‘And I sentence you to be taken from here to Oxford Castle Prison where you will be hung from the neck until dead’ - is what guests of the Oxford Castle Prison would have heard before arriving at this imposing building. You, however, are far more likely to hear the words ‘can I take your bag, sir?’ Happily, capital punishment was abolished in the UK in the 1950s and the prison closed its doors in 1996. It is now a unique luxury hotel in one of England’s most famous and beautiful towns. Considerate of their more sensitive guests, the parts of the prison which were used for executions have been turned into offices, not bedrooms – which is nice. Here, you have the unusual opportunity of staying in Oxford Castle which was first built by William the Conqueror in 1086 and has been beautifully maintained. The interior of the castle has been refurbished into a heritage and shopping centre and, with the famous architecture and history of Oxford on your doorstep you will have plenty to delight you during your stay.