Oxford Castle & Prison Guided Tour

Discover 1000 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 1000 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 1000 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.

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.

Spectre Tour

Knight School

Our wildly popular Knight's School returns this summer! This summer, King Arthur is preparing for his next quest and has enlisted us at Oxford Castle to train his latest recruits for medieval battle.. Do you have what it takes?

JOIN OUR KNIGHT SCHOOL THIS SUMMER

Our wildly popular Knight’s School returns this summer! Don your armour, sharpen your sword and prepare to set out on a quest. Join us in the Castleyard for medieval weapons training, jousting and archery – all under the supervision of the Castle’s knights!

Once you’ve been trained, you will be knighted and presented with your own sword to take home!

Please note that this is an outdoor activity; tickets do not include entry to the Castle & Prison.

FAQ’s

Do I need to book tickets to the Castle?

This is a separate event outside in the Castleyard. You don’t need to book tickets for our standard tour.

Potion Making

Join us in the castle crypt for a delightfully disgusting potion-making session - our witches and warlocks will teach you to make three magical concoctions! £14 per child

MERLIN’S APPRENTICE NEEDS YOUR HELP!

As the nights draw in and Halloween draws closer, it’s time to brew up some fantastic potions! Join us in the crypt this October Half term to discover Merlin’s lost recipe book and help his apprentice create some magical potions.

In this hour long session your little ones will make 2 drinkable potions, create their very own wand to take home, help merlin find the recipe book and learn some magic spells!

*Each child ticket includes entry for one accompanying adult. Additional adult spaces are not available. This event does not include the Oxford Castle and Prison Guided Tour.

Recommended for ages between 5 and 10 years.

Length: Aprox. 1 hour.

Additional adults can be added in the booking journey at £2pp.

Comedy at the Castle

Enjoy a night of comedy hosted by Alex Farrow from Jericho Comedy Club and meet historical figures Isaac Darkin, Rowland Jenks and more

Join us for a night of Comedy at the Castle!

We are excited to announce a night of comedy and dramedy hosted by the legendary Alex Farrow at one of Oxford’s most unique and atmospheric venues on Friday 16th May. This special event is in collaboration with the award winning Jericho Comedy and Oxford Brooks University.

Join us for an entertaining evening as Alex Farrow, alongside a special comedian, opens with a side-splitting stand-up performance. After the laughs, prepare for the highlight of the night…  A ‘late-night’ talk show that blends history with humor, featuring real-life characters from the fascinating past of Oxford Castle & Prison.

It’s going to be quite a revealing show, as special ‘returning’ guests to Oxford Castle & Prison will include…

Isaac Darkin aka Dumas  

The original dandy highwayman, who spent his cash on looking flash and grabbing your attention…especially if you were a married woman of means who shared his insatiable appetite.

Felicia Skene

Pen pal of Florence Nightingale. Felicia was a philanthropist, prison reformer, friend of the poor and sex workers.

Rowland Jenkes

A devout Catholic and Queen Elizabeth I ‘hater’. If only he’d kept his thoughts to himself, he wouldn’t have been put on trial for seditious libel. 

Experience an evening of laughter along with a historic talk show that will have you rolling in your seats. This first-of-its-kind event at Oxford Castle & Prison promises to be a memorable night, so grab your friends and secure your spot now!

Doors open

• 18:15 for the early show.
• 20:45 for the late show.

The Agenda

• Introduction by our MC, Alex Farrow and first act by a special guest.
• 20 minute interval to ready yourself for the main event!
• Comedy panel show with our four historical characters and MC.

Important Information

• Event duration: 1 ½ hours
• Age guidance is 18+. Expect some adult themes.
• Between the first and second part of the show there will be a 20-minute intermission. Isaac Darkin will be thrilled to discover the bar will be open for alcoholic refreshments.

Infinite Jesters: A Medieval Improvised Comedy Show!

Sharpen thy swords, string thy lutes, and prepare for a completely improvised medieval extravaganza in the open air in the courtyard of a real-life medieval castle!

The King doth search for a new fool for his court, and every prospective merryman has gathered to entertain him – and you. Expect tales of epic quests, noble steeds, and of course: infinite jesters.

The Oxford Imps are a critically acclaimed band of merry improvisers who have jested in Oxford and across the flat earth since Anno Domini MMIII. That’s 2003 to thou peasant-folk – find more info about us at oxfordimps.com

Ye olde Oxford Imps doth presente… Infinite Jesters: A Medieval Improvised Comedy Show!

Show start: 7pm, doors open: 6:30
Duration: 2 hours (including interval)
Age: All ages, family friendly

The seating is unreserved on the courtyard steps. You may bring your own seats, cushion, jumpers or other item to make yourself more comfortable.

