Pontefract Castle
Castle, free entry
Contact
Pontefract Castle
Address
Castle Chain,
Pontefract,
West Yorkshire,
WF8 1QH
Also at this Venue
Events at this Venue
date | event |
---|---|
Wed 6 Mar | Castle Crafts |
Thu 14 Mar | Medieval Castles of West Yorkshire |
Thu 14 Mar | Have a Dabble - Horseshoe Wind Chimes |
Wed 3 Apr | Castle Crafts |
Mon 8 - Sat 13 Apr | Grow Your Own |
Thu 11 Apr | Have a Dabble - Pisanki Eggs |
Details
Tread in the footsteps of Kings and Queens and explore the historic ruins of the castle.
Once hailed as the Key to the North, this historically important fortress has seen many changes over the centuries and has some captivating stories to tell. From battles and sieges, starvation and destruction to royal infidelity and the cultivation of liquorice, you'll be surprised at what these walls have seen!
It's an exciting time at Pontefract Castle as work is almost complete on a £3.5 million conservation project, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, to preserve the stonework of the castle, improve access and facilities for visitors and to protect the castle for future generations.
The 19th century barn, once home to a blacksmith’s workshop, is now a state-of-the-art visitor centre and a central hub for the castle. Explore the castle's fascinating, turbulent history through engaging displays. Pick up a guide book or a souvenir in the spacious gift shop, or try out some crafts in the activity zone. The activity zone offers a range of special workshops, talks, demonstrations and activities for both adults and children at different times throughout the year.
Visitors can explore the castle underground in an eerie dungeon tour; tickets are available from the castle gift shop.
The castle offers an exciting programme of events and activities, with live music performances, traditional games, family activities, talks, tours and much more.
PLEASE NOTE: While the conservation works continue, some parts of the castle may not be accessible until later in the year, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had!
Opening details
Monday to Friday: 8.30am - 4.30pm
Saturday and Sunday 9.30am - 4.30pm
Visitor Centre open 7 days a week
11.00am - 3.00pm
Prices
Free entry
Also see
- Free Entry Attractions
Location
Directions
Map reference: SE 460222 Lat: 53.69421 Long: -1.30481
By Road:
M62 jct32
Continue onto Park Road (A639)
Turn left onto Southgate (A645)
For car parking:
Turn left onto North Baileygate. Car park located off Beech Hill. WF8 2JF
Disabled car-parking spaces are available at the Castle gates (approach via Spink Lane or Micklegate).
By Public Transport:
Nearest train station: Monkhill/Baghill Railway Station
Nearest bus station: Pontefract Bus Station
Walk from Pontefract town centre via Horsefair, Micklegate and Castle Chain.
Parking: free
Accessible by Public Transport: 0 miles from Pontefract, Monkhill station
Nearby
Facilities
Coach parties accepted
Credit cards accepted (no fee)
Disabled toilets
Education/study area
Facilities for groups
Facilities for educational visits
Gift shop
On-site light refreshments
Picnic site
Public toilets
Regional Tourist Board Member
Accepts groups
Children welcome
Disabled access
Dogs accepted
Facilities for hearing impaired
Facilities for visually impaired