Free entry Family friendly
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
Venue Facilities
Cafe on Site
Dog Friendly
Free Parking
Gift Shop
Good To Go
Picnic Area
Playground
Toilets
Located in the historic market town of Pontefract, from its construction in 1070 to its demise following the Civil Wars, this once-fearsome fortress 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 new children’s playground is the perfect place for young visitors to burn off some energy and create their own castle adventures.
Winter Opening Hours (1 October – 31 March):
Grounds:
Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9:30am – 4:30pm
Visitor Centre and Gift Shop:
Wednesday – Sunday: 10am – 4pm
Monday and Tuesday: Closed
Christmas Opening Hours:
24 December (Christmas Eve): 8:30am – 1pm
Pontefract Castle will be closed from 25 December until Monday 3 January, reopening at 8:30am on Tuesday 4 January.
