Visit Pontefract Castle
The Visitor Centre, Gift Shop and Castle Coffee Shop will also be open on Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 March for Dragon Egg Week. This is in addition to the normal opening hours below.
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?
Opening hours
Castle Grounds
The Pontefract Castle Grounds are open every day. Entrance is free.
|
Day |
Opening hours |
|
Monday |
8:30am to 5pm |
|
Tuesday |
8:30am to 5pm |
|
Wednesday |
8:30am to 5pm |
|
Thursday |
8:30am to 5pm |
|
Friday |
8:30am to 5pm |
|
Saturday |
9:30am to 5pm |
|
Sunday |
9:30am to 5pm |
Last entry to the Castle Grounds is 30 minutes before closing.
Please note: The Castle Playground will be closed on Wednesday 8 May and Thursday 9 May for a spring clean.
Pontefract Castle will be closed on the following days due to events: Saturday 8 June, Friday 28 June from 12 noon, Saturday 29 June and Sunday 30 June.
Visitor Centre and Gift Shop
|
Day |
Opening hours |
|
Monday |
Closed |
|
Tuesday |
10am to 4pm |
|
Wednesday |
10am to 4pm |
|
Thursday |
10am to 4pm |
|
Friday |
10am to 4pm |
|
Saturday |
10am to 4pm |
|
Sunday |
10am to 4pm |
The Visitor Centre and Gift Shop will also be open on Bank Holiday Monday 6 May, 10am to 4pm
Castle Coffee Shop
| Day | Opening hours |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 11am to 3pm |
| 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
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