Recent Searches
Clear
Close
Oxford Castle and Prison Guided Tour
See More
See More
Oxford Castle and Prison Guided Tour
The Mound
The Crypt
Knight School
See More

Oxford Castle and Prison Guided Tour

star-4.5563 Reviews
|
Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Safety measures
icon1 hour  (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English
Safety measures
icon1 hour  (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English

Don’t worry—here are some similar options

Safety measures
icon1 hour  (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English

Explore our promoted experiences

Overview

Feel like you’ve gone back in time on this 1-hour tour of Oxford Castle. Led by a costumed guide who plays a real-life character from history, you’ll explore the Norman castle’s medieval remains, from the prison to the 900-year-old crypt. Climb up the steps to the top of St. George’s Tower, discover the Debtors’ Tower and the prison’s D-Wing, and make your way to the mound of the 11th-century motte-and-bailey castle.
  • 1-hour tour of Oxford Castle led by a costumed character guide
  • Climb St. George’s Tower for stunning views of the city's skyline
  • Discover the history behind the mound of the 11th-century castle
  • Venture underground to the castle’s 900-year-old crypt, the only remains left of St. George’s Chapel
  • See the Debtors’ Tower and prison's D-Wing, then explore the prison and larger site at your own leisure
  • Choose your own tour time (tour runs every 20 minutes between 10am and 4:20pm)
  • Tour is wheelchair accessible
Saved to wishlist!
Book Now
Guided Tour
Costumed Character Guide
Guidebook (if option selected)
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Departure Point

Oxford Castle, Oxford OX1 1BY, UK

The entrance to the tour is to the left of the cafe. You will enter through the gift shop.

Return Details

Returns to original departure point
Your tour begins at the time you chose at checkout. Remember to meet at Oxford Castle Quarter, and bring a paper or electronic voucher with you.

Travel back in time as your costumed guide tells of what it was like when their character was around. Walk up 30 feet (9 meters) of steps at St. George’s Tower. When you make it to the top, bust out your camera and snap some photos of Oxford's so-called dreaming spires.

Now it’s underground you go as you head down to the 900-year-old crypt, the only remains left of St. George’s Chapel. It’s said that St. George’s Chapel is where the education of Oxford started. Plus, some even believe this area is haunted by a ghost or two.

Feel the eerie aura when you explore the 18th-century Debtors’ Tower and prison’s D-Wing. Then, take a look at the castle mound before you set off to explore the prison and larger site at your own leisure.
Itinerary
Stop At:  
Oxford Castle & Prison
Take a guided tour today and let the characters reveal their fascinating stories entrenched in the building’s 1,000 year history. When William the Conqueror invaded England and won the Battle of Hastings in 1066, Oxford Castle was marked by the Normans as the ideal place for a motte-and-bailey castle. Today, after almost one millennia, Oxford Castle & Prison is a visitor attraction with a past stretching far beyond your imagination. Guided tours last approx. an hour and run every 20 minutes and are led by one of the castle's costumed character guides. The rich history of Oxford and the castle is revealed as you climb the Saxon St George’s Tower, one of the oldest buildings in Oxford, and enjoy its stunning 360° panoramic views over the historic city of Oxford. Then, descend deep underground into the dark atmosphere of the 900 year old crypt, the only surviving remains of St. George’s Chapel where it is said, began the education for which Oxford is famed, and where Geoffrey of Monmouth penned the Legends of King Arthur. Explore the austere confines of the 18th century Debtors’ Tower and Prison D-Wing and scale the Mound of the 11th century motte-and-bailey castle. After your tour, you will be inducted into the castle’s prison and wider site where you will be able to explore at your own leisure. Admission to the castle is by guided tour only.
... MoreLess
Admission Ticket Included
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Children under 5 years of age will not be permitted access to St George’s Tower due to health and safety regulations.
  • Visitors unable to climb the tower may wait at the bottom with a guardian and watch our “Story of Oxford Castle” video. Once the tour group returns from the Tower, you are then able to rejoin your group as the tour continues. To find out more about this policy, click here to view our access information.
  • Due to the historical nature of the building Prams & Pushchairs do not fit through our doors, so they need to be left in the reception area where they will be looked after from a member of our team.
  • Payment must be made at the time of booking by credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, Switch or Delta).
  • No dogs are allowed in the attraction, the mound, Castleyard Cafe or the gift shop except for guide dogs.
  • Opening times may be subject to change; for up-to-date information on admission prices and opening times, please telephone our information line on +44(0)1865 260666
  • Stroller accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 4 travelers
  • OPERATED BY Oxford Castle & Prison
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Oxford Castle and Prison Guided Tour?
A:The policies on face masks and attendee health are:

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
See all safety measures taken by Oxford Castle and Prison Guided Tour.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Oxford Castle and Prison Guided Tour?
A:The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
See all safety measures taken by Oxford Castle and Prison Guided Tour.
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during Oxford Castle and Prison Guided Tour?
A:The policies on social distancing are:

  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
See all safety measures taken by Oxford Castle and Prison Guided Tour.
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Oxford Castle and Prison Guided Tour?
A:The policies on staff health & safety are:

  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
See all safety measures taken by Oxford Castle and Prison Guided Tour.

Traveler Photos

See More
See More

Reviews

4.5
star-4.5
563 Reviews
5 stars
431
4 stars
101
3 stars
16
2 stars
8
1 star
7

Reviews by Viator travelers

Showing 1-10 of 563 reviews
star-5
Nice tour
Noemi_S
, Oct 2020
Great tour. The guide was helpful, informative and funny. Highly recommended if you would like to know more about the history of Oxford.
... MoreLess
star-4
Castle Tour
Allison_S
, Oct 2020
I enjoyed the castle experience, one of the smaller castles I have visited but still full of history. The tour guide was great and explained everything well, and we enjoyed learning the varied history of the nearly 1000 year castle
... MoreLess
star-5
Good
Colin_H
, Sep 2020
A good visit led by a young lady with a different sounding first name. She was very good enthusiastic and engaging.
... MoreLess
star-5
Great tour with stories to bring it to life
N_K
, Aug 2020
Great tour of the prison and Castle with Freya. They've managed to do a great job of social distancing and hygiene measures and still keep the tour interesting and informative.
... MoreLess
star-3
Average Day Out
Lindsey_G
, Aug 2020
The Castle and Prison Guided Tour passed an hour whilst in Oxford but, overall, was rather uneventful. Good Covid-19 health and safety precautions in place and friendly tour guide/presenter.
... MoreLess
star-5
Perfect social distancing experience!!
Leanne_W
, Aug 2020
Fantastic time spent at the castle and prison, our tour guide was very funny, professional and knowledgable and made social distancing a lot less harrowing than expected. Definitely recommended and a lovely break from reality.
... MoreLess
star-5
Great site in Oxford
Brett S
, Jul 2019
The Oxford Castle & prison is a hidden gem. the city has so much on the educational side with the colleges that this medical prospective is a nice complement to the other sites. Highly advise this be on your list!
... MoreLess
star-4
Very interesting and well presented...
Rob H
, Nov 2017
Very interesting and well presented by character in costume. I would have loved a bit more time than one hour and a tour of the old prison in the hotel would have been a bonus
... MoreLess
star-4
Even though you have bought a ticket...
Adele T
, Aug 2017
Even though you have bought a ticket on viator, you have to go there or ring ahead and book a session. I arrived at 11 thinking I would just be on the next tour, but I had to wait until 1pm. The tour was good and the guide was really but not one of the best castles in the U.K. Better for kids I reckon.
... MoreLess
star-5
I would highly recommend this trip...
Donna B
, May 2017
I would highly recommend this trip. The tour guard was brilliant and the castle has a lot of history to it. The city of Oxford is also amazing with all the historic buildings.
... MoreLess

Explore Similar Things to Do

Walking ToursHistorical ToursWalking & Biking ToursCultural & Theme ToursTours & SightseeingOxfordWalking Tours - South East EnglandHistorical Tours - South East EnglandWalking Tours - LondonHistorical Tours - LondonWalking Tours - BirminghamHistorical Tours - BirminghamCategory

Attractions in Oxford

Ashmolean Museum Tours & TicketsMagdalen College Tours & TicketsSheldonian Theatre Tours & TicketsOxford Botanic Garden Tours & TicketsOxford Castle & Prison Tours & TicketsTrinity College Tours & TicketsOxford Town Hall Tours & TicketsBlenheim Palace Tours & TicketsCarfax Junction Tours & TicketsHistory of Science Museum Tours & TicketsBalliol College Tours & Tickets