We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Oxford Castle Unlocked

44-46, Oxford Castle, Oxford OX1 1AY , England
01865 260 666
Website
Update attraction details
Ranked #14 of 88 attractions in Oxford
Type: Castles
Owner description: Oxford Castle – Unlocked is a 1000-year castle, which was also used as a place of incarceration for over 800 years. The attraction offers a 40-minute... more » Owner description: Oxford Castle – Unlocked is a 1000-year castle, which was also used as a place of incarceration for over 800 years. The attraction offers a 40-minute guided tour with a costumed character from the castle’s history, exploring the Saxon stone-built St. George’s Tower, the atmospheric crypt, the preserved prison wing and the archaic man-made mound, offering breathtaking views across Oxford’s dreaming spires. « less
Write a Review

217 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    93
    93
    21
    7
    3
Date Rating
London, United Kingdom
1 review
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2013 NEW

Worth checking out, good views of oxford from the top of the tower the guides in character were good, not too expensive either

Was this review helpful? Yes
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013 NEW via mobile

Well worth the money, the staff were fantastic, really got into character. The view from the top of the castle was simply beautiful (was quite out of breath getting to the top) I'm very pleased I chose this as an attraction during my visit to Oxford. Enjoyed feeling like a criminal for a few minutes too!

Was this review helpful? Yes
terengganu
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 May 2013

My friends and I were on a short holiday in Oxford and had to really choose the most 'value for money' attractions because there are so many to visit in Oxford. I'm glad we chose to visit the castle as our first stop. It cost about 7.50 pounds (student rate) and was a guided tour by knowledgable staff. Oxford castle... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by sherryazie for Oxford
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

My 15 and 18 year olds accompanied my to Oxford Castle in March, and it was worth the visit. My daughter today was saying that she is still feeling oddly about it having been a prison so recently. Matilda, the beleaguered queen, was our tour guide and she was a lot of fun. It was an unexpected treat while we... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Heart of Sussex
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

I was concerned that the cost of this attraction would not be worth it, but I am pleased to say it was. The tour was taken by a fabulous guide, whose enthusiasm was contagious, and his knowledge boundless. We were taken through the long and fascinating history of the Castle/Prison from the tower to the crypt and then allowed to... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by SussexKazzy for Oxford
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

If you are staying at Malmaison next door show your room key and you'll get 10% off admission. The tours are every 20 minutes and you are lead around by costumed tour guides who tell you all about the history of the castle/prison. I wouldn't recommend it for young children as they could easily get bored and/or frightened in the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by chris_plant1 for Oxford
Singapore, Singapore
Top Contributor
63 reviews 63 reviews
34 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
26 helpful votes 26 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2013

It's amazing how the prison is turned into a hotel! Three cells were knocked down to make a room. The place was kept as original as possible, with cell doors, the stairs, the gangway, etc. Must visit.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 8 more reviews by esther1903 for Oxford
Dalry, United Kingdom
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 May 2013

I visited Oxford Castle Unlocked with my partner and his mother yesterday. I have lived in Oxford for over a year now and have never gone there - largely because I didn't know what I would be paying for. I was not disappointed. We booked tickets for the tour of the prison, which on first impressions, I thought were very... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by HungryHistorian for Oxford
Oxford, England
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 May 2013

This is an amazing historical site for Oxford - and the tours are interesting and entertaining but I came away feeling slightly disappointed for some reason. There isn't really a lot to see - perhaps only 1 hour for a visit? The price was nearly £10 for an adult and £7 for a child (5-15 - since when was a... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by ojo963t for Oxford
Nottingham
Senior Contributor
40 reviews 40 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 April 2013

My wife and I hate guided tours - they're mostly too long, too detailed to the point of tedium and generally run by people who've done them too many times, to too many people. So I don't really know why we got sucked into this one at the Oxford Castle (it doesn't look much from the outside) - I wanted... More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers who viewed Oxford Castle Unlocked also viewed

 

Been to Oxford Castle Unlocked? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Oxford Castle Unlocked, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing