Oxford Castle & Prison
On Gingerguide's self-guided Oxford audio tour, Oxford Castle & Prison is a stop worth about ~60 min. Stand in front of it, press play for a short narrated story, and put any follow-up question to the built-in AI guide.
- Type castle
- Suggested visit ~60 min
- Oxford Oxford guide
About Oxford Castle & Prison
A Norman medieval castle dating to 1071 with a Saxon tower, offering tours of the castle mound, crypt, and former Victorian prison.
Oxford Castle is a large, partly ruined Norman medieval castle in central Oxford. Built in 1071 by Robert D'Oyly, it includes the well-preserved St George's Tower, one of the oldest buildings in Oxford dating from Saxon times. The castle later served as a county prison from the 18th century until 1996. Today it is a heritage site and luxury hotel.
Did you know? Empress Matilda escaped the besieged castle in 1142 by dressing in white during a snowstorm and crossing the frozen Thames on foot.
How much time do you need at Oxford Castle & Prison?
Around ~60 min works well for Oxford Castle & Prison — time to look properly and listen to its story on the spot. Linger if you like; nothing on a self-guided walk is on a clock.
Should you stop at Oxford Castle & Prison?
Yes — Oxford Castle & Prison made the cut as one of 12 places the Gingerguide team researched and narrated across Oxford. The story tells you why it is worth the stop, and the AI guide fills in anything you still wonder.
Nearby stops in Oxford
Hear the story of Oxford Castle & Prison
Preview the Oxford tour free in the Gingerguide app.