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From142US$ /night
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10Oct2025Select date
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11Oct2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Castle Hotel

15 Ship Street, Oxford, United Kingdom, OX1 3DA

Tower House Guest House, Oxford - A Tudor Treasure

For those seeking a truly immersive Oxford experience, the Tower House Guest House offers a historical haven. This 17th-century establishment, more akin to a friendly B&B than a formal hotel, stands as a testament to the city's enduring charm. It manages to feel intimate, a small operation that offers a warm embrace to all who pass through its ancient doors. Its reputation is built on its authenticity, a rare find in the heart of such a dynamic city.

Location

Tower House Guest House finds itself precisely where you'd want it to be: right in the thick of Oxford's historic centre. Step outside and you are mere minutes on foot from the iconic New Theatre and the Covered Market, with key academic institutions like Exeter, Trinity, and Brasenose colleges just around the corner. The Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, and even the Museum of the History of Science are all within a stone's throw. It's a location that places you at the nexus of history and modern Oxford life, with the University itself a mere 15-minute walk away.

Style and Character

This is a property that wears its history with pride. An intriguing rabbit warren of tight corridors, low ceilings, and original stone floors, the Tower House is a celebration of its architectural heritage. The dining room, once a tower integrated into the medieval city walls, gives the building its name and its gravitas. Dark beams and curious nooks and crannies abound, creating an atmosphere that is both intimate and evocative. The décor leans into vintage-style furniture and antiques, working harmoniously with the building's inherent character. It's a rustic-style establishment that feels incredibly popular with locals, hinting at its genuine appeal.

Service and Facilities

While not a large operation, the Tower House makes up for its scale with thoughtful touches. Guests can expect to find tea, coffee, and fruit thoughtfully scattered throughout the property, alongside a curated selection of books. For those needing to stay connected, complimentary Wi-Fi is readily available in public areas. The communal living room, furnished with big leather armchairs, provides a civilized space for guests to relax. Check-in, managed by reception, is a straightforward affair running daily between 3 pm and 9 pm. Safety is also a priority, with a carbon monoxide detector, fire extinguisher, smoke detector, security system, and first aid kit all in place.

Rooms

The rooms at Tower House are a study in understated comfort, managing to integrate modern conveniences with the building's historic fabric. There are a variety of categories, including gorgeously spacious rooms with king-size double beds. Notably, two rooms are cleverly built into the original city wall, offering a unique sense of place. Deluxe rooms also benefit from this integration. For those requiring specific needs, an accessible double room is available, featuring a walk-in shower, tea/coffee facilities, free Wi-Fi, and a flat-screen TV. Standard amenities across many rooms include tea/coffee making facilities, heating, and private bathrooms. The hotel is also amenable to families, offering the option of an extra bed or the booking of an entire floor, providing a flexible solution for larger groups.

Food and Drink

Breakfast at Tower House is an affair to remember, served à la carte in a setting that echoes the building's history. The menu offers classic comforts, from a full English breakfast to elegantly prepared eggs Benedict and what are described as 'posh beans on toast.' The kitchen shows particular care for dietary needs, with plenty of choices available for vegans, vegetarians, and those with allergies or intolerances, ensuring a satisfying start to the day for all guests.

Value for Money

While specific rates are not provided, the Tower House Guest House offers a distinct value proposition. It's not about opulent luxury, but about an authentic historical immersion. The inclusion of breakfast, Wi-Fi, and the general availability of refreshments contribute to a sense of thoughtful hospitality. For those prioritizing location and historical character over modern amenities, it represents excellent value. The pricing likely reflects its prime central Oxford position and its unique, historic setting.

Accessibility

Tower House acknowledges the needs of all its guests. An accessible double room is specifically offered, featuring a walk-in shower, tea/coffee making facilities, free Wi-Fi, and a flat-screen TV with Freeview. This thoughtful provision ensures that guests with mobility considerations can experience the historic charm of the property with greater ease. Further details on general property accessibility, beyond this dedicated room, would be beneficial.

Family-Friendly

The Tower House Guest House demonstrates a considerate approach to family stays. The provision of an extra bed or the option to book an entire floor offers practical solutions for families of varying sizes. This flexibility, combined with the inherent charm of staying in a historic building, makes it a potentially engaging option for families with children who appreciate a sense of adventure and history. The unique atmosphere of the property itself can often be a source of delight for younger guests.

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Castle hotels provide room choices such as doubles, family chambers, and grand suites—often with breakfast, free cancellations, and exclusive offers
Double Room
Max:
2 persons
10 m² 
Bed options:
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
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Deluxe Double Room Bath
Max:
2 persons
22 m² 
Bed options:
1 Double bed
Heating
Bathtub
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Deluxe Double Room Shower
Max:
2 persons
17 m² 
Bed options:
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Local transport options

Overview of transport connections

City Centre
Oxford200 m
Airports
Gloucestershire (GLO) 72.9 km
London Heathrow (LHR) 74.2 km
Train
Oxford Train Station900 m
Bus
Bus stop200 m

Facilities

Each castle hotel provides features designed for both comfort and memorable moments

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • No pets allowed

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre
  • Cycling
  • Mini golf
  • Fishing

Children

  • Cots

Room features

  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities
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Location

15 Ship Street, Oxford, United Kingdom, OX1 3DA
Map view
15 Ship Street, Oxford, United Kingdom, OX1 3DA
Nearby
Museum
Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
360 m
Market
The Covered Market Oxford
240 m
Church
Christ Church
500 m
University
Bridge of Sighs
380 m
Tower
Carfax Tower
280 m
High St
University Church of St Mary the Virgin
500 m
Museum
Museum of the History of Science
370 m
Bodleian Library Broad Street
Bodleian Library
470 m
Museum
Museum of Oxford
330 m
Library
Radcliffe Camera
510 m
Church
Exeter College
70 m
University
Balliol College
260 m
University
Trinity College
210 m
Holywell Street
New College
540 m
University
Brasenose College
440 m
University
St Peter's College
560 m
Town Hall St. Aldates
Oxford Town Hall
330 m
13 Magdalen Street
Martyrs' Memorial
460 m
Museum
The Story Museum
560 m
Restaurants
Pieminister
220 m
56 The Market
Pret a Manger
90 m
Westgate Centre Unit U30
Browns Cafe
190 m
Avenue 4
Burger King Restaurant
100 m
26 Cornmarket Street
The White Rabbit
350 m
21 Friars Entry
Mortons
130 m
22 Broad Street
Boswells Broad Street Cafe
200 m
H Boswell & Co Ltd 1-4 Broad Street 1-4 Broad Street
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Check-in
10Oct2025Select date
Check-out
11Oct2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room