Visit Pontefract Castle
Visit Pontefract Castle
Visit Pontefract Castle, Key to the North! Built in 1070 by Ilbert de Lacy, it has many stories to tell. It was a prison for Richard II, immortalised in Shakespeare's plays, and an important fortress during the English Civil Wars.
Which parts of its history will you discover?
Pontefract Castle has won a TripAdivsor’s® Travellers' Choice® Award 2024! This places us among the top 10% of listings around the world on TripAdvisor.
Opening hours
Castle Grounds
The Pontefract Castle Grounds are open every day. Entrance is free.
|
Day |
Opening hours |
|
Monday |
8:30am to 4:30pm |
|
Tuesday |
8:30am to 4:30pm |
|
Wednesday |
8:30am to 4:30pm |
|
Thursday |
8:30am to 4:30pm |
|
Friday |
8:30am to 4:30pm |
|
Saturday |
9:30am to 4:30pm |
|
Sunday |
9:30am to 4:30pm |
Last entry to the Castle Grounds is 30 minutes before closing.
Visitor Centre and Gift Shop
|
Day |
Opening hours |
|
Monday |
Closed |
|
Tuesday |
Closed |
|
Wednesday |
10am to 4pm |
|
Thursday |
10am to 4pm |
|
Friday |
10am to 4pm |
|
Saturday |
10am to 4pm |
|
Sunday |
10am to 4pm |
Castle Coffee Shop
| Day | Opening hours |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 11am to 3pm |
| Thursday | 11am to 3pm |
| Friday | 11am to 3pm |
| Saturday | 11am to 3pm |
| Sunday | 11am to 3pm |
Facilities and services
- Free parking
- Free family activities and resources
- Education visits
- Guided tours
- Accessible toilet
- Hearing loop
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Dogs welcome on a lead
- Breastfeeding-friendly location
- Bicycle rack
For school booking enquiries, please go to our Schools Information page.
All Press and Media enquiries for any of our sites should be made to the Press Office at pressoffice@wakefield.gov.uk.
Contact Us
Pontefract Castle, Castle Chain, Pontefract, West Yorkshire WF8 1QH Car Park: WF8 2JF