Oxford Castle & Prison — Attraction in Oxford

A magical hidden gem of a Castle and Prison situated in the heart of the historical city of Oxford. There is very little left of the Castle which pretty comprises of St George's Tower and most of the site comprises of the Prison which closed as late as late 1996 but it is absolute great attraction to visit in Oxford as there is so much intriguing and fascinating history here. The visit to the Castle & Prison is by guided tour only which lasts well over an hour but the guided tour are throughly informative, interesting, riveting and enthralling where you learn some very useful and intriguing facts about the Castle and Prison and there is also some very interesting stories about the Prisoners who resided in the prison during its period of operation. The tour guides conduct a very engaging tour and very enthusiastic and knowledgeable and during the tour you can visit St George's Tower enjoying spectacular views across Oxford and the Crypt where you can marvel at the fantastic historical architecture of the basement and it's age. Other elements of the tour are the visits to the Prison and its cells which are very interesting once you go inside them and see what the conditions were like for the prisoners that were imprisoned there and in one of the cells you can wander into a rather unique cells, which was considered lavish and learn about the story of Mary Blandy imprisoned during Georgian Times for a very serious crime and was from a wealthy background and lived very lavishly compared to other prisoners due to her wealth. At the end of the tour you can re-visit the Crypt again and also visit the Cells and taken the eerie atmosphere but there is also very informative interesting exhibition about the history of the Castle and why was most of it was torn dawn during the Civil War by the Parliamentarians, the history of the Prison from its beginnings through to its closure and also it's prisoners. The exhibition has some interesting artefacts on display in the display cabinets such as a Victorian Laundry Iron, Prison First Aid Box, Handcuffs and other old restraints which are very intriguing to see. The exhibition gives you a fantastic opportunity to bolster your knowledge of the Castle & Prison from what you have learnt from the tour. The best parts of the Attraction have to be St George's Tower due its amazing and spectacular views that be enjoyed across Oxford from its top and also the Crypt due to its wonderful eerie feel to it and you can get a really great insight into its history plus it's fabulous architecture and the Crypt is also wonderfully intact after considering its age and being here all these years. There is a gift shop selling a wonderful range of souvenirs at reasonable prices. Overall this is an amazing and magically majestic place to visit which makes for a thoroughly enjoyable and interesting experience. Definitely one of the best things to do and places to visit...

The Oxford Castle & Prison, steeped in a rich tapestry of history, provides a uniquely immersive experience for any history buff or curious visitor. The architecture itself, both robust and austere, acts as a silent testament to the centuries that have passed since its construction in the 11th century.

Tours are led by knowledgeable guides dressed in period costume, painting vivid pictures of life in the castle through different eras. The experience is not just about understanding the historical aspects, but also about getting a glimpse of the human struggles, dreams, and resilience that have unfolded within these walls.

A highlight is the haunting story of Mary Blandy, a figure infamous for poisoning her father in the 18th century. Her tragic tale offers an insightful, albeit chilling, glimpse into the darker side of Oxford's history, truly encapsulating the harsh realities of life within the prison's walls.

Moreover, the castle's fame extends beyond history books into popular culture, with several films shot on location. The grim ambiance of the castle and its poignant narrative have inspired filmmakers and have been effectively utilized to create some truly gripping cinema.

However, accessibility can be improved as some areas are challenging to navigate, especially for people with mobility issues. The information boards are mostly text-heavy which might make it difficult for younger audiences to engage with the content.

In conclusion, the Oxford Castle & Prison is not just a historical landmark but a storytelling hub that narrates tales from an era gone by. Despite minor issues, it is a must-visit location for anyone interested in the captivating history of Oxford, memorable tales of its inhabitants, and its...

Oxford Castle & Prison is a historic site in Oxford, England, with origins dating back nearly 1,000 years. Located at 44-46 Oxford Castle, the site is both a preserved Norman castle and a former Victorian prison, offering visitors a rich glimpse into England’s past.

Originally built by Norman baron Robert D’Oyly in 1071, the castle began as a motte-and-bailey fortress, intended to fortify Norman control in the region. Later, it was expanded to include a stone keep and a grand tower, known as St. George’s Tower, which remains one of Oxford’s oldest intact structures. The castle served various roles throughout history, transitioning from a royal residence to a county prison by the 13th century.

In the 18th century, the prison expanded to accommodate the growing number of inmates, and by the Victorian era, it had become the main county jail. The prison remained operational until 1996, when it was finally closed, and the site was preserved as a museum and tourist attraction.

Today, Oxford Castle & Prison offers guided tours, allowing visitors to explore the ancient castle ruins, climb St. George’s Tower, and venture into the eerie 900-year-old crypt. The prison cells, complete with authentic furnishings and displays, offer a chilling perspective on life behind bars during the Victorian era. Visitors can also learn about notable inmates, the prison’s harsh punishments, and fascinating...