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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Fairytale fun
Pontefract Museum
29 Oct 2025
Visit Pontefract Museum for a last look at the Oh Yes it Is! exhibition. Join in with activities inspired by the magic of pantomime.
Help our fairytale characters find the missing pieces of their story in a treasure hunt with a difference.
Build a fabulous fairytale castle. Make a sparkling magical wand to take home.
Free and no booking required.
Woodland Tales (ages 2 to 5)
Wakefield Museum
29 Oct 2025
Woodland Tales (ages 2 to 5)
Wakefield Museum
29 Oct 2025
Witches and Wizards Week
Pontefract Castle
29 Oct 2025
It's the return of our frighteningly popular October half term Witches and Wizards week at Pontefract Castle!
Take part in witchy outdoor activities. Learn to mix magical potions. Magic up fun themed crafts.
Join our resident witches on the bandstand for potions demonstrations! Sessions at 11:15, 12:15 and 13:30.
Dressing up not required, but always encouraged!
It'll be spooktacular!
Free and no booking required.
There is also a relaxed SEND version of the Witches and Wizards activities each day at 10am. The SEND sessions need to be booked in advance.
Witches and Wizards Week (SEND families)
Pontefract Castle
29 Oct 2025
Enjoy a relaxed version of our Witches and Wizards activities at Pontefract Castle, designed for SEND families.
Take part in witchy outdoor activities. Learn to mix magical potions. Magic up fun themed crafts.
Meet at the bandstand on the bailey from 10am where the magic will begin.
SEND families are welcome at all of our sessions. We are also running this SEND session for those families who require a more relaxed atmosphere, with restricted numbers. The SEND sessions are free but booking is required.
Cosy bird houses (ages 12 to 16)
Wakefield Museum
30 Oct 2025
Get creative and make a difference!
Felted bird pods are a cosy home to keep birds warm through the winter. Learn how to make felt and shape it to create something special.
Give a handmade gift to nature this autumn!
This workshop is designed for teenagers aged 12 to 16. Accompanying adults are welcome, but not essential.
The workshop will take place in the 'Learning Zone'. This is inside Wakefield Library, on the Upper Ground Floor of the Wakefield One building.
£2.50 per teenager, accompanying adults free. Booking required. Book Cosy bird houses
Cosy bird houses (ages 12 to 16)
Wakefield Museum
30 Oct 2025
Get creative and make a difference!
Felted bird pods are a cosy home to keep birds warm through the winter. Learn how to make felt and shape it to create something special.
Give a handmade gift to nature this autumn!
This workshop is designed for teenagers aged 12 to 16. Accompanying adults are welcome, but not essential.
The workshop will take place in the 'Learning Zone'. This is inside Wakefield Library, on the Upper Ground Floor of the Wakefield One building.
£2.50 per teenager, accompanying adults free. Booking required. Book Cosy bird houses
Medieval monsters pop-up books
Castleford Museum
30 Oct 2025
Step into the medieval mythology of Thomas de Castleford. Discover the monsters and legends in his poems.
Create your own stories and turn them into a fantastic pop-up book.
Let your creativity loose. Be inspired by objects in the museum to create unusual poems of your own.
Part of #Wordfest
Free and no booking required.
Witches and Wizards Week
Pontefract Castle
30 Oct 2025
It's the return of our frighteningly popular October half term Witches and Wizards week at Pontefract Castle!
Take part in witchy outdoor activities. Learn to mix magical potions. Magic up fun themed crafts.
Join our resident witches on the bandstand for potions demonstrations! Sessions at 11:15, 12:15 and 13:30.
Dressing up not required, but always encouraged!
It'll be spooktacular!
Free and no booking required.
There is also a relaxed SEND version of the Witches and Wizards activities each day at 10am. The SEND sessions need to be booked in advance.
Witches and Wizards Week (SEND families)
Pontefract Castle
30 Oct 2025
Enjoy a relaxed version of our Witches and Wizards activities at Pontefract Castle, designed for SEND families.
Take part in witchy outdoor activities. Learn to mix magical potions. Magic up fun themed crafts.
Meet at the bandstand on the bailey from 10am where the magic will begin.
SEND families are welcome at all of our sessions. We are also running this SEND session for those families who require a more relaxed atmosphere, with restricted numbers. The SEND sessions are free but booking is required.
Pontefract Castle Explorer Tours
Pontefract Castle
31 Oct 2025
Dungeon Tours
Pontefract Castle
31 Oct 2025
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)
Pontefract Castle Explorer Tours
Pontefract Castle
31 Oct 2025
Let’s Make Autumn Bunting (Ages 5+)
Wakefield Museum
31 Oct 2025
Learn new handy skills together as a family and celebrate the autumn season!
Explore how natural forms, patterns and colours have been used to decorate old objects.
Learn basic sewing and embroidery skills to design your own pieces. Create special seasonal strings of bunting inspired by nature together.
Each family group will work together on one piece of bunting to share together. No sewing experience needed!
This workshop has been designed to encourage multi-generational learning and creativity. It is delivered in partnership with the Families and Community Team at Wakefield Council’s Adult Education Service.
£2.50 per child, accompanying adults free. Booking required. Book Let's Make Autumn Bunting
Let’s Make Autumn Bunting (Ages 5+)
Wakefield Museum
31 Oct 2025
Learn new handy skills together as a family and celebrate the autumn season!
