Oxford Castle and Prison is offering Oxfordshire residents 25% off tickets until the end of the month.
The historic site has stood watch over the dreaming spires for nearly 1,000 years, and the story of the castle and prison is interwoven with the city and its residents.
Led by one of the costumed guides, the history of Oxford and its castle will be revealed.
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Marketing manager Jonathan Pyke said: "Last year Oxford Castle & Prison welcomed nearly 45,000 visitors through our doors, and this January we’re making a reduced ticket price available for the county’s residents.
"If you’ve not visited us for a while, or you’ve never visited us before, now is a great time to visit.”
During the tour, visitors will hear tales of a daring medieval escape from St George’s Tower, descend to the crypt to learn Oxford’s connection to King Arthur, and discover the changing role of crime and punishment from the Civil War through to Victorian times and the closure of the prison in 1996.
You can climb the Saxon St George’s Tower, one of the oldest buildings in Oxford, and enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the dreaming spires.
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Visitors can also explore the 900-year-old crypt, the only surviving remains of St George’s Chapel where, it is said, began the education for which Oxford is famed, and where Geoffrey of Monmouth penned the Legends of King Arthur.
You can also explore the austere confines of the 18th century Debtors’ Tower and Prison D-Wing, and climb the Mound of the 11th century motte-and-bailey castle.
After your tour, you will be invited into the castle’s prison and wider site where you will be able to explore at your own leisure.
Admission to the castle is by guided tour only.
The Oxford Castle site off New Road was officially opened by the Queen in 2006 following a major redevelopment.
The Malmaison hotel, converted from the former prison, is at the heart of the site, which also features bars and restaurants.
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Oxford Preservation Trust continues to own, on long lease, the historic heart of the site and St George’s Tower, the remains of the Norman castle and other historic buildings and looks after Oxford Castle & Prison visitor attraction with partners Continuum.
Oxford Castle and Prison is open daily from 10.30am to to 5.30pm.
In November, Jericho Coffee Traders opened a new cafe at the castle site.
The company also has an espresso bar in High Street and a cafe and roastery on the Osney Mead industrial estate off Botley Road.
Visit www.oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk/ for details.
Read more from this author
This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF
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