Experience one of Britain's most unique city breaks with a stay at the remarkable Malmaison Oxford, a beautifully converted Victorian prison where former cells have been transformed into stylish boutique bedrooms. Combined with the fascinating Oxford Castle & Prison, elegant Windsor, riverside Henley-on-Thames and lunch at the iconic Mollie's, this unforgettable weekend offers history, character and an experience unlike any other.

 

Malmaison Oxford ****

Once a Victorian prison dating back to 1071 as part of Oxford Castle, Malmaison Oxford has been sympathetically transformed into one of Britain's most unique boutique hotels. Many of the original prison features have been carefully preserved, with former cells converted into stylish, comfortable bedrooms full of character and contemporary luxury. Situated in the heart of Oxford, just moments from the city's famous colleges, shops and restaurants, staying here is an experience in itself and one that few hotels can rival.

 

*This hotel has been selected for its location near a variety of restaurants, the hotel’s own restaurant will not be expecting to cater for evening meals.

 

Price Includes

• 2 nights bed & breakfast

• Entry to Oxford Castle & prison

• Lunch at Mollie's Motel on day 2

 

We offer one FREE place in every 20, or one at half price for every 10. We can also arrange one pick up (if required) of your choosing for the whole group (minimum of 20 passengers). For groups larger than 20, please email coaches@kirbyscoaches.co.uk.

Oxford City Break

Experience one of Britain's most unique city breaks with two nights at the remarkable Malmaison Oxford, a beautifully converted Victorian prison where former cells have been transformed into stylish boutique bedrooms. Perfectly located in the heart of Oxford, this unforgettable break allows plenty of free time to discover one of England's most famous and historic cities.

 

Stay in a Former Victorian Prison

Your accommodation is an attraction in itself. Once HM Prison Oxford, the four-star Malmaison has retained many of its original prison features, from stone walls to iron doors, while creating luxurious bedrooms and elegant public spaces. Few hotels offer such a unique combination of history, character and comfort.

 

Explore Historic Oxford

With the hotel just a short stroll from the city centre, you'll have ample time to discover Oxford at your own pace. Wander through the famous university colleges, admire centuries of magnificent architecture, browse independent boutiques or relax in one of the city's many cafés, restaurants and traditional pubs.

 

Visit Oxford Castle & Prison

Included in your holiday is admission to Oxford Castle & Prison, where costumed guides bring over 1,000 years of history to life. Discover tales of royalty, notorious criminals and daring escapes as you explore one of the city's oldest landmarks.

 

Enjoy Lunch at Mollie's

A highlight of your stay is an included lunch at the stylish Mollie's, the popular American-inspired diner renowned for its classic comfort food, relaxed atmosphere and contemporary design.

 

Recommended Places to Visit

With plenty of free time, why not explore some of Oxford's most famous attractions?

• The Bodleian Library

• Radcliffe Camera

• Christ Church College

• The Covered Market

• Bridge of Sighs

• University Church of St Mary the Virgin

• Ashmolean Museum

• Christ Church Meadow

 

Relax in Oxford's Cafés

Oxford is home to an excellent selection of independent cafés and coffee shops, perfect for watching the world go by.

Popular favourites include:

• The Missing Bean

• Society Café

• The Handle Bar Café

• Browns Oxford

 

Why Choose This Break?

• Stay in one of Britain's most unique hotels

• Experience a beautifully converted Victorian prison

• Plenty of free time to explore Oxford

• Entry included to Oxford Castle & Prison

• Lunch included at Mollie's

• Hotel located in the heart of the city

 

A City Steeped in History

Oxford is one of the world's most famous university cities, with over 1,000 years of history. Its beautiful honey-coloured buildings, cobbled streets and iconic skyline have inspired generations of writers, scholars and filmmakers. Walking through the city feels like stepping back in time, where medieval colleges sit alongside bustling cafés, independent bookshops and picturesque riverside walks.

 

Stay Behind Bars… in Luxury!

One of the highlights of this break is your stay at the remarkable Malmaison Oxford. Originally built as a prison in 1785, the building later became HM Prison Oxford, remaining in use until 1996. Today, the former prison cells have been cleverly transformed into stylish boutique bedrooms, while many original features—including iron doors, stone walls and the atmospheric landings—have been carefully preserved. It's one of Britain's most unique hotels and an experience you'll never forget.

 

Explore Oxford Castle & Prison

Your included visit to Oxford Castle & Prison reveals over 1,000 years of history. Discover the medieval St George's Tower, one of the oldest buildings in Oxford, hear tales of infamous prisoners and daring escapes, and learn how the site evolved from Norman castle to Victorian prison. Costumed guides bring the stories vividly to life.

 

Did You Know?

• Oxford University is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, with teaching dating back to 1096.

• There are 39 independent colleges, each with its own fascinating history and beautiful architecture.

• Oxford has appeared in countless films and television programmes, including Harry Potter, Inspector Morse, Lewis and Brideshead Revisited.

• The city's famous Radcliffe Camera is one of the most photographed buildings in Britain.

• Oxford has more published authors per square mile than almost anywhere else in the UK.

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Discover the Covered Market

Hidden away in the heart of the city is Oxford's historic Covered Market, trading since 1774. Home to independent food producers, artisan bakers, florists, cafés and boutique shops, it's the perfect place to enjoy lunch, browse for gifts or experience everyday Oxford life.

 

Oxford's Beautiful Green Spaces

If you'd like a quieter side of the city, take a stroll through Christ Church Meadow, where peaceful riverside walks offer wonderful views of Christ Church College and the surrounding countryside. It's hard to believe you're only minutes from the bustling city centre.

 

Recommended Places to Visit

• Bodleian Library

• Radcliffe Camera

• Christ Church College

• Bridge of Sighs

• University Church of St Mary the Virgin

• Ashmolean Museum

• Oxford Covered Market

• Christ Church Meadow

 

A Coffee Lover's City

Oxford has an excellent café culture, making it the perfect place to relax between sightseeing.

Why not visit:

• The Missing Bean

  – One of Oxford's best-loved independent coffee shops.

• Society Café

  – Excellent speciality coffee in the heart of the city.

• The Handle Bar Café

  – A quirky café above a bicycle shop, popular with locals.

• Jericho Coffee Traders

  – A favourite for expertly roasted coffee.

 

Why You'll Love This Break

• Stay in a beautifully converted Victorian prison.

• Enjoy one of Britain's most unique four-star hotels.

• Plenty of free time to discover Oxford at your own pace.

• Entry included to Oxford Castle & Prison.

• Lunch included at the popular Mollie's.

• City-centre location, perfect for exploring on foot.

 

Whether you're fascinated by history, architecture, shopping or simply looking for a unique weekend away, this memorable Oxford City Break offers the perfect opportunity to experience one of Britain's most beautiful cities from one of its most extraordinary hotels.