Castle grounds

Free admission to the castle grounds and visitors centre.

       ●  Click the download for a site map

Opening times

Summer hours

     ●  Monday - Friday, 8.30am to 5pm

     ●  Saturday - Sunday, 9.30am to 6.15pm 

Winter Hours

       

      ●  Monday - Friday, 8.30am to dusk

      ●  Saturday - Sunday, 9.30am to dusk    

Please note that opening hours change when British Summer Time begins and ends. The castle will be closed at Christmas and New Year.

Visitors centre

• Wednesday to Sunday: 11am – 3pm
• Monday and Tuesday: By request 

The Visitor Centre shop stocks a range of gifts, including many exclusive lines, as well as hot and cold drinks

Facilities

There is access for wheelchair users to much of the castle, the visitor centre and toilets; however, due to the nature of the site, some parts may be inaccessible. Disabled people with a parking permit may park outside the castle gates, within the two spaces provided. Pontefract Castle welcomes picnickers and dog walkers.

Activity fun

Have fun learning at Pontefract Castle! Download one of the activity sheets before you visit the castle to learn even more about the Castle’s fascinating history. 

• Click the download to begin the fun!

Underground Magazine tours

The cellars of the 11th-century great hall were used as a magazine (military store) from medieval times through to the English Civil War period. You can visit the underground magazine cut out of the solid rock and see where Civil War prisoners carved their names into the cell walls.

• A tour of the underground Magazine is available Wednesday – Sunday at 3pm
• £2.10 for adults and £1.05 for children
• It may be possible to arrange extra magazine tours for £15.66 per tour (maximum 20 people per tour) 
• Please note: Steep steps, low light levels and damp. Sensible footwear is advisable.

For further details and to check availability please call 01977 723440. 

During busy periods tours can become full so please check before travelling. Wakefield Council reserves the right to cancel magazine tours without prior warning.