This weekend, the clock winds back nearly 380 years as Oxford Castle & Prison transforms into a battleground for one of the most dramatic moments in the city’s history, the Siege of Oxford.
Taking place on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June, this immersive, family-friendly event will see Oxford once again under siege, plunging residents and visitors into the sights, sounds and stories of the English Civil War.
History Comes to Life in the Castleyard
The historic Castleyard will become home to a full-scale 17th-century military encampment, complete with pikemen, musketeers, and period spies. Guests can expect:
- Live reenactments
- Musket drills and battlefield tactics
- A chance to meet Royalist and Parliamentarian soldiers
- Authentic camp life demonstrations, including armoury
- Interactive family activities, crafts, and storytelling
Whether you fancy donning a helmet, learning how to load a musket, or discovering spycraft straight from the 1640s, the event offers hands-on history like you’ve never experienced before.
The Story Behind the Siege
Between 1644 and 1646, Oxford was no ordinary city, it was the beating heart of Royalist resistance in the English Civil War. As King Charles I’s wartime capital, the city became a fortress of strategy, secrecy and survival. University colleges were repurposed as military headquarters, defensive ramparts were hastily raised, and Oxford Castle became a key stronghold and prison.
Despite being surrounded by Parliamentary forces and suffering food shortages, Oxford withstood three sieges. The final assault in June 1646, just weeks after Charles I fled the city in disguise, marked the collapse of Royalist hopes and the symbolic end of the First English Civil War.
“Oxford’s role in the Civil War is often overlooked on the national stage. We can’t wait to tell its story – one which is pivotal to British history.” says Kesia Middlemore, Operations Manager at Oxford Castle & Prison, “This event not only recreates the drama of the siege but also highlights the real people – on both sides – whose lives were shaped by it. It’s about bringing forgotten stories to light in the very place they happened.
A Family Day Out with Hands-On Activities
Children aged 7+ can take part in ticketed immersive workshops – training to be a Royalist pikeman or learning the secret spycraft of Parliamentarian agents.
Ticketed Experiences – Limited Spaces
- Recommended for ages 7+
- Pre-booking advised
Become a Soldier:
- Musket training, drills + real equipment
- 10:45 | 14:15 — £10 per child
Become a Spy:
- Invisible ink, codebreaking + secret missions
- 12:30 | 16:00 — £10 per child
Event Details
- Dates: Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd June
- Location: Oxford Castle & Prison, 44–46 Oxford Castle, Oxford OX1 1AY
- Tickets: Available now at OxfordCastleandPrison.co.uk
- Suitable for: All ages
Getting There:
- By train: Oxford Railway Station is just a 10-minute walk from Oxford Castle & Prison. Trains run regularly from London Paddington, Birmingham, and Reading.
- By bus: Numerous bus services stop near the Castle, including City5, X3, and Park & Ride services from Redbridge and Pear Tree.
- By car: Nearby parking is available at Oxford Westgate Car Park (OX1 1TS), just a short walk away.
Stand Where History Was Made
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a curious visitor, or simply looking for an unforgettable day out, the Siege of Oxford at Oxford Castle & Prison offers a powerful window into the past, and a chance to stand where history was made.
Choose your side. Defend the Castle, or take it.
