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
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.
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.
Address: Oxford OX1 1AZ, England
Admission: Varies
5 Tours and Activities to Experience Oxford Castle & Prison
Sort by:Featured
City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Experience one of the world’s greatest university cities on this hop-on hop-off Oxford bus tour. With a 24- or 48-hour pass, design a personalized itinerary with several possible stops including the University of Oxford buildings (some featured in the 'Harry Potter' films), Oxford Castle, and Bodleian Library, one of the world’s oldest public libraries. Enjoy unobstructed views from the open-top viewing deck and fun onboard commentary as you savor this elegant city.
…More
From
$22.97
From
$22.97
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Private Self-Guided Treasure Hunt around Oxford - Towers and Taverns
A fun and different way to see Oxford!
Solve satisfying clues and follow beautiful maps sent to your phones.
Spot things other people take for granted!
You’ll learn interesting facts and stories.
Everything is outdoors and you can do social distancing.
…More
From
$13.91
From
$13.91
Improve your confidence in speaking English on 2-weekend courses in Oxford, UK.
English speaking course designed especially to improve your confidence in the real world.
8 hours spread over two weekends for you to boost your language skills.
Experienced, highly-qualified teacher to provide professional help and feedback for future self study.
Competitive price for excellent service.
…More
From
$155.94
From
$155.94
Oxford and Harry Potter Private Guided Walking Tour
Take a private guided tour of the picturesque university city of Oxford. Enjoy a private walking tour of the city and its colleges and museums. Your 3 hours tour begins when your guide meets you at the agreed pick-up point, for example Oxford train station. The tour introduces the most famous colleges and describes college life, student traditions, famous literary, scientific, and political figures, and English history in Oxford. Follow the informative guide around the city as you visit the famous sights and learn about the history of Oxford. Visit famous film location of Harry Potter movies.
…More
From
$403.78
per group
From
$403.78
per group
Taking safety measures
Oxford Private Guided Walking Tour
Oxford is one of England’s most renowned university cities and a private tour means you can explore at your own pace. On this 3-hour walking tour, admire Oxford landmarks such as the Bodleian Library, Christchurch Cathedral, and the Ashmolean Museum; learn more about the city’s fascinating history and heritage; and see the famous Oxford University colleges.
…More
From
$357.02
per group
From
$357.02
per group
Taking safety measures
Things to do near Oxford
- Things to do in South East England
- Things to do in London
- Things to do in Bath
- Things to do in Birmingham
- Things to do in Southampton
- Things to do in Bristol
- Things to do in Horley
- Things to do in Stansted Mountfitchet
- Things to do in Cardiff
- Things to do in Manchester
- Things to do in Liverpool
- Things to do in York
- Things to do in Bruges
- Things to do in East of England
- Things to do in South West England