Pontefract Castle

Visit Pontefract Castle, Key to the North! It was a prison for Richard II, immortalised in Shakespeare’s plays, and an important fortress during the English Civil Wars.

Discover the captivating stories of the castle – and the people who lived there. Take a chilling tour of the dungeons and see where prisoners scratched their names into the dungeon walls.

Stand in the remains of the bakehouse and be transported to a time when the castle was equipped for lavish banquets, playing host to some of England’s most famous monarchs.

Enjoy the sights and smells of our medieval herb garden and let the kids loose on the castle-themed play area featuring a battering ram swing, drawbridge, ramparts, and more! Round off your visit with a trip to our Gift Shop.

We host lots of exciting events throughout the year, from our Easter Ilbert’s Dragon Egg Hunt, to the sensational summer Proms at the Castle and a range of informative Volunteer Talks. Check out https://wmandc.co/whats-on for the latest information.

Entry to the castle is free, with parking available in nearby town centre car parks. The castle is easily accessible from the A1 or Junction 32 of the M62. Follow the brown tourism signs for the castle or use WF8 2JF in your sat nav. The castle is also a short walk from Pontefract Bus Station, Baghill Railway Station and Monkhill Railway Station and from Pontefract’s historic town centre, where you’ll find plenty of reasons to extend your visit, including quirky independent boutiques, excellent local food and drink, and the art nouveau Pontefract Museum.

Pontefract Castle is part of Wakefield Museums and Castles, a group of five venues owned and operated by Wakefield Council. All five venues are open all year round and all are free entry.

For visitor and access information, visit: https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/pontefract-castle/