A costumed guide at the medieval crypt inside Oxford Castle Prison

Guided Tour

  • 1st Jan - 31st Dec 2026
  • 10am - 5pm
  • Adult £18 | Child £12 | Student £17
  • Family admission tickets from £37.50

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Step Back 1,000 Years in the Heart of Oxford

Crack the code to a great day out in Oxford with an indoor guided tour  through 1,000 years of twists and turns, led by a costumed expert.

Climb Saxon St George's Tower, step inside historic prison cells and hear tales of everything from Viking raids to Victorian justice. Open daily, all year round, whatever the weather. 

Ideal for families, history lovers, students, couples and first-time visitors to Oxford, and a great pick for a rainy day, a weekend break or a half-term outing.

A young visitor looking fascinated while exploring the crypt at Oxford Castle Prison

About the Oxford Castle Prison Guided Tour

Royals, Rogues, and Rebels

Our expert guides lead you on an immersive walk through legends and life behind bars at Oxford Castle Prison.

Hear vivid stories of those who lived, worked and served time within these ancient walls. The site began as a military castle, became a prison in the 1500s before finally closing in 1996.

Discover how Oxford's educational heritage began, how law and punishment evolved, and why this remains one of Oxford's most fascinating attractions.

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OCP Guided Tour 10

What to Expect

Inside the Labyrinth

  • Guided Experience: Tours run frequently throughout the day - about 50 minutes for the core tour, with extra time available to explore exhibitions afterwards.

  • Candle‑lit Crypt: Descend into the atmospheric Norman crypt with connections to King Arthur. 

  • Prison Cells: Step inside real 18th‑century cells once home to desperate criminals and infamous inmates.

  • Stunning Views: Climb the 101 steps of the Saxon St. George’s Tower for panoramic views across Oxford.

  • Prison Mug Shot: Be captured red-handed on camera. 

  • Indoor, All-Weather Day Out: A dependable choice for a rainy day or a winter visit in Oxford.

  • Gift Shop: Spoil yourself with unique souvenirs and treats. 

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A visitor looking on at the panoramic views at the top of the Saxon tower.

Plan Your Visit

The Finer Details

  • Tour Times: Every 20-30 minutes from 10am to 5pm everyday.

  • Tour Length: The guided tours last around 50 minutes - 1 hour.

  • Tour Size: Maximum 20 people. Group offers available. 

  • Booking Advice: Pre‑booking is recommended to secure your preferred time and save on admission.

  • Arrival time: Please meet us at the Gift Shop, where the Guest Services team will check you in. See How To Find Us here.

  • Best For: Families, history lovers, students, couples, school groups and first-time visitors to Oxford.

  • Accessibility: As a historic building, there are uneven floors and steep steps; alternative viewing options are available. Please visit our accessibility page for more information. 

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    A Weatherproof Day Out in Oxford, All Year Round

    The guided tour runs daily through spring, summer, autumn and winter, so it suits half-term breaks, rainy days and Christmas visits alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

The guided tour itself lasts around 50 minutes to 1 hour, and afterwards you can explore the exhibition and prison at your own pace.

Before your tour, arrive about 10 minutes early, check your confirmation email for booking details, and note that there's no on‑site car parking available, so you’ll need to use nearby city or park & ride parking. Please visit our Know Before You Go page for full details.

Tours run daily from around 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, with multiple start times throughout the day.

When you arrive, go to the Gift Shop where a member of the Guest Services team will check you in. It’s best to arrive about 10 minutes before your tour.

Yes. The tour includes a climb up 101 steps of St. George’s Tower for panoramic views of Oxford. However, children under 5 cannot climb due to safety reasons.

Children under 5 go free but must be registered for safety reasons, and they cannot climb St. George’s Tower.

Tours are conducted in English, but translation sheets are available in several languages (e.g. French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese).

Due to the historic nature of the site, not all areas are accessible, including the tower and some cells, so please read our accessibility page before booking.

On the guided tour you’ll ascend St. George's Tower, descend into the candle‑lit crypt, explore 18th‑century prison cells, and learn about over 1000 years of history from Vikings and Normans through to Victorian justice.

It’s recommended to book your guided tour online in advance because tour capacity is limited, though walk‑up tickets may be available on the day.

Guide dogs and assistance dogs are allowed within the prison and the Mound. However, for health and safety reasons, no dogs are allowed to climb St. George’s Tower.

Prams & pushchairs do not fit through all our doors, so they need to be left in the reception area where they will be looked after by a member of the team.

We are in Oxford's Castle Quarter, OX1 1AY, a short walk from Oxford's rail and bus stations. There is no on-site car parking, so use nearby city or park and ride car parks. Full directions are on our How to Find Us page.

Yes. Families can join the tour, with family tickets available. Children under 5 must be registered for safety reasons.

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