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Oxford Castle Prison
Oxford Castle Prison
What We Offer Visiting Schools:
Oxford Castle Prison provides a variety of curriculum-linked educational workshops that can be tailored to your educational requirements.
King of the Castle (KS1)
Step into medieval Oxford and discover what life was like for kings, queens and castle folk. Using artefacts, mystery objects and dress-up, pupils explore castle life through hands-on learning and role-play. In this workshop pupils will explore history and take part in role-play activities.
Empress Matilda (KS1)
Bring history to life as pupils act out Empress Matilda’s fight for the English throne and her dramatic escape from Oxford Castle. Through engaging activities, children explore this exciting chapter of history while developing teamwork skills. In this workshop pupils will explore history, engage in drama and storytelling, and build teamwork skills.
Castle Challenge (KS2)
Can you build the strongest castle or create the ultimate siege weapon? Working in teams, pupils investigate shapes, materials and forces in this hands-on problem-solving workshop, discovering how castles were built and the methods used to attack them. In this workshop pupils will explore history, develop problem-solving skills, and work collaboratively in teams.
Crime and Punishment (KS2 and KS3)
Investigate the history of crime and punishment at a real former prison. Using objects, documents and costumes, pupils discover how crimes were investigated and punishments changed over time. In this workshop pupils will explore history, investigate laws and justice, and take part in role-play activities.
Mary Blandy on Trial (KS2, KS3 and KS4)
Step into the courtroom and re-enact the trial of Oxford’s most infamous poisoner, Mary Blandy. Using historical evidence, pupils examine the case and decide whether justice was served. In this workshop pupils will explore history, examine the court system, and take part in a courtroom role-play.
Why Choose Us for an Educational Visit:
Oxford Castle Prison offers award-winning learning experiences in the heart of Oxford. School groups can bring history to life by exploring the very building where it happened.
Led by fully trained education staff with a passion for history, all workshops can be tailored to meet your curriculum and learning objectives.
Subjects and Topics Covered:
- Civil Wars
- Kings & Queens
- Castles
- Medieval History
- Saxon History
- Tudor History
- Victorian History
- Crime, Punishment & Reform
- The Court System
Accreditation and Awards:
- The Sandford Award for Heritage Education (2024).
- Visit England’s Best Told Story Accolade (2025)
- Beautiful South’s Small Attraction of the Year (Gold 2022-23, Silver 2025-26)
- TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award Winner (2022-26)
Group Sizes Catered For:
- Up to 35 students (1 class), or 65 students (2 classes) if booked with a workshop.
- One adult is admitted free with every 10 children, 1:5 ratio for KS1.
- For larger groups, please contact Oxford Castle Prison to discuss how they can best accommodate you.
Itineraries, Resources, and Workshops:
Printed resources are provided for selected sessions.
Activities and workshop timetables are tailored with teachers to ensure each visit aligns with the pupils’ curriculum and learning objectives.
Risk Assessment:
All educational workshops and activities are fully risk assessed by their Education Team. Risk assessments are provided upon booking and are also available on request.
Education Department Information:
Telephone: 01865 260663 (Open daily, 10:00am-5:30pm)
Email: education@oxfordcastleprison.co.uk
Pricing Information:
| Key Stage | Standard price per person | *Free teacher places |
| Key Stage 1
(3-7 years & additional teachers) |
£12.95 | 1 per 5 children |
| Key Stage 2+
7-15 years & additional teachers) |
£12.95 | 1 per 10 children |
*To be eligible, groups must comprise of at least 15 persons and must pre-book their visit at least 7 days in advance.
Facilities:
- Disabled Toilets.
- Designated Lunch Area.
- Education Workshop Room
Accessibility and Disabled Facilities:
Accessible toilets available.
Oxford Castle & Prison offers ramp access and a lift to all three prison floors. St George’s Tower is not wheelchair accessible due to stairs, but a video presentation ensures all visitors can explore its history.
Onsite parking is not available. Westgate bus stops are a five-minute walk away.
Opening Hours:
Open daily, 10:00am to 5:30pm.
Closed only on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
