Ghost Fest for Halloween at Oxford Castle Prison

Ghost Fest 2026

  • 23rd - 31st Oct 2026
  • Experiences: Spooky Tours, Potion Making Experience, Spectre Ghost Tour
  • Prices from: £10.50

Step into the shadows of Oxford Castle Prison this Halloween

This October, Oxford Castle Prison invites you to discover the darker side of its 1,000-year history. From 23rd-31st October 2026, Ghost Fest returns for its 17th year, bringing a week of ghostly encounters, chilling stories and eerie experiences to one of Oxford’s most atmospheric historic sites.

Whether you’re looking for spine-tingling scares, supernatural stories or a magical Halloween experience for the family, there’s something waiting for you at Ghost Fest.

Are you brave enough to step inside?

Choose your Ghost Fest experience

  1. Spooky Tours

    27-31 OCT

    A wounded ghost for Spooky Tours (Halloween) at Oxford Castle Prison

    Explore the castle prison after dark

    Per Person £21.00

    Halloween Only £23.00

    • Go behind bars after dark
    • Access historic spaces not usually open to visitors
    • Hear the haunting stories and local folklore of Oxford Castle Prison
    • Prepare for eerie moments, unexpected jumps and a few laughs
    • Spooky tours is suggested for ages 14+
    • Duration: 60 minutes approx

  2. Potion Making Experience

    25-31 OCT

    Merlin's apprentice brewing a magic potion for the Potion Making Experience (Halloween) at Oxford Castle Prison

    Learn potions, spells & magic this Halloween in a real medieval crypt!

    1 Child + 1 Adult £16.00

    Additional Child £14.00

    • Solve clues and unlock the apprentice's next potion
    • Craft a magical wand to take home
    • Create your own drinkable potion
    • Receive a spell booklet packed with activities to try at home!
    • The Potion Making Experience is suggested for ages 5+
    • Duration: 60 mins approx

  3. Spectre Ghost Tour

    FRIDAYS

    Paranormal expert Morgana McGhoul for the Spectre Ghost Tour at Oxford Castle Prison

    Explore Oxford’s spooky side with our paranormal expert

    Adult £15.75

    Child £10.50

    • Outdoor walking guided tour with paranormal enthusiast Ms Morgana McGhoul
    • A spooky tour with laughs for the whole family!
    • Explore the darker side of Oxford
    • Fun for the family and perfect for all ages, with under 5s going free!
    • Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
  1. The Oxford Castle Prison under the dark grey skies during Autumn

    Why visit Oxford Castle Prison during Halloween?

    A Halloween setting like no other

    Oxford Castle Prison has stood at the heart of Oxford for over 1,000 years, from the medieval castle to the prison that occupied these walls for centuries.

    Now, as darkness falls, explore the spaces where history and haunting stories collide.

    Real history. Real stories. One unforgettable Halloween.

The gates are open. The ghosts are waiting.

Ghost Fest returns to Oxford Castle Prison from 23–31 October 2026.

Which experience will you brave?

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What visitors say about the Ghost Fest

Frequently Asked Questions

Ghost Fest is Oxford Castle Prison's annual Halloween event, bringing together spooky events, magical activities, and ghostly experiences, inspired by the site's fascinating history and the darker side of Oxford. 

Ghost Fest runs from 23 to 31 October 2026. Spooky Tours run 27-31 October, the Potion Making Experience runs 25-31 October, and the Spectre Ghost Tour runs on Fridays.

Spooky Tours include eerie moments and unexpected jumps, balanced with a few laughs, and are suggested for ages 14+. The Potion Making Experience and Spectre Ghost Tour are designed to be fun for families.

Yes. The Potion Making Experience is suggested for ages 5+, and the Spectre Ghost Tour welcomes children, with under 5s going free. Spooky Tours are suggested for ages 14+.

Oxford Castle Prison is situated a short five minute walk away from the Oxford train and coach stations. See How To Find Us for more information. 

Oxford Castle Prison's Ghost Fest 2026 includes Spooky Tours, The Potion Making Experience, and the Spectre Ghost Tour. Each experience is different, with its own dates, prices, and age guidance. 

If you're looking for Halloween events in Oxford in 2026, Ghost Fest at Oxford Castle Prison offers several spooky experiences from 23–31 October 2026.

You can explore the historic castle prison after dark on a Spooky Tour, make magical potions in a medieval crypt, or join the Spectre Ghost Tour to discover Oxford's darker history.

With different experiences and age guidance, Ghost Fest offers Halloween activities for families, older children and adults.

Spooky Tours and the Potion Making Experience each last approximately 60 minutes. The Spectre Ghost Tour lasts 1 hour 30 minutes.

Booking in advance is highly recommended to secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment. Book your Ghost Fest 2026 tickets online through Tickets & Prices.

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