Guide to Oxford Castle Quarter

One of the world’s most famous university cities, Oxford is famed for its tall spires, river punts, and gowned academics. A lesser-known image, however, is Oxford Castle Quarter - a stunning district in the city centre and an endearing assortment of past and present. A visit here will reward you with great restaurants, intriguing history, spooky stories, and perhaps even a night in a converted prison cell. Catch a train with CrossCountry and discover all you need to know about Oxford Castle Quarter. 

History of Oxford Castle

Way back in 1071, when William the Conqueror, the first Norman king of England, was still ruling, plans for Oxford Castle began. Placed strategically close to the water, a mound, or motte, was constructed for defensive purposes, with a stone keep later being added to the top. 

The 13th century holds the first records of Oxford Castle being used as a prison. Hundreds of years later, after being purchased by Christ Church College, fortified during the English Civil War, destroyed, repaired, condemned, and redeveloped as a prison once more, the site became close to what we can walk through today.  

From the 18th to the late 20th century, Oxford Castle was again used as a prison. Designed by architect William Blackburn, the prison actually charged inmates for lodgings and board for a long time. This was common in the UK during the 18th and 19th centuries, and they were known as Debtors Prisons.  

The prison closed its doors in 1996 and became popular as a set for filmmakers. Oxford Castle has been the backdrop for a few popular movies, including 102 Dalmatians. In 2004, the Oxford Castle Heritage Project began with the aim of providing a future for these ancient buildings. This aim of preservation of heritage is why you can enjoy a visit there today. 

Inside Oxford Castle and Prison 

There are plenty of reasons to pay a visit to Oxford Castle Quarter, one of which is to learn about Oxford’s hidden history. Oxford Castle & Prison invites you on a guided tour through the last millennium, where you’ll discover creepy crypts, storied prison cells, and legends around every corner. You’ll learn about many new things, from Viking raids to Victorian justice, while feeling immersed as you’re led through the halls by costumed guides.  

In addition to a tour, why not take part in the Jailbreak escape room? It’s up to you to solve clues and codes to escape from your cell without the prison warden catching you. Invite your friends for a fun activity or make it a team-building experience with colleagues. Got the itch to solve some puzzles? Check out our favourite escape rooms in the UK.  

If you’d rather be on the other side of the cell, head to Oxford Castle & Prison for an evening of murder mystery. Taking place daily and suitable for groups of 15-50 people, an Oxford Mystery tasks you with sorting the truth from the red herrings to solve a grizzly crime. You’ll need to interview inmates, explore clues throughout the prison, and, of course, enjoy complimentary refreshments.  

Booking out an evening for the family-friendly Oxford Castle ghost tours is a great way to enjoy a special night together. Taking place in the moody evening light, you’ll feel the palpable presence of those who have walked the castle halls before you. With spell-binding illusions and spine-tingling stories, this is a perfect activity for paranormal enthusiasts. Ghost walks happen all year round, all over the UK, and they’re a fun and unique way to learn about your city from another perspective, even if that’s from beyond the grave! 

Dining at Oxford Castle Quarter

You could easily spend a whole day in Oxford Castle Quarter, especially as there are plenty of great places to grab a bite to eat. Jericho Coffee Traders are the perfect stop for your morning coffee. With an emphasis on responsibly sourced and high-quality coffee, their castle café welcomes you in with a cosy vibe, plenty of greenery, and even a children’s play area. For a special dinner, book a table at Oxford Malmaison Hotel and you’ll be treated to a variety of stylish and delicious dishes.  

If you fancy venturing further into the city, there are lots of great restaurants near Oxford Castle. Banana Tree, a must-try pan-Asian restaurant with one of the best selections of vegan food in Oxford, is a five-minute walk from the Castle Quarter. Alternatively, walk five minutes in the opposite direction down New Road to Dishoom Permit Room and enjoy a taste of Bombay. 

Spending the Night at Oxford Prison Hotel

As well as a restaurant, Malmaison is also a hotel and an unconventional one at that. Your room is a converted prison cell in a stark white block lined with identical iron doors. Thankfully though, once you step into your room, you’ll be greeted with a cosy bed, flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi – everything you need for an enjoyable stay. The experience offers a unique way to experience Oxford, and it’s just steps from some of the city’s best attractions, including the Ashmolean Museum and the University colleges.  

Please note, CrossCountry is unable to support with any hotel-related queries or booking requests. For further information, please contact the hotels mentioned directly.  

How to get to Oxford Castle Quarter by Train

Oxford Castle Quarter is a ten minute walk from Oxford station, making it an ideal trip to take with CrossCountry. Whether you’re coming from further north, such as from Manchester Piccadilly or Birmingham New Street, or taking a trip from a more southerly location, like Bournemouth or Reading, there are lots of CrossCountry services that can get you to your destination. 

If you’re planning an Oxford Castle visit, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.