Explore how natural forms, patterns and colours have been used to decorate old objects.
Learn basic sewing and embroidery skills to design your own pieces. Create special seasonal strings of bunting inspired by nature together.
Each family group will work together on one piece of bunting to share together. No sewing experience needed!
This workshop has been designed to encourage multi-generational learning and creativity. It is delivered in partnership with the Families and Community Team at Wakefield Council’s Adult Education Service.
£2.50 per child, accompanying adults free. Booking required. Book Let's Make Autumn Bunting
Medieval monsters pop-up books
Castleford Museum
31 Oct 2025
Step into the medieval mythology of Thomas de Castleford. Discover the monsters and legends in his poems.
Create your own stories and turn them into a fantastic pop-up book.
Let your creativity loose. Be inspired by objects in the museum to create unusual poems of your own.
Part of #Wordfest
Free and no booking required.
Friday 31 October is an SEND session. It will have more open-ended activities and a relaxed atmosphere.
Witches and Wizards Week
Pontefract Castle
31 Oct 2025
It's the return of our frighteningly popular October half term Witches and Wizards week at Pontefract Castle!
Take part in witchy outdoor activities. Learn to mix magical potions. Magic up fun themed crafts.
Join our resident witches on the bandstand for potions demonstrations! Sessions at 11:15, 12:15 and 13:30.
Dressing up not required, but always encouraged!
It'll be spooktacular!
Free and no booking required.
There is also a relaxed SEND version of the Witches and Wizards activities each day at 10am. The SEND sessions need to be booked in advance.
Witches and Wizards Week (SEND families)
Pontefract Castle
31 Oct 2025
Enjoy a relaxed version of our Witches and Wizards activities at Pontefract Castle, designed for SEND families.
Take part in witchy outdoor activities. Learn to mix magical potions. Magic up fun themed crafts.
Meet at the bandstand on the bailey from 10am where the magic will begin.
SEND families are welcome at all of our sessions. We are also running this SEND session for those families who require a more relaxed atmosphere, with restricted numbers. The SEND sessions are free but booking is required.
Pontefract Castle Explorer Tours
Pontefract Castle
1 Nov 2025
Family Fun at Castleford Museum
Castleford Museum
1 Nov 2025
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
Family Fun at Wakefield Museum
Wakefield Museum
1 Nov 2025
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
Family Fun at Pontefract Museum
Pontefract Museum
1 Nov 2025
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
Dungeon Tours
Pontefract Castle
1 Nov 2025
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)
Pontefract Castle Explorer Tours
Pontefract Castle
1 Nov 2025
Witches and Wizards Week
Pontefract Castle
1 Nov 2025
It's the return of our frighteningly popular October half term Witches and Wizards week at Pontefract Castle!
Take part in witchy outdoor activities. Learn to mix magical potions. Magic up fun themed crafts.
Join our resident witches on the bandstand for potions demonstrations! Sessions at 11:15, 12:15 and 13:30.
Dressing up not required, but always encouraged!
It'll be spooktacular!
Free and no booking required.
There is also a relaxed SEND version of the Witches and Wizards activities each day at 10am. The SEND sessions need to be booked in advance.
Witches and Wizards Week (SEND families)
Pontefract Castle
1 Nov 2025
Enjoy a relaxed version of our Witches and Wizards activities at Pontefract Castle, designed for SEND families.
Take part in witchy outdoor activities. Learn to mix magical potions. Magic up fun themed crafts.
Meet at the bandstand on the bailey from 10am where the magic will begin.
SEND families are welcome at all of our sessions. We are also running this SEND session for those families who require a more relaxed atmosphere, with restricted numbers. The SEND sessions are free but booking is required.
Pontefract Castle Explorer Tours
Pontefract Castle
2 Nov 2025
Dungeon Tours
Pontefract Castle
2 Nov 2025
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)
Pontefract Castle Explorer Tours
Pontefract Castle
2 Nov 2025
Toddler Tuesdays (Every Tuesday in term time)
Castleford Museum
4 Nov 2025
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
Ilbert's Dragon Tales (ages 2 to 5)
Pontefract Castle
5 Nov 2025
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.
Wednesday 2 July – Summer dragons
Are you ready for some dragon fun? Get those wings flapping and practice your roar! This month is all about fiery, friendly dragons and their adventures.
Wednesday 3 September – Castles and bridges
Ilbert is building a tall castle and making a special bridge to keep the castle safe. Have fun building and making your own magnificent castles. Play with bridges and blocks.
Wednesday 1 October – Autumn colours
Autumn leaves are bright and colourful. This season is a magical time to experiment and explore. Join Ilbert on an autumn adventure with a great story and activities. Play with leaf boats and make your own bright leafy friend.
Wednesday 5 November – Spooky castles
Boo! It’s spooky season and Ilbert is having fun with witches and ghosts. Help him mix up a potion. Make some magic this November.
Wednesday 3 December – Christmas castle
Join Ilbert for a jolly story. Help him lay out a Christmas feast. Make some winter decorations and have fun with crafts and games.
Tickets £2.50 per child, accompanying adults free. Book Ilbert's Dragon Tales