About
Located in the historic market town of Pontefract, from its construction in 1070 to its demise following the Civil Wars, the once-fearsome fortress of Pontefract Castle dominated Yorkshire and beyond, bearing witness to some of England’s most momentous historical events earning itself the name of the Key to the North!
Today, the castle is a place of family-friendly adventure, with wide open spaces to explore and play, and fascinating ruins to investigate. Ignite your imagination as you explore the pathways and take in some of the imposing stonework. Climb to the top of the keep and see the surrounding Yorkshire countryside, and visit the castle gift shop for a colourful range of souvenirs, gifts, books and ice creams.
There’s masses of stuff to occupy families, younger visitors can get creative and test out their soldier skills while having a go at some civil war training activities on information boards around the grounds. You’ll find awesome displays along with some of the fascinating objects found at the castle from centuries gone by.
The children’s playground is the perfect place for young visitors to burn off some energy and create their own castle adventures.
The café at the Pontefract Castle visitor centre is currently closed and the Pontefract Castle team are reviewing options for the future offer at the site. In the meantime they are continuing to offer tea and coffee and other refreshments from the visitor centre.
GROUNDS:
Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 5pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9:30am – 5pm
Play area open 10am-4pm daily
Last entry 30 minutes before closing.
VISITOR CENTRE AND GIFT SHOP:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Sunday: 10am – 4pm
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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
- Guide Dogs Welcome
- Hearing Aid Loop
- Wheelchair Accessible
Venue Details
Find us at
Castle Garth, Pontefract, WF8 1QH
Phone
01977723440
castles@wakefield.gov.uk
Venue Facilities
- Cafe on Site
- Dog Friendly
- Free Parking
- Gift Shop
- Good To Go
- Picnic Area
- Playground
- Toilets
17:30 - 22:00 
