Wakefield Museums and Castles

Pontefract Castle Pontefract Castle

The remains of the keep and curtain wall at Pontefract Castle, with the overarching branches of a tree in the foreground.

Visit Pontefract Castle, Key to the North! Built around 1086 by Ilbert de Lacy, it has many stories to tell. The castle was a prison for Richard II and immortalised in Shakespeare's plays. It later played an important role during the English Civil Wars. Which parts of its history will you discover?

An adult and two young children walking along a path towards the remains of a tower

Plan your visit to Pontefract Castle

Find Pontefract Castle's opening times and facilities here. Learn how to get to Pontefract Castle.
Two older gentleman walking alongside their friend in a mobility scooter along a path at Pontefract Castle

Access information at Pontefract Castle

Find access information for Pontefract Castle, including moving around our spaces, toilets and parking.
A freshly made latte, a bottle of pumpkin spice syrup and a cake

The Keep Café

Find opening times and current menu for The Keep Café at Pontefract Castle.
An adult pointing out part of the castle ruins to a child

Things to see at Pontefract Castle

There’s so much to see at Pontefract Castle! From towering ruins to deep dungeons, what will you discover?
A child shining a torch on historic graffiti in the Pontefract Castle dungeon

Things to do at Pontefract Castle

There’s lots to do at Pontefract Castle. Discover Pontefract’s past in a family-friendly way here at the castle.
Two adults and a child walking along the path around Pontefract Castle

Information for families visiting Pontefract Castle

Find information about visiting Pontefract Castle for families of all shapes and sizes.
A large group of children and adults listening to a story at Pontefract Castle

Group visits to Pontefract Castle

Find out about organising group visits to Pontefract Castle.
The Keirincx oil painting of Pontefract Castle in its heyday, a large imposing castle with many different towers looking down over a rural settlement

History of Pontefract Castle

Discover the history of Pontefract Castle through important people and events.
Carole in her Volunteer uniform tending to the Medieval Herb Garden

Medieval herb garden blogs

Learn more about the 160 varieties of plants in our medieval herb garden through our volunteer blogs.
A large crowd on the castle bailey for a festival, with small stages and food and beverage tents set up

Pontefract Castle site hire

The Pontefract Castle grounds can be now hired for commercial events and private functions.
A sound engineer and camera operator on the main drive at Pontefract Castle on a sunny day

Photography and filming

Pontefract Castle is the perfect photo and filming location. Find out about filming at our site.

Contact information

Pontefract Castle, Castle Chain, Pontefract, West Yorkshire WF8 1QH Car Park: WF8 2JF

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