About
Dark deeds, grizzly tales and gruesome ends… Pontefract Castle has seen it all!
Join costumed guide Chris Cade as he takes on the role of local Victorian historian Richard Holmes. ‘Richard’ will lead you on a lantern-lit tour of Pontefract Castle, illuminating its dark history.
Richard Holmes was the leading historian of Pontefract in the 1800s. Using Holmes’ original publications, Chris Cade has created an entertaining and educational tour of the castle.
The Pontefract Castle grounds close at 4:30pm daily for general visitors. On the evenings of the Richard Holmes tours, the castle grounds will reopen at 6pm.
The Keep Café will also be open 6 pm to 8:30pm for pre-tour hot drinks on these days.
Book your tickets now for a terrific night out – if you dare!
Please note: this tour involves steps around the site and going into the dungeon. The dungeon can only be accessed by a series of steep historical steps. If you cannot comfortably reach the dungeon, we can show you a video of the dungeon tour on a tablet while the rest of the group are below ground.
The tour is not suitable for under 5s.
Tickets £8 – everyone attending must have their own ticket.
Venue opening hours
Monday : 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Tuesday : 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday : 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thursday : 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Friday : 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday : 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Sunday : 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Access facilities
- Accessible Car Parking
- Accessible Toilet
- Baby Changing Facilities
- Wheelchair Accessible
Book your tickets
Richard Holmes’ Dark History of Pontefract Castle
Venue Details
Find us at
Castle Garth, Pontefract, WF8 1QH
Phone
01977723440
castles@wakefield.gov.uk