Oxford Castle & Prison
Oxford Castle & Prison things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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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 cinematic impact.
Yeshudas JayaramYeshudas Jayaram
10
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 escape attempts.
UchaUcha
00
This historical site offers regular guided tours (about every 20 minutes) of the remaining parts of the castle, including the tower, crypt, and prison. The tour provides an insightful overview of the harsh conditions and experiences endured by prisoners throughout history, and the climb up the tower offers breathtaking views of the city. When purchasing your ticket, you also receive a passcode to access the gate leading to the mound next to the castle. If you're unable to manage the 101 steep stairs to the top of the tower, you can wait at the bottom and rejoin the group once they've completed the ascent. I'm glad I booked this tour in advance, as the free-entry museums in Oxford were fully booked, which I didn't expect. Unfortunately, we arrived a few minutes late and missed our chance to join the group in the tower, and had to wait below instead, which was disappointing. (It's worth noting that the tower stairs are quite steep.) While I found the stories fascinating, albeit sometimes grim, I wouldn't recommend this tour for young children, as the prison's history is not pleasant. The visit can't be extended much beyond 1.5 hours, but I would still highly recommend it. Our guide was friendly, and I don't believe the cost was excessive. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would definitely recommend it to others.
Adhvaidh SkAdhvaidh Sk
00
The guided tour was absolutely fantastic. Our tour guide Katie made it so much fun. It starts with a lot of history (and a lot of stairs) and a tour of the tower. You climb up the long winding stairs, waves of fresh air gushing through the opening in the stonework, stopping off at a room on the way up. Reaching the top, you can see across the city from the parapet, the castle flags catching the wind. Coming back down, the stairs are just as steep, snaking around the central tower back to the main castle prison. We continued to follow stairs (there is a lift alternative available at this point) down to the crypt. A passageway leads through to the dark, atmospheric room, the old stonework carved by prisoners and a dark, cold spot lingering in a corner. While we were down there, we caught Merlin teaching some young apprentice magicians in a children's workshop. The tour includes a few cell rooms show casing the prison at different points in time. Here Katie really brought the stories to life, getting caught up in the role and bringing us all along with her to be entertained, shocked and laughing. We explored the main museum, testing out some of the hard labour the prisoners were sentenced too, and reading about the full history of the prison. All in all well worth the money and the souvenir photos were great value for 2+.
HeatherHeather
50
This was such a phenomenal castle experience! My friend and I visited on a Sunday and were able to buy tickets on site with only a 20-minute wait for the next tour with space available. It was no problem, though, as during that time, we were able to climb up the castle mound on the premises and get a pretty cool view of the city from up high. I did fall flat on my face on the way up, so be wary of your step, but it was a cute little detour while we were waiting. The castle tour itself was incredible! Our guide was so smart and engaging, and we really had a blast! You're able to climb up one of the castle towers to the roof, where there is an even more impressive view of Oxford, and on the way up learn a ton about the history of the castle's use as a prison. After the tower, they take you into the dungeons and you get to see various cells that prisoners may have stayed in. They also teach about the laborious punishments doled out to prisoners during their time. This section of the tour was one that could be revisited after the completion of the guided portion, and I absolutely recommend taking advantage of that! If you're going to Oxford, shell out an hour or so to visit the Castle!
Lindsey SalekLindsey Salek
10
Oxford Castle and Prison offers a rich, multifaceted exploration of English history through its well-preserved structures and engaging guided tours. Castle was originally built in 1071 by Norman baron Robert D'Oyly. Over the centuries, it has served various purposes, including a royal residence, a prison, and now a historical attraction. The site's rich history encompasses medieval times, the English Civil War, and its later use as a Victorian prison until its closure in 1996. The remains of the castle include the imposing St. George’s Tower, which offers panoramic views of Oxford from its top, and the well-preserved crypt, one of the oldest surviving structures in Oxford. The site also features the 18th-century Debtors’ Tower and the Mound, an artificial motte providing another excellent viewpoint. The interactive exhibits and historical reenactments make the experience both educational and immersive. It’s a must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Oxford's past.
Anith JohnAnith John
00
Nearby Attractions Of Oxford Castle & Prison
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Oxford University Museum of Natural History
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University of Oxford
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Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
44-46 Oxford Castle, Oxford OX1 1AY, United Kingdom
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Website
oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk
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Reviews
Overview
4.4
(2.9K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
family friendly
Description
Oxford Castle is a large, partly ruined medieval castle on the western side of central Oxford in Oxfordshire, England. Most of the original moated, wooden motte and bailey castle was replaced in stone in the late 12th or early 13th century and the castle played an important role in the conflict of the Anarchy.
attractions: Westgate Oxford, Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Covered Market, Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford, Christ Church Meadow, Gloucester Green Market, Pitt Rivers Museum, Carfax Tower, Christ Church Cathedral, restaurants: Turtle Bay Oxford, Turf Tavern, Dirty Bones Oxford, Banana Tree Oxford, Slug & Lettuce - Oxford, The Four Candles - JD Wetherspoon, Dishoom Permit Room Oxford, Browns Oxford, O'neill's Oxford, Red Lion Oxford
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