle & Prison. All Rights Reserved.

Continuum Attractions is committed to achieving the highest standards of Health & Safety to all its visitors and employees. We are proud of the processes, systems and procedures we have in place across our business. Health & Safety is much a part of our company culture as our dedication to delivering unique experiences in memorable locations.