These are outdoor events, and subject to the usual vagaries of the traditional British summer.

We would advise checking the weather beforehand and bringing any appropriate clothing with you (coat, umbrella, blanket etc).

Wet Weather Policies vary depending on the production, please check the policy for your chosen production.

Romeo and Juliet with Troilus and Cressida (BMH Productions)

We will do whatever possible to continue a performance in the event of poor weather.  Should the weather make continuing a performance not possible a pause will take place and the audience invited to take shelter to allow the weather to pass. In the event a show is stopped and cannot continue, or cancelled in advance due to poor weather a ticket for an alternative performance will be offered or a refund made available.

Twelfth Night (Wild Goose Theatre)

In case of an outdoor Shakespeare performance being abandoned or cancelled due to bad weather, the performance will move to the New Baptist Church on Bonn Square. This is a 5-minute walk from the castle towards the city centre, a pleasant space which we have been using as our wet weather contingency in previous summers. Members of our company will escort ticket holders from the box office at the Castle. You are welcome to make your own way to the Church if you prefer.

Hamlet (Siege Theatre)

 Siege Theatre understands that there are some limitations when it comes to outdoor productions. We endeavour to start and finish every performance, whatever comes our way, so please come prepared for all types of weather. However, on the rare occasion that the conditions make continuing outside impossible, we will move the performance to the New Baptist Church on Bonn Square. This is a short walk from Oxford Castle & Prison and audience members will be led from the Courtyard by members of our production team and re-seated in the alternative venue before the show recommences.

The theatre is open from 7.00pm with the performances starting at 7.30pm.

There isn’t a specific meeting point, just come directly to the castleyard.

Each performance has 180 seats that we provide. Bringing your own chairs is not permitted.

Seating is also all non-reserved, so you may sit anywhere you choose.

It varies from performance to performance. Usually, the play will finish at 10.00pm, but sometimes they can overrun.

Yes, there is a 30-minute interval in the middle of each performance.

Yes, but no alcohol or glass. Glass is prohibited and if you are found to have it on you, we will confiscate it and return it to you at the end of the performance.

If you would like alcohol during your performance, we do sell alcohol from our Gift Shop during The Oxford Shakespeare Festival.

Yes, there will be a limited number of tickets available on the door. These will be sold on a first come first serve basis.

For any other questions, please don’t hesitate to email us at info@oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk and we’d be happy to help!

Concession tickets are for children, students with valid ID and 60+

We offer group rates for 15 or more people. Please email us at info@oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk to enquire.

No parking is available on site.

We recommend using one of 5 Oxford Park and Rides which have frequent bus links into the city centre. Seacourt Park and Ride is the closest to the city, however, as that can often get busy (especially on weekends), Redbridge Park and Ride is our preferred car park.

Car parks can be found at Worcester Street, Gloucester Green and Westgate Shopping Centre. All are a short walking distance from Oxford Castle, but we would recommend checking spaces before you leave.

Coach parking is available at Redbridge Park and Ride.

For more details and a map of Oxford’s car parks please visit the Oxford City Council website.