Pontefract Castle

$Pontefract Castle$ Pontefract Castle

$The remains of the keep and curtain wall at Pontefract Castle covered in a layer of snow$

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 plate with a fruit scone, clotted cream and mini jar of strawberry jam, a cup of tea and teapot and Christmas tree in the background

The Keep Café

Find opening times and current menu for The Keep Café at Pontefract Castle.

$The Gift Shop at Pontefract Castle with sweets, soft toys, dressing up costumes and books for sale$

Gift Shop

Find opening times and product ranges for the Gift Shop 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.

$The Keirincx oil painting of Pontefract Castle in its heyday, a large imposing castle with many different towers looking down over a rural settlement$