Frequently Asked Questions

About the Tour

• How long is the tour?

  The tour lasts approx. 1 hour. After your tour you will be inducted into the castle’s prison and wider site where you will be able to explore at your own leisure.

• How often does the tour run?

  Tours typically run every 20 minutes from 10am until 4.20pm.

• Do I have to take a guided tour?

  Yes – admission to the castle is by guided tour only.

• How much does it cost?

  Prices from April 1st 2019:

  • Adult – £12.50
  • Child (5-15) – £8.50
  • Child (under 5) – FREE
  • Student (with valid ID)– £10.50
  • Concession – £10.50
  • Family (2 adults and 2 children) – £39.00
  • Carer – FREE

  There are a number of promotions running during school half terms. See our Promotions page for details. We also have a number of joint tickets available. * Visitors under 5 years of age will not be permitted access to St George’s Tower due to health and safety regulations. Visitors unable to climb St. George’s Tower may wait at the bottom of the tower in the seating area. An interactive touch screen which shows views from St. George’s Tower and the Mound can be used whilst your tour group are in the tower. You will then be able to rejoin your group and continue with your tour throughout the castle.

• What facilities are there for foreign guests?

  Tours are conducted in English however if you speak French, German, Italian or Spanish we offer translation sheets.

• Do you offer a discount for groups?

  Yes we do!  If you are bringing 15 people or more you are entitled to a group discount – visit our groups page for more information. 

Accessibility

• Can a wheelchair user still go on a tour?

  Regrettably, due to the historic nature of the building not all areas of the attraction are accessible by wheelchair:

  • St George’s Tower (which has 101 steps on a steep, narrow and winding staircase).
  • The Mound which has some steep steps and gradients.
  • Some of the prison cells which have 620-640mm wide doorways.

  Please see our Access Information page for further information.

• Why is there an age restriction for climbing the tower?

  Visitors under 5 years of age will not be permitted access to St George’s Tower due to health and safety regulations. Visitors unable to climb St. George’s Tower may wait at the bottom of the tower in the seating area. An interactive touch screen which shows views from St. George’s Tower and the Mound can be used whilst your tour group are in the tower. You will then be able to rejoin your group and continue with your tour throughout the castle.

• Are there a lot of stairs?

  St George’s Tower has 101 steps on a steep, narrow and winding staircase. Visitors unable to climb St. George’s Tower may wait at the bottom of the tower in the seating area. An interactive touch screen which shows views from St. George’s Tower and the Mound can be used whilst your tour group are in the tower. You will then be able to rejoin your group and continue with your tour throughout the castle.

• Can I bring a guide dog?

  Yes, registered Guide Dogs are allowed. No other dogs can be admitted to the castle or on the mound. 

Visiting Oxford

• Is there parking at the attraction?

  No parking is available on site.

• Where can I park?

  Oxford has five Park & Ride car parks, with frequent bus links into the city centre. Car parks can be found at Oxpens, Worcester Street and Gloucester Green and are all a short walking distance from Oxford Castle. Coach parking is available at Redbridge Park and Ride. All long term coach parking has moved from Oxpens to Redbridge due to the Westgate development. Please be aware that Westgate multi-storey car park is now closed until 2017 for the redevelopment of the Westgate shopping centre. For more details and a map of Oxford’s car parks please visit the Oxford City Council website.