Oxford Castle & Prison Tours

Explore nearly 1,000 years of history at Oxford Castle & Prison, located near central Oxford. Originally built in 1071 by Normans who came across with William the Conqueror, the castle was later turned into a prison. Now a museum and tourist site, it also offers stunning panoramic views over Oxford from one of the city’s oldest buildings.
 
The Basics
Tour Oxford Castle & Prison with a costumed guide and learn all about its history and some of its infamous inhabitants. Climb St. George’s Tower, one of the oldest buildings in Oxford, for superb city views, then descend into the 900-year-old crypt. Experience the inside of the Debtor’s Tower for yourself and scale the mound of the 11th-century castle.
 
Purchase individual tickets for the castle or combo tickets to add on a sightseeing tour, boat cruise, or a hop-on hop-off bus tour to see top Oxford sights at your leisure. Day tours from London and Brighton often include a stop at Oxford Castle along with other city attractions, such as the Bodleian Library or the Ashmolean Museum.
 
Things to Know Before You Go

• Admission to the castle is by guided tour only.
• There are 101 steep and narrow steps to the top of St. George’s Tower.
• Parts of the castle are wheelchair-accessible, though parts are not, including St. George’s Tower, the mound, and some prison cells.
• There are restrooms, a gift shop and a café on-site.
• Free Wi-Fi is available at the café.

 
How to Get There
Oxford Castle is located at the west end of Oxford City Center, a 10-minute walk from the main train station and a 5-minute walk from the bus station. There is no parking on-site.
 
When to Get There
Oxford Castle is open year-round, with the exception of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day (December 26). The last tour is at 4:20pm, though the gift shop, café, and mound are open until 5:30pm. Ghost hunts are held at the castle from time to time, including overnight hunts.
 
Oxford Castle Quarter
The area surrounding Oxford Castle has been developed into a lively quarter and includes a hotel (with rooms converted from former prison cells), shops, cafés, restaurants, pubs, and an art gallery. The area also hosts outdoor events, such as the annual Shakespeare festival in summer and film screenings.