Two young witches with pointed hats are happily mixing potions in a dimly lit, gothic-style laboratory. Various colorful potions in glass bottles and vials are arranged on a wooden table in front of them, with glowing lanterns and arched windows in the background.
family_friendly

Artistic rendering – Event may differ

Ghost Fest: Potion Making at Oxford Castle & Prison

Brew magical potions and craft your own wand.

About

Join Merlin's apprentice in the crypt this October half-term for a magical potion-making experience. Children aged 5-10 will brew two drinkable potions, craft their own wand to keep, and help find Merlin's lost recipe book to learn spells. Each child ticket includes one accompanying adult.

Our Take

Scare Factor

👻 (1/5)

Family Friendly

👶 👶 👶 👶 👶 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Magical and educational

Energy Level

Low

Budget

$$

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Special Events & Promotions

  • October Half-Term event
  • Includes entry for one accompanying adult with child ticket

Tags

family friendlyhalloween festivalpumpkin carvingkids gamesstorytimearts craftsthemed dinner

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Location

44-46 Oxford Castle
Oxford, Oxfordshire
OX1 1AY

Event Details

Pricing

£16 for one child and one adult; £14 per additional child; £2 per additional adult

Duration

1 hour

Ages

5-10 years

Neighborhood

City Centre

Timed Entry

Yes

Organizer

Heritage Projects (Oxford Castle) Ltd

Practical Information

Parking

No parking is available on site. Recommended to use Oxford's Park & Ride car parks (Seacourt or Redbridge) with frequent bus links into the city centre. Other city centre car parks are a short walk away.

Accessibility

Due to the historic nature of the building, not all areas are accessible by wheelchair. St George's Tower has 101 steps. Some prison cells have narrow doorways. Prams and pushchairs must be left at reception. Guide and assistance dogs are allowed, but not on St George's Tower.

Pet Policy

Guide dogs and assistance dogs only

Food & Drink

Two drinkable potions are created during the workshop.

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive 10 minutes before your booked time slot to ensure you don't miss the start of the potion-making session.
  • Consider the recommended age range of 5-10 years for your child to fully enjoy the magical activities.
  • While the event is an hour long, plan for extra time to explore the castle and prison exhibition afterwards.
  • Book tickets in advance, especially for October Half-Term, as sessions are likely to sell out.
  • If bringing a pushchair or pram, be prepared to leave it at reception due to the historic building's narrow doorways.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear to the potion-making event?

Comfortable clothing is recommended for the potion-making activities. As it takes place in the crypt, it might be cooler, so layers are a good idea.

Can I bring a pushchair or pram?

Due to the historic nature of the building, prams and pushchairs cannot fit through the doorways and must be left in the reception area.

Are there any age restrictions for the potion-making event?

The event is recommended for children aged between 5 and 10 years old. Each child ticket includes entry for one accompanying adult.

Can I bring my dog?

Guide dogs and assistance dogs are permitted within the prison and the Mound, but not on St George's Tower. For the potion-making event, it's best to check specific policies.

How long does the potion-making session last?

The potion-making session is approximately one hour long, during which participants will create potions and a wand.

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Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 13, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Halloween Events Near Me editorial team

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