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Oxford Castle

Oxford Castle: Our most recommended tours and activities

City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

1. City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Home to the oldest University in Britain, Oxford is an architectural marvel. You'll get fantastic views of its honey colored buildings as well as tantalizing glimpses of the hushed courtyards of its many Colleges. Visit the International award winning Oxford Castle Heritage area and you'll travel by the Ashmolean, the Sheldonian, the historic Carfax junction - see this and more on the City Sightseeing tour of Oxford. Your Tour Itinerary Stop 1 - Railway Station Stop 2 - Park End Street Stop 3 - Bus Station Stop 4 - New Road Stop 5 - West Gate  Stop 6 - Speedwell Street Stop 7 - Christ Church Stop 8 - Brasenose College Stop 9 - The Queens College Stop 10 - The Plain Stop 11 - St. Cross Road Stop 12 - South Parks Road Stop 13 - Wadham College Stop 14 - Trinity College Stop 15 - Parks Road Stop 16 - Banbury Road Stop 17 - Woodstock Road Stop 18 - Browns Restaurant Stop 19 - Magdalen Street East Stop 20 - Randolph Hotel

Oxford Castle and Prison: Guided Tour

2. Oxford Castle and Prison: Guided Tour

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.

From London: Oxford & Windsor Castle Day Trip

3. From London: Oxford & Windsor Castle Day Trip

Seize the opportunity of visiting Oxford & Windsor Castle from London in a single day! Your first stop will be Oxford, known as "The City of Dreaming Spiers", due to its pointed towers that transport us to medieval times and the stories of castles and dragons. The tour leader will show the highlights of this medieval-style city. You will have the chance to see places like Oxford University, the University Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, or Brasenose College. If you are a Harry Potter fan, be aware of your surroundings and try to identify the most iconic places of Hogwarts. After the guided visit, you will have some free time to enjoy Oxford and walk through its streets. From here, you will then move to Windsor Castle, which you will reach on a comfortable bus ride. Here you will have the chance to visit this royal palace and residence. If you choose the option with entrance tickets, you will be able to explore its interior, or if you prefer, you can enjoy some free time to walk around Windsor Castle on your own. In short, it is a cultural and architectural trip that you cannot miss since we will visit two of the most iconic places in the history of England!

Oxford: Stepping Through Oxford Walking Tour

4. Oxford: Stepping Through Oxford Walking Tour

Discover charming and historic Oxford, renowned for being home to the prestigious University of Oxford, one of the oldest universities in the world. The city boasts a wealth of stunning architecture, picturesque scenery, and fascinating cultural attractions, like the Bridge of Sighs and the Carfax Tower, that you will discover in our walking tours. Discover the iconic Christ Church College and Lincoln College and marvel at their stunning Gothic and Baroque architecture. Learn about the famous alumni that studied there. After the tour, download the Vox City app (included in your tour) to discover more of Oxford and its incredible history with curated audio-guided routes through the main quarters. Our walking tours main sights: Radcliffe Camera Bodleian Library The Tower of the Five Orders Bridge of Sights Hertfort College Clarendon Building University of Oxford The Wenston Library The Old Schools Quad The White Horse Carfax Tower Christ Church The Old Tom St. Aldates Tavern Oxford Town Hall Swindlestock Tavern High Street University Church of St. Mary the Virgin Bodleian Library Alice's Shop The Crown Covered Market St. Micheal at the North Gate Oxford Martyrs Cross The bear Inn The Wheatsheaf St. Aldates Tavern History of Science Museum Sheldonian Theatre Holywell Music Room New College All Souls College Our self-guided route's main sights: St. Margaret's Well Port Meadow Folly Bridge Oxford Castle and Prison Trill Mill Stream Nuffield College Martyrs Memorial Ashmolean Museum Jericho University Parks Rhodes House Headington Shark

Oxford Day Trip from London: City Tour, Colleges & Lunch

5. Oxford Day Trip from London: City Tour, Colleges & Lunch

Travel back in time on this Private Day Trip Tour into one of the world's most academic and intellectual cities. Get away from busy London and tour Oxford with a private local guide. Admire not only the city's medieval architectural beauty and its river and natural environment, but also its traditional English cuisine. Learn about the history of Oxford Castle, an ancient castle over 1,000 years old, famous for having once been a prison. Visit the only 12th-century tower still standing in the city. Take the opportunity to enter the History of Sciences Museum to see the famous blackboard that Einstein once used during a lecture at some Oxford University, and which still preserves its formulas. Relax and enjoy a delicious British lunch with a typical English beer in a traditional 14th-century tavern. Enjoy the best views of this university city by climbing to the top of the 13th-century tower of the University Church of St Mary. See the most prestigious colleges in the world, from Balliol College (the oldest in Oxford) to the most important college in the city: Christ Church College. Enter and breathe the university and intellectual air of Oxford. Get to know its beautiful Gothic building and discover how its students live. Enjoy Oxford in-depth, with its History, its Culture, Gastronomy, Colleges, and local’s lifestyle in this amazing Private Day Tour.

Oxford: Self Guided City Walk and Interactive Treasure Hunt

6. Oxford: Self Guided City Walk and Interactive Treasure Hunt

Go Quest Adventures is turning the streets of Oxford into an Adventure Playground! Welcome to Oxford, the city of Dreaming Spires! Named the most beautiful city in the UK by a recent study, this is a place immersed in culture and history (with over 1500 historic listed buildings), home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world and a place renowned for its friendly and lively atmosphere. It’s no wonder so many have been inspired by its beauty. Explore the streets of Oxford and unlock a hidden trail by finding clues, solving puzzles & completing challenges, earning points along the way all self-guided through the Go Quest Adventures app. See the area's highlights, explore it's hidden gems and learn some insider history and fun facts along the way (even locals will discover something new!). As the Quest is self guided you can: * Start your Quest whenever you want, get instant access with nothing to print off from home * Go as fast as you want and try to top the leaderboard, or go at your own pace, stopping for rest breaks along the way. Your Quest will start in the historic medieval centre of the city and wind your team through its iconic streets before leading you through the grounds of some of the University of Oxford’s most famous colleges, nipping in and out of small alleyways to end at the historic Oxford Castle and Prison. During your Quest learn about Town & Gown clashes, discover where C.S. Lewis may have found some inspiration, see if you can spot J.R.R. Tolkien's ghost and visit where former US President Clinton ‘didn’t inhale’ all while dodging students on bicycles rushing about. So grab your caps & gowns, put on some comfy shoes and get ready to explore the sights, discover hidden gems and ultimately, conquer your Oxford City Centre Quest! This is an ideal outdoor activity for couples, families, groups of friends, school groups and can be the perfect team building or corporate activity. Customised Quests and group packages are available by emailing hello@goquestadventures.com. Get Questing today!

Oxford: Town & Gown Walking Tour

7. Oxford: Town & Gown Walking Tour

Discover charming and historic Oxford, renowned for being home to the prestigious University of Oxford, one of the oldest universities in the world. The city boasts a wealth of stunning architecture, picturesque scenery, and fascinating cultural attractions, like the Bridge of Sighs and the Carfax Tower, that you will discover in our walking tours. Discover the iconic Christ Church College and Lincoln College and marvel at their stunning Gothic and Baroque architecture. Learn about the famous alumni that studied there. After the tour, download the Vox City app (included in your tour) to discover more of Oxford and its incredible history with curated audio-guided routes through the main quarters. Our walking tours main sights: Radcliffe Camera Bodleian Library The Tower of the Five Orders Bridge of Sights Hertfort College Clarendon Building University of Oxford The Wenston Library The Old Schools Quad The White Horse Carfax Tower Christ Church The Old Tom St. Aldates Tavern Oxford Town Hall Swindlestock Tavern High Street University Church of St. Mary the Virgin Bodleian Library Alice's Shop The Crown Covered Market St. Micheal at the North Gate Oxford Martyrs Cross The bear Inn The Wheatsheaf St. Aldates Tavern History of Science Museum Sheldonian Theatre Holywell Music Room New College All Souls College Our self-guided route's main sights: St. Margaret's Well Port Meadow Folly Bridge Oxford Castle and Prison Trill Mill Stream Nuffield College Martyrs Memorial Ashmolean Museum Jericho University Parks Rhodes House Headington Shark

Oxford: Town & Gown and Universities Walking Tour

8. Oxford: Town & Gown and Universities Walking Tour

Discover charming and historic Oxford, renowned for being home to the prestigious University of Oxford, one of the oldest universities in the world. The city boasts a wealth of stunning architecture, picturesque scenery, and fascinating cultural attractions, like the Bridge of Sighs and the Carfax Tower, that you will discover in our walking tours. You have two different walking tours included in your ticket which can be joined either on the same day or on different days. Discover the iconic Bodleian Library and the Ashmolean Museum, the oldest public museum in the world. Hear the stories about the University of Oxford and its 38 colleges, marvel at their stunning Gothic and Baroque architecture and learn about the famous alumni who studied there. After the tour, download the Vox City app (included in your tour) to discover more of Oxford and its incredible history with curated audio-guided routes through the main quarters. Our walking tours main sights: Radcliffe Camera Bodleian Library The Tower of the Five Orders Bridge of Sights Hertfort College Clarendon Building University of Oxford The Wenston Library The Old Schools Quad The White Horse Carfax Tower Christ Church The Old Tom St. Aldates Tavern Oxford Town Hall Swindlestock Tavern High Street University Church of St. Mary the Virgin Bodleian Library Alice's Shop The Crown Covered Market St. Micheal at the North Gate Oxford Martyrs Cross The bear Inn The Wheatsheaf St. Aldates Tavern History of Science Museum Sheldonian Theatre Holywell Music Room New College All Souls College Our self-guided route's main sights: St. Margaret's Well Port Meadow Folly Bridge Oxford Castle and Prison Trill Mill Stream Nuffield College Martyrs Memorial Ashmolean Museum Jericho University Parks Rhodes House Headington Shark

