Oxford Castle and Prison: Guided Tour

Discover the captivating history of Oxford Castle and Prison through a guided tour that transports visitors back in time. For just $25.89 per person, this one-hour experience offers a remarkable journey, revealing the secrets and stories of an 11th-century castle, a 900-year-old crypt, and a Victorian-era prison. Led by costumed guides, the tour promises an engaging and visually stunning exploration, complete with breathtaking views from St. George’s Tower. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a unique adventure, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• The Oxford Castle and Prison Guided Tour provides a 1-hour immersive experience exploring a 1,000-year-old castle and its history, including the Motte-and-Bailey castle and Victorian prison.
• Visitors can climb St. George’s Tower for panoramic views, explore the Victorian Prison D-Wing and Debtors Tower, and learn about the castle’s past as a garrison, prison, and educational facility.
• The tour is priced at $25.89 per person and offers a "Reserve now, pay later" option, with cancellations allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• The tour is guided by costumed experts who provide insights into the castle’s historical significance, including its links to legends such as King Arthur and Empress Matilda’s escape.
• While the tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, it is generally well-rated by visitors, with a 4.7/5 star overall rating based on 209 evaluations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Oxford Castle and Prison Guided Tour provides visitors with a comprehensive exploration of this historic site. Priced from $25.89 per person, the 1-hour tour allows guests to explore over 1,000 years of history.

Explore over 1,000 years of history with the Oxford Castle and Prison Guided Tour, priced from $25.89 per person for a 1-hour experience.

Cancellations are permitted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a "reserve now, pay later" option is available.

The tour showcases the 11th-century Motte-and-Bailey castle, 900-year-old crypt, Victorian Prison D-Wing, and Debtors Tower, led by costumed guides who share captivating insights.

While not suitable for those with mobility issues, visitors can experience the 360-degree panoramic views from St. George’s Tower.

Historical Significance

Oxford Castle and Prison was built in 1071 and served various purposes over the centuries, from a religious site to a jail and educational center.

It links to legends like King Arthur and Empress Matilda’s escape. The site features an 11th-century Motte-and-Bailey castle and a 900-year-old crypt.

Over its 1,000-year history, the castle has had many roles – it was a garrison, a prison, and even briefly an educational facility.

Despite its various uses, the castle and prison have remained an important historical landmark, preserving stories and artifacts from Oxford’s past.

Tour Highlights and Experience

Visitors can climb St. George’s Tower for a 360-degree panoramic view of Oxford.

The tour also allows exploration of the Victorian Prison D-Wing and Debtors Tower, providing a glimpse into the castle’s history as a jail.

After the guided tour, visitors can visit the historical Exhibition Wing for further exploration at their own pace.

The tour is led by costumed guides who provide insights into 1,000 years of the castle’s rich history.

The tour highlights include:

1. Climbing St. George’s Tower for stunning city views.

2. Exploring the Victorian Prison D-Wing and Debtors Tower.

3. Visiting the historical Exhibition Wing for self-guided exploration.

Visitor Information and Accessibility

Although the Oxford Castle and Prison Tour provides a fascinating historical experience, it may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments.

Children under 5 aren’t allowed to climb St. George’s Tower due to safety concerns. However, visitors unable to climb the tower can wait at the bottom and view a video, allowing them to still enjoy the panoramic views.

The tour’s accessibility is a consideration for potential visitors, but the guided experience and insights into 1,000 years of history make it a worthwhile adventure for those able to participate fully.

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Customer Feedback and Ratings

Reviewers have overwhelmingly praised the Oxford Castle and Prison Tour, with an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 209 customer evaluations.

The tour guides received a perfect 5/5 rating, with visitors highlighting their engaging and informative presentations. In terms of value for money, the tour scored an excellent 4.6/5 rating.

Some key customer feedback includes:

1. "The guide brought the history to life in a captivating way."

2. "Climbing the tower provided amazing views of Oxford."

3. "The extension to Kings College was less valuable than the rest of the tour."

Exploring the Castle’s Iconic Structures

The Oxford Castle and Prison Tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through the site’s iconic structures, each with its own rich history.

Climb the 101-step St. George’s Tower and behold 360-degree panoramic views of the city. Explore the Victorian-era Prison D-Wing, where inmates were once housed.

Venture into the 900-year-old crypt, a remnant of the original 11th-century Motte-and-Bailey castle. Throughout the tour, costumed guides bring these historic spaces to life, sharing insights into the castle’s varied past as a religious site, jail, and educational center.

This immersive experience offers a window into Oxford’s captivating past.

Uncovering the Prison’s Dark History

Beneath the castle’s imposing facade lies a dark chapter of Oxford’s history – the Victorian prison that operated within its walls for over a century.

Visitors can explore the grim D-Wing and Debtors Tower, where prisoners endured harsh conditions and brutal punishments. The tour offers a glimpse into the prison’s past:

1. Inmates were forced to perform hard labor, such as breaking rocks, as a form of rehabilitation.

2. The prison was notorious for its use of solitary confinement, with inmates spending up to 23 hours per day isolated in their cells.

3. Executions were carried out on-site, leaving a somber legacy that still permeates the historic site.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

As visitors uncover the prison’s dark history, they’ll want to keep a few practical tips in mind for their tour. The castle and prison are not suitable for those with mobility issues, and children under 5 are not allowed in the tower. However, those unable to climb can wait at the bottom and view a video. To make the most of your visit, check out this helpful table:

| Tip | Details |

| — | — |

| Wear comfortable shoes | You’ll be doing a fair bit of walking and climbing. |

| Bring cash | The on-site cafe and gift shop are cash-only. |

| Book in advance | Tickets can sell out, especially during peak seasons. |

The Sum Up

The Oxford Castle and Prison Guided Tour offers a captivating journey through history. Visitors can explore the castle’s iconic structures, uncover the prison’s dark past, and enjoy breathtaking views from St. George’s Tower. With a high customer rating, this tour promises a rich and memorable experience for just $25.89 per person. Whether you’re a history buff or seeking a unique adventure, this tour is not to be missed.

You can check availability for your dates here: