IT HAS been five years since the secrets of its turbulent past were unlocked to the public.

But the Oxford Castle, once the home of violence, executions, and battles, and thought to be one of Britain’s most haunted sites, is busier than ever.

The Oxford Castle Unlocked visitor attraction celebrates it fifth birthday on Thursday.

Since it opened in June 2006, more than 300,000 visitors have flocked to the one-time religious site, home for royalty, centre of justice and infamous County Gaol to find out more about its ‘dark secrets’.

Amanda Coombs, marketing and events executive, said visits to the castle had tripled over the years.

She added: “Nestled in the city centre and with excellent access to public transport, this visitor attraction is right on people’s doorstep, and yet it remains shrouded in mystery that is only revealed with a visit to this intriguing site. With such excellent reports under our belt, the only real mystery is why people who haven’t visited yet, haven’t done so.”

To mark the anniversary, ticket prices are being reduced on Thursday reduced. For £5 per person, visitors can be treated to a journey into the past as they hear true tales of executions, great escapes, violence, betrayal and even romance.

The castle itself was originally built in 1071 for William the Conqueror, to enable the Normans to control the area.

Soon after, a prison was built within the castle and it continued to be used as a place of incarceration until 1996, holding public executions until 1863.

The 900-year-old underground crypt is also said to be where Oxford University first started.

To celebrate the fifth anniversary the castle has offered Oxford Mail readers the chance to win a fantastic competition for one couple to experience something that has never been offered before – a celebratory VIP evening at the attraction.

The exclusive prize includes: A twilight evening tour Champagne and canapes at the top of St George’s Tower – the oldest secular Saxon tower in England with stunning city views A three-course dinner in the atmospheric, 900-year-old underground crypt – birthplace of the university A goodie bag to take home as memento of your special visit To be in with a chance of winning, answer the following question correctly and send your full name, daytime telephone number and full postal address to info@oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk by 5.30pm on Thursday, June 2. The winner will be picked at random from the correct entries.

Q: When was Oxford Castle built?

For more information about events call 01865 260666, or go to oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk

Terms and conditions

Prize will take place on a mutually agreeable date with the winner and the attraction

Closing date for entries is 5.30pm, 14th June 2011 Prizes are subject to availability

Prize is to be taken before 4 September 2011

Meals and drinks provided are up to a maximum value of £80.00

Entry limited to one per person

No cash equivalent or alternatives available

Entrants must be aged 18 or over

Winner will be notified by 24 June 2011

Oxford Castle Unlocked reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions and exclude entrants and withhold prizes for violating any of them

If a winner cannot be contacted or is not available, Oxford Castle Unlocked reserves the right to re-draw another winner from the other valid entries

Oxford Castle Unlocked will not be liable for any failure of receipt of entries, nor for any loss or damage arising out of the winner's (or their guest's) enjoyment of the prize

By entering, entrants are agreeing to be photographed, and to take part in marketing and publicity campaigns during this and future promotions by Oxford Castle Unlocked or its umbrella company The Continuum Group Ltd.