Museums and Castles events

Browse the exciting range of upcoming events and activities across our Museums and Castles sites!

To see What's On over the next month, click 'In the next 7 days' and change it to 'In the next 30 days'.

You can then filter by category, venue and age ranges.

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Meet the Curator
Wakefield Museum
1 May 2025
Details:

Do you have an interesting object that you’d like to show us or a story to tell us?

Our monthly Meet the Curator sessions are your chance to chat with our team.

No appointment required - just turn up with your questions, your stories or your objects!

Start time: 2pm
End time: 4pm
Age range: Adults
Free: Yes
Booking required: No
Location: Wakefield Museum
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Museum Minis (Ages 2 to 5)
Wakefield Museum
1 May 2025
Details:

Meet Alphabet Cat and take part in activities, rhymes and more! 

Each month there's a new theme to help you explore Wakefield Museum. 

Have fun learning and playing together and tick off the following on your 50 Things to do Before You’re 5:

#6 Rhyme Time, #7 Making Music, #11 Making Connections, #39 Talking Signs, #40 Happy History 

Every Thursday morning from 10.30am to 11.30am during term time. 

Free and no booking required

These sessions are designed for toddlers aged 2 to 5 and their families.

Please note: The fire alarms in Wakefield One are tested at 11am on Thursdays. We have ear defenders you and / or your children can borrow.

Start time: 10:30am
End time: 11:30am
Age range: Under 5s, Families
Free: Yes
Booking required: No
Location: Wakefield Museum
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Pontefract Castle Explorer Tours
Pontefract Castle
2 May 2025
Details:
Join us every Friday, Saturday and Sunday* at 2pm for a guided tour of the Castle site.
In years gone by, Pontefract Castle was one of Britain’s most important castles and was known as The Key to the North!
Discover who built and lived in the castle and listen to stories of unfaithful Queens, imprisoned Kings as well the castle’s role in the English Civil Wars.
Find out what the Castle looked like in its heyday and how it has changed over time.
Tour is suitable for wheelchair users and visitors with pushchairs.
Suitable for all ages.
Adults £3.20, Children 5+ £2.15
Under 5s Free
*Some exceptions due to occasional site closures - these will not be available to book online
Start time: 2pm
End time: 2:45pm
Age range: Families, Teenagers, Adults, Under 5s
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Pontefract Castle
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Dungeon Tours
Pontefract Castle
2 May 2025
Details:

Join us for a tour of the Castle dungeon!

Soak in the atmosphere of this eerie underground space. Discover the many uses of the dungeon.  

See where Civil War prisoners left to languish scratched their names into the rock. 

Adults £4.40  Children £2.55 (not suitable for under 5s, visually impaired visitors or wheelchair users due to 44 steep historic steps) 

Book tickets for Pontefract Castle Dungeon Tours

Start time: 10:45am
End time: 11:30am
Age range: Families, Teenagers, Adults
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Pontefract Castle
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Pontefract Castle Explorer Tours
Pontefract Castle
2 May 2025
Details:
Join us every Friday, Saturday and Sunday* at 2pm for a guided tour of the Castle site.
In years gone by, Pontefract Castle was one of Britain’s most important castles and was known as The Key to the North!
Discover who built and lived in the castle and listen to stories of unfaithful Queens, imprisoned Kings as well the castle’s role in the English Civil Wars.
Find out what the Castle looked like in its heyday and how it has changed over time.
Tour is suitable for wheelchair users and visitors with pushchairs.
Suitable for all ages.
Adults £3.40, Children 5+ £2.30
Under 5s Free
*Some exceptions due to occasional site closures - these will not be available to book online
Start time: 2pm
End time: 2:45pm
Age range: Families, Teenagers, Adults, Under 5s
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Pontefract Castle
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Pontefract Castle Explorer Tours
Pontefract Castle
3 May 2025
Details:
Join us every Friday, Saturday and Sunday* at 2pm for a guided tour of the Castle site.
In years gone by, Pontefract Castle was one of Britain’s most important castles and was known as The Key to the North!
Discover who built and lived in the castle and listen to stories of unfaithful Queens, imprisoned Kings as well the castle’s role in the English Civil Wars.
Find out what the Castle looked like in its heyday and how it has changed over time.
Tour is suitable for wheelchair users and visitors with pushchairs.
Suitable for all ages.
Adults £3.20, Children 5+ £2.15
Under 5s Free
*Some exceptions due to occasional site closures - these will not be available to book online
Start time: 2pm
End time: 2:45pm
Age range: Families, Teenagers, Adults, Under 5s
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Pontefract Castle
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Family Fun at Castleford Museum
Castleford Museum
3 May 2025
Details:

Join the Castleford Museum team, rain or shine, for free fun craft activities every Saturday.

With different themed crafts and activities each week, what will you make?

All activities and materials are provided and they’ll even tidy up afterwards!

Free and no booking required

Start time: 11am
End time: 3pm
Age range: Under 5s, Families
Free: Yes
Booking required: No
Location: Castleford Museum
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Family Fun at Wakefield Museum
Wakefield Museum
3 May 2025
Details:

Join the Wakefield Museum team, rain or shine, for free fun craft activities every Saturday.

With different themed crafts and activities each week, what will you make?

All activities and materials are provided and they’ll even tidy up afterwards!

Free and no booking required

Start time: 11am
End time: 3pm
Age range: Under 5s, Families
Free: Yes
Booking required: No
Location: Wakefield Museum
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Family Fun at Pontefract Museum
Pontefract Museum
3 May 2025
Details:

Join the Pontefract Museum team, rain or shine, for free fun craft activities every Saturday.

With different themed crafts and activities each week, what will you make?

All activities and materials are provided and they’ll even tidy up afterwards!

Free and no booking required

Start time: 11am
End time: 3pm
Age range: Under 5s, Families
Free: Yes
Booking required: No
Location: Pontefract Museum
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Dungeon Tours
Pontefract Castle
3 May 2025
Details:

Join us for a tour of the Castle dungeon!

Soak in the atmosphere of this eerie underground space. Discover the many uses of the dungeon.  

See where Civil War prisoners left to languish scratched their names into the rock. 

Adults £4.40  Children £2.55 (not suitable for under 5s, visually impaired visitors or wheelchair users due to 44 steep historic steps) 

Book tickets for Pontefract Castle Dungeon Tours

Start time: 10:45am
End time: 11:30am
Age range: Families, Teenagers, Adults
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Pontefract Castle
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Pontefract Castle Explorer Tours
Pontefract Castle
3 May 2025
Details:
Join us every Friday, Saturday and Sunday* at 2pm for a guided tour of the Castle site.
In years gone by, Pontefract Castle was one of Britain’s most important castles and was known as The Key to the North!
Discover who built and lived in the castle and listen to stories of unfaithful Queens, imprisoned Kings as well the castle’s role in the English Civil Wars.
Find out what the Castle looked like in its heyday and how it has changed over time.
Tour is suitable for wheelchair users and visitors with pushchairs.
Suitable for all ages.
Adults £3.40, Children 5+ £2.30
Under 5s Free
*Some exceptions due to occasional site closures - these will not be available to book online
Start time: 2pm
End time: 2:45pm
Age range: Families, Teenagers, Adults, Under 5s
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Pontefract Castle
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Pontefract Castle Explorer Tours
Pontefract Castle
4 May 2025
Details:
Join us every Friday, Saturday and Sunday* at 2pm for a guided tour of the Castle site.
In years gone by, Pontefract Castle was one of Britain’s most important castles and was known as The Key to the North!
Discover who built and lived in the castle and listen to stories of unfaithful Queens, imprisoned Kings as well the castle’s role in the English Civil Wars.
Find out what the Castle looked like in its heyday and how it has changed over time.
Tour is suitable for wheelchair users and visitors with pushchairs.
Suitable for all ages.
Adults £3.20, Children 5+ £2.15
Under 5s Free
*Some exceptions due to occasional site closures - these will not be available to book online
Start time: 2pm
End time: 2:45pm
Age range: Families, Teenagers, Adults, Under 5s
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Pontefract Castle
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Dungeon Tours
Pontefract Castle
4 May 2025
Details:

Join us for a tour of the Castle dungeon!

Soak in the atmosphere of this eerie underground space. Discover the many uses of the dungeon.  

See where Civil War prisoners left to languish scratched their names into the rock. 

Adults £4.40  Children £2.55 (not suitable for under 5s, visually impaired visitors or wheelchair users due to 44 steep historic steps) 

Book tickets for Pontefract Castle Dungeon Tours

Start time: 10:45am
End time: 11:30am
Age range: Families, Teenagers, Adults
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Pontefract Castle
calendarIcon
Pontefract Castle Explorer Tours
Pontefract Castle
4 May 2025
Details:
Join us every Friday, Saturday and Sunday* at 2pm for a guided tour of the Castle site.
In years gone by, Pontefract Castle was one of Britain’s most important castles and was known as The Key to the North!
Discover who built and lived in the castle and listen to stories of unfaithful Queens, imprisoned Kings as well the castle’s role in the English Civil Wars.
Find out what the Castle looked like in its heyday and how it has changed over time.
Tour is suitable for wheelchair users and visitors with pushchairs.
Suitable for all ages.
Adults £3.40, Children 5+ £2.30
Under 5s Free
*Some exceptions due to occasional site closures - these will not be available to book online
Start time: 2pm
End time: 2:45pm
Age range: Families, Teenagers, Adults, Under 5s
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Pontefract Castle
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Dungeon Tours (bank holiday Monday)
Pontefract Castle
5 May 2025
Details:

Join us for a tour of the Castle dungeon!

Soak in the atmosphere of this eerie underground space. Discover the many uses of the dungeon.  

See where Civil War prisoners left to languish scratched their names into the rock. 

Adults £4.40  Children £2.55 (not suitable for under 5s, visually impaired visitors or wheelchair users due to 44 steep historic steps) 

Book tickets for Pontefract Castle Dungeon Tours

Start time: 10:45am
End time: 11:30am
Age range: Families, Teenagers, Adults
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Pontefract Castle
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Pontefract Castle Explorer Tours (bank holiday Monday)
Pontefract Castle
5 May 2025
Details:
Join us at 2pm for a guided tour of the Castle site.
In years gone by, Pontefract Castle was one of Britain’s most important castles and was known as The Key to the North!
Discover who built and lived in the castle and listen to stories of unfaithful Queens, imprisoned Kings as well the castle’s role in the English Civil Wars.
Find out what the Castle looked like in its heyday and how it has changed over time.
Tour is suitable for wheelchair users and visitors with pushchairs.
Suitable for all ages.
Adults £3.40, Children 5+ £2.30
Under 5s Free
Start time: 2pm
End time: 2:45pm
Age range: Families, Teenagers, Adults, Under 5s
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Pontefract Castle
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Toddler Tuesdays (Every Tuesday in term time)
Castleford Museum
6 May 2025
Details:

Join Charlie Bear every Tuesday during term time for a lively session of storytelling, crafts and rhymes!

We’ll be inspired by museum objects and a different theme each month. There's also a weekly Charlie Bear Challenge to try together!

Activities link to the following of your 50 Things to do Before You’re 5

#4 Make your Mark

#6 Rhyme Time

#10 Sharing books

#40 Happy History

Every Tuesday in term time, 10am – 11am

Free – No booking required

Start time: 10am
End time: 11am
Age range: Families, Under 5s
Free: Yes
Booking required: No
Location: Castleford Museum
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Ilbert's Dragon Tales (ages 2 to 5)
Pontefract Castle
7 May 2025
Details:

Join Ilbert the Dragon at Pontefract Castle for a fun and friendly afternoon of storytelling and hands on play!

Each month help Ilbert and his storyteller bring their books to life through music, props and actions. Then get stuck in with activities, crafts, games and rhymes. 

These sessions are a great way to spend time together and discover new ways of learning with your child.

2nd April: Dragon eggs 
April is the time when dragon eggs are born. Ilbert can’t wait! Help the eggs get into their nests.  See how far you can roll an egg along the egg race track. Make your own bright dragon egg to take home.   

7th May: Brilliant bugs 
Pontefract Castle is full of marvellous minibeasts and brilliant bugs. Count, match, move and play this month. Meet Ilbert’s minibeast friends, from wiggly worms to bright ladybirds. Make a minibeast friend to take home.
Tick off #9 Mini Beasts and Bug Hunts on your 50 things to do before you're 5! 

4th June: Fantastic frogs
Boing boing! Hop hop hop! Listen to a frogtastic story. Join in with all sorts of bouncy froggy fun this month.
Tick off #31 Boing on your 50 things to do before you're 5! 

Tickets £2.50 per child, accompanying adults free. Book Ilbert's Dragon Tales 

Start time: 1:30pm
End time: 2:30pm
Age range: Under 5s, Families
Free: No
Booking required: Yes
Location: Pontefract Castle
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Museum Minis (Ages 2 to 5)
Wakefield Museum
8 May 2025
Details:

Meet Alphabet Cat and take part in activities, rhymes and more! 

Each month there's a new theme to help you explore Wakefield Museum. 

Have fun learning and playing together and tick off the following on your 50 Things to do Before You’re 5:

#6 Rhyme Time, #7 Making Music, #11 Making Connections, #39 Talking Signs, #40 Happy History 

Every Thursday morning from 10.30am to 11.30am during term time. 

Free and no booking required

These sessions are designed for toddlers aged 2 to 5 and their families.

Please note: The fire alarms in Wakefield One are tested at 11am on Thursdays. We have ear defenders you and / or your children can borrow.

Start time: 10:30am
End time: 11:30am
Age range: Under 5s, Families
Free: Yes
Booking required: No
Location: Wakefield Museum

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