Oxford Castle & Prison

Oxford

Type:Heritage / Visitor Centre

44-46 Oxford Castle, New Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 1AY

Tel: +44 01865 260666

Oxford Castle & Prison

About

Explore the 1,000-year history of Oxford Castle & Prison. Step back in time with our costumed guided tours and listen to fascinating stories as they are brought to life. Discover the great tales of Empress Matilda, the curse of Rowland Jenkes, and the unfortunate fate of Mary Blandy.

Climb the 101 steps of St. Georges' Tower to find uninterrupted views of the dreaming spires of oxford; descend into the atmospheric candle-lit Crypt of St. Georges’ Chapel, which has ties to Arthurian Legend and the University of Oxford. Wander the prison corridors, taking a look inside real jail cells where notorious prisoners were once held.

After your guided tour, you can explore the site at your leisure. Hear the walls talk in our interactive padded cell and enjoy learning more about our history in the exhibition space. Head outside and climb to the top of the mound, the remains of our motte and bailey castle.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult£14.45 per ticket
Child (5-15)£9.45 per ticket
Student / Concession (60+)£13.45 per ticket
Under 5sFree

TripAdvisor

Map & Directions

Gradings

  • Quality Assured Visitor Attraction VB Attraction
Quality Assured Visitor Attraction VB Attraction

Awards

  • Green Tourism Business Scheme -Green Business Silver Green Business Silver 2023
  • Visit England Awards -Code of Practice Code of Practice 2012
  • Regional and Miscellaneous -Beautiful South Awards Winners 2018/19 – Silver Beautiful South Awards Winners 2018/19 – Silver 2018
  • Regional and Miscellaneous -Beautiful South Awards Winners 2019/20 - Silver Beautiful South Awards Winners 2019/20 - Silver 2019
  • Tourism South East Award -The Beautiful South - Awards for Excellence 2020 - 2021 Silver The Beautiful South - Awards for Excellence 2020 - 2021 Silver 2021
  • Regional and Miscellaneous -Beautiful South Awards Winners 2021/22 - Gold Beautiful South Awards Winners 2021/22 - Gold 2022
  • Tourism South East Award -Beautiful South Awards Winners 2022/23 - Gold Beautiful South Awards Winners 2022/23 - Gold 2022
  • Tourism South East Award -Beautiful South Awards Winners 2023/24 - Bronze Beautiful South Awards Winners 2023/24 - Bronze 2023
  • Tourism South East Award -Tourism South East Member 24/25 - Bronze Tourism South East Member 24/25 - Bronze 2024

Opening Times

2024 (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)

* Opening Times: First Tour 10.30am – Last Tour 4.30pm (Monday – Thursday) – First Tour 10am – Last Tour 5pm (Friday, Saturday and Sunday)

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