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Historic site
Oxford Castle and Prison
Medieval castle site and former prison, with an Anglo-Saxon tower, a crypt and prison cells open to visitors.
Directions Website Report a problem with Oxford Castle and Prison
A mini guide to
Jericho, the Castle and Port Meadow
Oxford Castle, the streets of Jericho and the open common of Port Meadow
Photos
1 / 5Welcome to the area
Oxford Castle, the streets of Jericho and the open common of Port Meadow
West of the center, Oxford Castle and Prison stands beside Castle Quarter and the railway station on Park End Street. North of it, Jericho is a former working-class district of terraced streets, now known for Walton Street, its cafés and restaurants, the Phoenix Picturehouse and Oxford University Press.
At the edge of Jericho, Worcester College and the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter lead out toward the Thames. Port Meadow, an open common beside the river, runs north toward Binsey and the ruins of Godstow Abbey, with riverside pubs at Binsey and Godstow.
Highlights
Start here
If you only have a few hours, these are good places to begin.
College
Worcester College
College founded in 1714 with gardens and a lake on its western side. Visiting hours vary: check the college.
Historic building
Radcliffe Observatory
Grade I listed observatory building completed in 1794, in the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter off Woodstock Road.
Landmark
Oxford University Press
The University's publishing house, with its headquarters building on Walton Street in Jericho.
Church
St Barnabas Church
Church with a tall Italianate bell tower, built in 1868 and a landmark of Jericho's skyline.
Cemetery
St Sepulchre's Cemetery
Victorian cemetery in Jericho, opened in 1849 and open to the public; the city council maintains it.
Directions Website Report a problem with St Sepulchre's Cemetery
Find your way
On the map
The map shows Jericho, the Castle and Port Meadow and the streets around it. The Getting there page lists nearby stops and stations.
Insider tips
Before you go
1
Walk to Port Meadow
Port Meadow is open common land beside the Thames. Cattle and horses graze on it, so keep dogs under control and follow local signs.
2
Eat on Walton Street
Walton Street in Jericho has many restaurants, pubs and cafés in a short stretch. Check each venue's website for opening times.
3
Visit the castle
Oxford Castle and Prison offers visitor tours of its tower and crypt. Check the castle's own website for times and booking.
4
Allow time for Binsey and Godstow
Binsey, Godstow and the Trout Inn are a longer walk or short ride north-west of Jericho. Allow extra time and check the pubs' own sites.
Tips from the Britlens editors
Explore this guide
Everything for Jericho, the Castle and Port Meadow
Oxford
More areas to explore
17 sights · 21 places to eat
Radcliffe Square, Broad Street and St Giles
The Radcliffe Camera, the Bodleian and the museums and colleges of the old university center
Open the mini guide →
13 sights · 24 places to eat
High Street, Magdalen and East Oxford
Colleges along the High Street, Magdalen Bridge and the Botanic Garden, then the shops and restaurants of Cowley Road
Open the mini guide →
13 sights · 21 places to eat
Christ Church, St Aldate's and Folly Bridge
Christ Church and its meadow, the quiet colleges on Merton Street and the river at Folly Bridge
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Jericho, the Castle and Port Meadow (area photo): AstacopsisGouldi, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Oxford Castle and Prison: Tejvan Pettinger, CC BY 2.0, source
- Worcester College: Ben Rudiak-Gould, Public domain, source
- Radcliffe Observatory: Cwawebber, CC BY 3.0, source
- Oxford University Press: Original uploader was user:M stone at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- St Barnabas Church: Motacilla, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- St Sepulchre's Cemetery: Marathon, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Phoenix Picturehouse: decltype, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Port Meadow: AstacopsisGouldi, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Godstow Abbey ruins: Simon Burchell, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- St Margaret's Church, Binsey: Steve Roberts, CC BY 3.0, source
- Godstow Lock: N Chadwick, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Radcliffe Square, Broad Street and St Giles: Julian Herzog (Website), CC BY 4.0, source
- High Street, Magdalen and East Oxford: Julian Herzog (Website), CC BY 4.0, source
- Christ Church, St Aldate's and Folly Bridge: Andy Li, CC0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits