Oxford Castle and Prison: Guided Tour
ID: GYG160806-241584
Category:
Country: United Kingdom
Duration:
01:00 hours
Description
Discover the varied history of Oxford Castle & Prison. Learn about its time as a religious site, a jail, and a university. Visit St. George's Tower, the crypt, the Debtors' Tower, and more with your costumed guide.
Step into 1,000 years of Oxford’s history with a costumed tour guide. Climb the Saxon St. George’s Tower, descend deep underground into the 900-year-old Crypt, explore the Victorian Prison D-Wing and Debtors' Tower, and scale the Mound of the 11th-century Motte-and-Bailey castle.
Built in 1071 and only closed in 1996, Oxford Castle & Prison is a site with so many fascinating tales to tell. From the modern day stretching all the way back to the barbaric medieval era. The site has links to the birth of education in Oxford, the famous legends of King Arthur, the valiant escape of Empress Matilda and the infamous modern-day cases of murderers and criminals.
For hundreds of years, the site has held both famous and infamous residents, serving time as a religious site, a home for royalty, and a center of justice as the county jail. After your 50-minute tour, you will be led into the exhibition wing where you can explore at your own leisure.
Highlights
- Climb the Saxon St. George’s Tower, one of the oldest buildings in Oxford, and enjoy its stunning 360° panoramic views of the city
- Descend deep into the atmospheric 900-year-old crypt, the only surviving remains of St. George’s Chapel
- Explore the austere confines of the 18th century Debtors’ Tower and Prison D-Wing
- Marvel at the mound of the 11th century Motte-and-Bailey castle, and discover its vaulted Well Chamber
- Learn about the modern history of the site and its inmates in the historical Exhibition Wing
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This tour is not recommended for people with limited mobility, please visit the Access Information page on the local partner's website for more information
The guided tour lasts approx. 50 minutes, after the tour you will be able to explore the exhibition and prison at your own leisure
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 the “Story of Oxford Castle” video, once the tour group returns from the Tower, you are then able to re-join your group as the tour continues
All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
Oxford Castle & Prison
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 48 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 48 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
