Visit Pontefract Castle

Please note: The Castle Coffee Shop and Gift Shop will be closed on Wednesday 6 November. This is because we are installing a new till system. The rest of the site will remain open as normal.

Museums and Castles Events

We have a regular programme of events and activities at the Castle throughout the year.

A stone wall of the 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?

TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award 2024

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

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