Discover Oxford Castle’s 1,000-year history with costumed tours, crypts, and prison cells. Uncover tales of Empress Matilda and Mary Blandy.
- Oxford Castle & Prison - Embark on a guided tour today and let the characters unveil the captivating tales embedded in the building’s 1,000-year history. When William the Conqueror invaded England and triumphed at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, the Normans identified Oxford Castle as the perfect site for a motte-and-bailey castle. Today, nearly a millennium later, Oxford Castle & Prison stands as a visitor attraction with a history that stretches far beyond imagination.
Guided tours last approximately an hour, run every 20 minutes, and are led by one of the castle’s costumed character guides. The rich history of Oxford and the castle is unveiled as you ascend the Saxon St George’s Tower, one of the oldest buildings in Oxford, and take in its breathtaking 360° panoramic views over the historic city.
Next, descend deep underground into the eerie atmosphere of the 900-year-old crypt, the only surviving remnants of St. George’s Chapel, where it is said that the education for which Oxford is renowned began, and where Geoffrey of Monmouth wrote the Legends of King Arthur. Explore the stark confines of the 18th-century Debtors’ Tower and Prison D-Wing, and climb the Mound of the 11th-century motte-and-bailey castle.
After your tour, you will be inducted into the castle’s prison and wider site, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Admission to the castle is by guided tour only.
- Costumed Character Guide
- Guided Tour
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Explore the 1,000-year history of Oxford Castle and Prison. Step back in time with our costumed guided tours and see fascinating stories come to life. Hear the great tales of Empress Matilda, the fate of Mary Blandy and step inside our padded jail cell.
Find gorgeous views atop of St. Georges’ Tower and then descend into the atmospheric crypt of St. Georges’ Chapel. Here you can touch the stones where Oxford University was rumoured to begin and stand in the birthplace of Geofrey of Monmouths’ King Arthur. Wander the austere confines of the prisons’ D-Wing and learn about our youngest inmates.
After your guided tour, you can explore the prison cells at your own leisure and dress up like a prisoner in our exhibition space. Head outside and climb the mound, the remains of our motte and bailey castle.
- Children 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 the tower may wait at the bottom with a guardian and watch our “Story of Oxford Castle” video. Once the tour group returns from the Tower, you are then able to rejoin your group as the tour continues. To find out more about this policy, click here to view our access information.
- Due to the historical nature of the building Prams & Pushchairs do not fit through our doors, so they need to be left in the reception area where they will be looked after from a member of our team.
- Payment must be made at the time of booking by credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, Switch or Delta).
- No dogs are allowed in the attraction, the mound, Castleyard Cafe or the gift shop except for guide dogs.
- Opening times may be subject to change; for up-to-date information on admission prices and opening times, please telephone our information line on +44(0)1865 260666
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.