From London: 3-Day Tour to Stonehenge, Bath, & Oxford

9. From London: 3-Day Tour to Stonehenge, Bath, & Oxford

Let’s have a road trip to the British countryside together! It’s all safe and private. You will be picked up from London, early in the morning. After no more than 2 hours of riding in my Tesla, we'll be in the middle of the countryside. Day 1: We'll start by exploring the enigmatic wonders of Stonehenge and then we'll venture to Bath, an impressive Roman town, rich in history and culture. Heading north, will be visiting Castle Combe, known as the prettiest village in England. At the end, you'll be warmly welcomed to your new Airbnb to relax and prepare for another day in the Cotswolds. Day 2: Our first destination of the day is Bibury, a charming old English village, where we'll spend some time discovering its quaint cottages. Next, we'll explore Bourton-on-the-Water, a larger and beloved village located alongside the river Windrush. Our final village on this memorable journey is Burford, where you'll have the opportunity to relish breathtaking village views and have a quick shopping session. Day 3: On the last day of our journey, Oxford awaits our exploration. We'll have the opportunity to see the University of Oxford, wander alongside River Thames, visit Oxford Castle, and bask in the splendor of Christ Church one of Oxford's most renowned college in Oxford. As the day comes to a close, I'll drop you off at your desired location in Greater London.

From Bristol: 2-Day Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford & Cotswolds

10. From Bristol: 2-Day Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford & Cotswolds

Day 1 Departing Bristol, your journey begins with a scenic drive through what is considered the birthplace of British tourism and the birthplace of the industrial revolution. We’re talking about Wye Valley, of course, which is dubbed an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You’ll love the views of this region as we head towards Tintern Abbey on the banks of River Wye. There’s some fascinating history behind this now-roofless national icon which was founded in 1131. Afterwards you make your way to the market town of Ross-on-Wye where you have free time to explore and grab a bite to eat. Then it’s time to head to Broadway. No, we’re not talking about seeing a stage production, we’re talking about the picturesque village in the Cotswolds. This is a great time for a spot of shopping, or simply wander and enjoy the town before heading to Stratford-upon-Avon, your base for the night. You arrive in the birthplace of Shakespeare in the mid-afternoon so there’s still some time to explore and sort yourself out for dinner. You’re spoilt for choice in Stratford-upon-Avon. Perhaps you’ll explore the Schoolroom and Guildhall, where Shakespeare was first inspired by literature and theatre. Or perhaps you’ll visit his childhood home and hear tales of his family life. Day 2 You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a movie today. Your first destination is considered one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the UK. Wander around the picturesque village of Chipping Campden before heading to Bourton-on-the-Water. Quite a literal name, as this village boasts the beautiful River Windrush running through it, and is known as the Venice of the Cotswolds. You continue onto Oxford, your main stop for the day. Famously known for its university, the city of Oxford has an interesting history and plenty of things to do and see. You can learn about some of it at the Ashmolean Museum, Britain’s oldest public museum. If museums aren’t your thing, there’s always Oxford Castle & Prison, a tour of some of the colleges around town, and even several Harry Potter locations to spot. Enjoy a relaxing drive back through some of England’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the perfect way to end your day as you head to Bristol where your tour ends in the early evening.

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Other Sightseeing Options in Oxford Castle

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What people are saying about Oxford Castle

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 401 reviews

John was amazing! Highly recommend this tour. I enjoyed it a lot and learned new things. We were a group of 10 and were able to ask questions too. John answered them all… what a knowledgeable guy!! The app worked well too. It was nice to walk around on your own and explore the remaining Oxford sights. Totally recommended!

Fascinating tour, and engaging guide with lots of interesting info about Oxford’s historic past. Impressive tower with great views of Oxford from the top and a grim insight into prison life!

I really enjoyed this tour, well two tours! it was a great way to see this beautiful city and a real bargain! Loved it.

It is a great way to avoid long walks and you are able to see much of the city.

The experience was great but I expected to see more of Oxford.