Oxford Castle Prison

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UNLOCK 1,000 YEARS OF HISTORY

Dive into fascinating tales of traitors, royals and rebels, led by expert costumed guides.
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Hear vivid stories of those who lived, worked and served time within these ancient walls. For the first time in 1000 years, the secrets of Oxford Castle have been unlocked revealing episodes of violence, executions, great escapes, betrayal and even romance. Walk through these ancient buildings and experience the stories that connect the real people to these extraordinary events. Experience the austere confines of the 18th-century Debtor’s tower and Prison D-wing, and the dark atmosphere of the 900-year old underground Crypt; marvel at the Mound of the 11th-century motte and bailey castle with vaulted well chamber; climb the Norman St George’s Tower, now open for the first time in its history, and enjoy its stunning 360° panoramic views over Oxford. Visit Oxford Castle and uncover the secrets for yourself!

30/10/2026

Is there anywhere spookier than Oxford Castle Prison at Halloween?

We've added an additional time slot to our otherwise sold out Spooky Tours - have you got what it takes?

🗓 9pm tonight

🎟 https://bookings.oxfordcastleprison.co.uk/book/spooky/111

28/10/2026

Paula believes that Oxford Castle Prison is haunted...

Join one of our Spooky Tours and experience it for yourself!

👉 https://www.oxfordcastleprison.co.uk/whats-on/spooky-tours/

28/10/2026

How would you react if you encountered a ghost at Oxford Castle Prison?

Lewis, one of our duty managers, tells us of an experience he had in the Debtors' Tower...

22/10/2026

Keep the magic brewing after your Potion Making Experience! ✨🧙‍♀️

Once your little wizard or witch has graduated from Merlin's apprentice's class, treat them to The Science Spell Book: Magical Experiments for Kids by Cara Florance.

📚 Available to add to your booking and collect on the day.

⚠️ Warning: Magical experiments may continue after release from custody! 🔮🔐

21/10/2026

Did you know?

Oxford Castle Mound was built by hand shortly after the Norman Conquest, using forced Saxon labour. Remarkably, it survives today because Oliver Cromwell decided against committing the manpower needed to destroy it.

The well chamber hidden within the mound wasn't part of the original structure either, it was added later in the 13th century.

Nearly 1,000 years on, it remains one of Oxford's most impressive historic landmarks. ⏳✨

19/10/2026

🎃👻 Ghost Fest starts this week! 👻🎃

The gates are opening, the ghosts are gathering, and a week of spooky fun is about to begin at Ghost Fest 2026 at Oxford Castle Prison.

From ghostly encounters and haunted history to magical family experiences, something is waiting for everyone this Halloween.

17/10/2026

Take your ghost hunt beyond the prison walls with our Spectre Ghost Tour 👻🕯️

Walk Oxford's most haunted locations on this evening tour, packed with paranormal tales, dark history, and spooky surprises along the way.

Find out more 👉 https://www.oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk/whats-on/spectre-ghost-tour/

15/10/2026

Did you know?
In medieval times, a knight's training often began at just seven years old.

While today's seven-year-olds are learning spelling and times tables, aspiring medieval knights were learning swordsmanship and the skills needed to survive and thrive in battle.

Can you imagine combat training at your primary school? 😳

13/10/2026

🔐 No tricks, just treats locked up in our Gift Shop! 🔐

This Halloween, we've got plenty of spooky treasures serving at Oxford Castle Prison.

👻 Haunting novels to send shivers down your spine 🎃 Pumpkin decorations perfect for your Halloween display 🧡 Activity books to keep little prisoners busy during half-term.

08/10/2026

Did you know?

St George's Tower is one of England's oldest surviving Saxon towers, and you can still explore it today. Over the centuries, its walls have witnessed countless stories, and you can still spot marks and features left behind by those who passed through its doors.

A millennium after it was built, the tower continues to stand proudly over Oxford. Here's hoping it remains part of the city's skyline for another 1,000 years to come. ✨

Address

44 Oxford Castle
Oxford
OX11AY

Website

http://www.oxfordcastleprison.co.uk/

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