About Oxford Castle & Prison
Explore 1,000 years of history through gripping tales of prisoners and royalty on a 40-minute guided tour of this atmospheric former castle and jail, complete with original Saxon tower and Victorian prison cells.
What's nearby
- Oxford Castle Quarter next door
- Malmaison Oxford next door
- The Malthouse next door
- Slug & Lettuce - Oxford next door
- Westgate Oxford 250m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Free car park
- ✓Paid car park
- ✓Paid street
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Opening hours
- Monday
- 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Tuesday
- 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Wednesday
- 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Thursday
- 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Friday
- 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday
- 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sunday
- 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
Really informative, our tour guide was great, I think her name was Lily-Anne? Either way, really cool to hear the lore of Oxford Prison and Castle, the view from the Mound was awesome, you can see alot of Oxford from the top of the tower and the mound. Great spot for locals and tourists alike.
· via Google
Booking: We booked a guided tour for the 29.06.2026, and booked online - cheaper tickets at £15 per adult and a guaranteed booking. Parking: We parked in Worcester car park which is a few minute walk to the destination - we booked 3 hours which was £12.10. The tour: We checked in around 15 mins before our tour was due to commence at 1pm, we had a little look around the gift shop which had really cool and quirky bits. Our tour started on time, with our tour guide Talia; Talia was a great story teller, full of knowledge and pleasantly expressive. After the hour tour, we had free time to explore, apart from tower, that is guided only (there are around 100 steps to walk to the top of the tower, with a short break and story telling in between, if you do not wish to walk the steps, you can stay on ground and watch a video) the views are fabulous from the top of the tour. The Malmaison hotel is close by, which we had a look around in, it was brilliant to see the original landings and where a number of shows I used to watch were filmed. Overall, a very interesting tour with tons of history and would recommend to all that are into that type of thing.
· via Google
We had an amazing time visiting the castle & prison. Even the hotel next door! Be sure to check out - free to pop in to see the interior, from prison to hotel. We had Ella taking us on the tour. She was amazing! Loved the entertainment. The view is amazing and they had a lovely gift shop.
· via Google
The name of Oxford comes from the Old English Oxenaforda meaning ford of the oxen, it is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086/87 although the castle is not one of the 48 listed in it. According to the Abingdon Chronicle the castle was built between 1071/73 by a Norman Baron Robert D'Oyly the elder. It was built on the West side of the town over lying the Saxon wall. It is a motte and bailey castle but there is speculation as to whether the bailey was built first therefore making it a ringwork using the pre-existing Saxon St. George's Tower as the keep. Oxford castle played an important role in the Anarchy or Cousins War between Stephen and Matilda, one popular story from this time is that Stephen had Matilda under siege and she could not escape but in December with the land covered in snow and the rivers frozen over she and some knights with the help of white sheets managed to sneak away in a storm. I did not have time for the tour but just went up the motte, there is a £2 charge to go towards the upkeep.
· via Google
Visitors say this historical site offers fascinating insights into its past as a castle and prison, with engaging guided tours that bring history to life. They also highlight the knowledgeable and entertaining staff, the rewarding views from the tower, and the overall good value.
Some reviews mention the tour can be geared towards children.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- 44-46 Oxford Castle, Oxford, OX1 1AY Get directions
- Category
- Castles & Palaces
- Guest rating
- 4.4 / 5 (7,602 reviews)
- Suitable for
- Ages 4+
- Setting
- Indoor & outdoor
- Good for children
- Yes
- Toilets on site
- Yes
- Destination
- Oxford