Oxford Castle & Prison

Travel back in time to Oxford Castle & Prison: home to over 10 centuries of intrigue.

This site is packed to the brim with history; where to start?! Begin by climbing the Saxon St.George’s Tower. This is one of the oldest buildings in Oxford with 360° panoramic views around the city. Then drop right back down to the depths of a 900-year-old crypt, the only surviving remains of St. George’s Chapel. Next explore the insides of an 18th-century debtor’s tower, before winding your way through the prison d-wing. Last but not least? Scale the mound of the 11th-century motte-and-bailey castle. Phew!

This was a site of incarceration dating back to 1071 and gives a look into the lives of real people: the owners, visionaries, activists and inmates of Oxford. Tours run every 20 minutes but you’ll have plenty of time to explore the site under your own steam.

• Climb one of the oldest buildings in Oxford with 360° panoramic views of the city
• Explore prison cells and a 900-year-old crypt
• Guided tours give visitors a true-to-life look into the history of the area