Oxford Castle

Oxford Castle Unlocked which includes château or palace and heritage elements
Oxford Castle Unlocked which includes a square or plaza and outdoor eating
Oxford Castle Unlocked showing heritage elements, château or palace and heritage architecture
Oxford Castle
Oxford Castle Unlocked

Embark on an entertaining journey through this medieval castle. Learn about its dark past and listen to tales of murder and crime.

Oxford Castle Unlocked is a fun attraction, where you learn about the intriguing history of the city’s castle. Costumed characters take groups on tours around the castle, sharing anecdotes about the mysterious and dark figures that once roamed these halls. Ascend the Saxon St. George’s Tower for panoramic views of the charming city and colleges spread out below.

The castle was built in 1071 by the Normans and it suffered damages during the English Civil War. It was used as HM Prison from the 18th century through to the 1900s.

Book a guided tour of the castle for an in-depth understanding of its rich history. Tours are led by costumed guides who regale visitors with fascinating facts and stories. Find out about the jail keeper who kept a brutal reign over his prisoners in the 1600s and hear tales of the 18th-century murderess who became a celebrity. You’ll also hear about the public executioner who is said to be the inspiration for the Punch and Judy hangman. The guides use humour to keep the talks entertaining and informative.

Make your way to the top of St. George’s Tower, which is among the oldest structures in the city and explore the 900-year-old crypt that lies underground. You’ll also get to see the Debtor’s Tower and the D-Wing of the former prison. Most of the castle is only accessible with a docent, but you are able to explore certain parts unaccompanied.

Visit the gift shop, where you can purchase souvenirs relating to the castle. There are opportunities to have your picture taken and placed in a key ring or fridge magnet for a fun keepsake.

There is an entrance fee and concessions are available for kids, seniors and students. Toddlers enter for free. The site is open daily year-round from morning until late afternoon, apart from closures over the Christmas period.

Oxford Castle Unlocked is based just south of Nuffield College in the centre of Oxford. It’s a 10-minute walk east from Oxford Railway Station.

There are a range of restaurants and bars in the quarter surrounding the castle. Many events, such as street food festivals and outdoor theatre, take place here throughout the year.

Plan a trip to see Oxford Castle

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Three Falcons Hotel

Three Falcons Hotel

4 out of 5
City of Westminster
Save 100% on your flight
per person
6 Oct - 9 Oct
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
Belfast (BFS) to London (LHR)
8.8/10 Excellent! (320 reviews)
Room was recently renovated and comfortable but a proper chair would have been appreciated. The fact that there was no space for a small desk and chair will give you a sense of the small size of the room.

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Corinthia London

Corinthia London

5 out of 5
London City Centre
per person
18 Sept - 22 Sept
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
Aberdeen (ABZ) to London (LHR)
9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
Excellent all around

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Mowbray Court Hotel

Mowbray Court Hotel

3.5 out of 5
London City Centre
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per person
6 Oct - 9 Oct
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
Belfast (BFS) to London (LHR)
7.8/10 Good! (1,007 reviews)
The manager gave me a complimentary breakfast on my last morning and on my first morning I was able to go to my room as soon as I checked in - at 8 a.m.!

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Oxford Castle

While visiting Oxford Castle, tourists can enjoy a variety of engaging activities, including informative Oxford walking tours and guided castle tours that delve into the rich history of the site. Additionally, the vibrant theatre scene nearby offers an excellent opportunity for evening entertainment, making for a well-rounded experience in this historic city.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Oxford Castle, visit the Covered Market, just 186m away, offering a vibrant atmosphere. Cowley Road, 621m away, is perfect for family-friendly shopping. If you're up for a drive, Bicester Shopping Park, located 1621ms away, features a mix of entertainment and shopping options.

Recreation

Kassam Stadium, located 1.9km from Oxford Castle, offers energetic sports activities for enthusiasts. Port Meadow, just 559m away, provides a serene environment for relaxation amidst nature. Hinksey Heights Golf Course, 621m away, invites you to enjoy outdoor sports in a picturesque setting.

Adventure

Embark on the Thames Path National Trail, only 3.1km from Oxford Castle, for a scenic hike immersed in nature. For thrill-seekers, High Ropes Oxford, located 4.3km away, offers an exhilarating ziplining experience amidst the treetops, perfect for those craving adventure.

Nightlife

The vibrant nightlife around Oxford Castle offers a rich tapestry of entertainment. Enjoy a captivating performance at the New Theatre Oxford or the Oxford Playhouse, both a short stroll away. Alternatively, soak in the historic ambience at the Sheldonian Theatre, perfect for a romantic evening out.

Find the best attractions near Oxford Castle

When visiting Oxford Castle, you can explore a range of captivating places, including historic and modern colleges, as well as beautiful churches. This vibrant area offers cultural experiences perfect for families and city explorers alike. For convenience, consider nearby hotels to enhance your stay, with easy access to Oxford Castle's attractions just a short distance away.

  • University of Oxford: Renowned as one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Oxford boasts stunning architecture and rich history. Stroll through its picturesque colleges and soak in the vibrant academic atmosphere, with numerous museums and gardens to explore.
  • Christ Church College: This iconic college is not only an educational institution but also a stunning architectural marvel. Home to beautiful gardens and the famed Christ Church Cathedral, it offers a unique glimpse into the traditions of Oxford, including its connection to Harry Potter.
  • Bodleian Library: As one of the oldest libraries in Europe, the Bodleian Library is a treasure trove for book lovers. With its impressive collection and beautiful reading rooms, visitors can delve into a world of knowledge while appreciating its stunning architecture.

Best time to go to Oxford Castle

The best time to visit Oxford Castle is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January38.8°F (3.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February40.1°F (4.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March43.0°F (6.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.9°F (8.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July62.2°F (16.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August61.5°F (16.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September57.6°F (14.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December41.2°F (5.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Oxford Castle

To save on your visit to Oxford Castle, consider travelling in January or October to November when accommodation prices are lower, especially on Mondays, which are the cheapest nights to stay. Avoid Saturdays for better rates. Use Expedia to compare room rates, find eco-friendly hotels, and check for free cancellation options. You can also save by booking a package that combines your hotel, flights, and activities. For getting around, take advantage of Oxford's efficient public transport or enjoy a leisurely walk to explore the area.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Oxford Castle are January and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Oxford Castle is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Oxford Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search feature enables you to choose your budget, preferred destination, and other criteria. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified hotels filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Oxford Castle hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.