Weather Disclaimer

This is an open-air event and subject to the unpredictability of the British weather! In the event that we need to cancel due to adverse weather, we will notify all ticket holders via email. You will be entitled to a partial refund in this case.

Murder Mystery Experience

Join the Warden of Oxford Castle & Prison for an exclusive Victorian-themed Murder Mystery experience at Oxford Castle & Prison.

IT’S HAPPENED AGAIN! THERE’S BEEN A MURDER IN THE PRISON…

Join Warden Harold Smith and the inmates of Oxford Castle & Prison for an exclusive Victorian-themed Murder Mystery experience!

The Warden has been unable to solve the crime and has invited special guests, including yourself and fellow detectives, to see the prison and seek what clues you can uncover.

Just be warned, you’re surrounded by secrets, lies and plenty of motives for murder from the unusual residents at Oxford Castle & Prison and death lurks within the cells, no-one is above suspicion…

What to Expect

After mingling with fellow detectives over a glass of prosecco, you’ll work through this historic site, including access to the Norman Crypt, Victorian cells and the 18th Century Punishment cells, following clues and interrogating suspects, before gathering for delicious canapes in the old hospital wing.

Share your theories over drinks before judgement is served!

Canape Menu 

• Salmon Blinis
• Chicken & Lemongrass bites with sweet chilli dipping sauce
• Bacon & Onion Frittata
• Quail Eggs and celery salt
• Roasted courgette & Ricotta tartlet

Further Information

• Please arrive 10 minutes early for roll call at 18:00. Roll call is always on schedule and you don’t want to miss the introduction.
• Please allow up to 3.25 hours for the activity.
• Due to the exclusive nature of this event, tickets are non-refundable. 

A Midsummer Nightmare

et ready for an unforgettable evening under the stars, where the supernatural comes to life and anything can happen.

A MIDSUMMER N̶I̶G̶H̶T̶’S̶ ̶D̶R̶E̶A̶M̶ NIGHTMARE | OXFORD CASTLE & PRISON

Ages 14+

BMH Productions Presents: Twelfth Night

The Oxford Shakespeare Festival 2025 is back and BMH Productions will be performing a sharp and sexy take on Twelfth Night.

A SHARP, SEXY, AND STYLISH REIMAGINING OF ONE OF SHAKESPEARE’S MOST BELOVED COMEDIES

Viola, a stranger in this strange land – shipwrecked, heartbroken, and alone – disguises herself as her lost-at-sea brother to serve in the court of Duke Orsino, setting off a storm of mischief, mistaken identities, and barely disguised longing.

Be transported to the fantastical land of Illyria, where larger-than-life characters and their tangled emotions reign in a golden-age world of decadence and indulgence.

Played out in a fast-paced 90-minute production (plus interval), this show captures the timeless magic of Twelfth Night, inviting audiences to fall in love with it all over again.

Wild Goose Theatre Presents: Much Ado About Nothing

The Oxford Shakespeare Festival 2025 is back and Wild Goose Theatre will be performing the classic, Much Ado About Nothing

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING IS A PASSIONATE, TENDER AND TIMELESS STORY OF LOVE AND CONFLICT.

While young lovers Claudio and Hero have their forthcoming nuptials threatened by the resentful scheming of a Prince, marriage seems even further away for reluctant lovers Beatrice and Benedick in this raucous, comic masterpiece about the never-ending search for happiness.

This is an outdoor theatre performance so please come prepared. In case of the performance being cancelled or abandoned due to bad weather, we will move to our indoor venue at the New Rd Baptist Church on Bonn Square.

Siege Theatre Presents: The Merry Wives of Windsor

The Oxford Shakespeare Festival 2025 is back and Siege Theatre will be performing a nostalgic take on The Merry Wives of Windsor

Shakespeare comes to Oxford Castle & Prison as Siege Theatre presents: The Merry Wives of Windsor

In this unashamedly comic production of Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor, we transport the action to the vibrant world of the 1950’s. Hidden behind this nostalgic backdrop of seemingly perfect suburban life, a world of mischief and mayhem awaits.

This riotous production celebrates not only the silliness of some of Shakespeare’s best comic characters, but also the timeless themes of female friendship, marital trust, and the art of turning societal norms upside down.

Which means it’s no surprise that when the outrageous and opportunistic Sir John Falstaff sets his sights on conning two clever housewives, he discovers he’s bitten off more than he can chew. Mistresses Ford and Page, far from being the demure homemakers our antagonist expects, orchestrate an elaborate series of tricks that turn the tables on their would-be seducer.

So come join us for an evening that proves that behind every perfectly maintained lawn and spotless kitchen lurks a masterclass in wit and wisdom.

Gift Voucher

Knight School Gift Voucher