About
Join the Wakefield Museums and Castles team for a tour of the Pontefract Castle dungeon! Free for Heritage Open Days!
Soak in the atmosphere of this eerie underground space. Discover the many uses of the dungeon. See where English Civil War prisoners left to languish scratched their names into the rock.
Please note: The tour involves going underground via steep steps with low light levels, uneven ground, and damp conditions. Sensible footwear is strongly recommended. This tour is not suitable for under 5s, visually impaired visitors or wheelchair users due to 44 steep historic steps. For an accessible tour of Pontefract Castle, please see the Explorer Tours.
You can book free tickets in advance online, or obtain tickets on the day from the Gift Shop (subject to availability). Online tickets will not be available on the day of the tour.
FAQs
How long is the tour? Tours last around 45 minutes.
Is it suitable for young children? The tour is not suitable for very young children (under 5’s) and babies / children cannot be carried up or down the steps due to the risk of falling.
Can I bring a dog on the tour? No. Dogs must be left at the dungeon entrance with a member of your group.
Can I film the tour? Filming or photography of staff is not allowed.
Where can I park? Pontefract Castle car park is located on Beech Hill a short distance from the castle entrance – a walk of approximately 5 minutes. Car park post code is WF8 2JF.
How can I contact the organiser with any questions?
Online bookings enquiries: Call 01924 302700 and leave a message. This number is monitored during office hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. It is not monitored at weekends and on bank holidays.
General visit and on-the-day enquiries: Contact the Pontefract Castle Gift Shop on 01977 723440 and leave a message. This number is monitored Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm.
Venue opening hours
Monday : 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday : 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday : 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday : 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Friday : 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday : 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Access facilities
- Accessible Car Parking
- Accessible Toilet
- Baby Changing Facilities
Book your tickets
Heritage Open Days: Dungeon Tours
Venue Details
Find us at
Castle Garth, Pontefract, WF8 1QH
Phone
01977723440
castles@wakefield.gov.uk