An "immersive" tourism experience designed by Oxford Brookes University students was opened to the public at Oxford Castle and Prison earlier this month.

The new attraction, 'Tea with Mary Blandy,' allowed visitors on Sunday, October 5, to journey back 273 years to learn about one of the castle’s most notorious prisoners.

It was created by postgraduate students Olivia Kelley and Laurie Pletinckx, from Oxford Brookes Business School's dark tourism module.

They pitched the idea to the castle's representatives in May as part of their final course assessment.

After months of preparation, the afternoon tea experience was launched on October 5, with plans to run it again on a future date.

Visitors to the attraction were taken back to 1751, when Mary Blandy, from Henley, was imprisoned at Oxford Castle and Prison after being found guilty of poisoning her father by stirring arsenic into his tea.

Despite maintaining her innocence, Blandy was confined to the prison, although permitted to host friends for tea in shackles.

Visitors were able to join an actor playing Blandy for afternoon tea, hear her side of the story, and decide for themselves whether or not she was guilty.

Following the launch, Olivia Kelley said: "Working with Oxford Castle and Prison to bring my vision of the tea party to fruition was incredibly rewarding and exciting.

"This project not only deepened my appreciation for dark tourism but also honed my skills in project management, creative storytelling, and audience engagement.

"I truly enjoyed every second of bringing this project together, and I am looking forward to seeing how the event develops down the line."

Laurie Pletinckx added: "What began as theoretical discussions on dark tourism evolved into something much more tangible as we visited places like Henley, met with museum curators, and connected with local communities.

"This unique experience not only enhanced our academic understanding but also fostered a deeper appreciation for the real-world impact of our work.”

Following the start of a new academic term earlier this month, it has been confirmed the new cohort of postgraduate students on the dark tourism module will also take part in the same assessment and pitch their own ideas to Oxford Castle and Prison.

Dr Brianna Wyatt, senior lecturer in tourism and events management, said: "I was impressed with all of the ideas that were pitched, but seeing one of the ideas actually implemented is a great motivator for future students of the module.

“The dark tourism module is now underway again this year with a new group of students, and the Oxford Castle and Prison management team and I are looking forward to seeing their ideas.”