Wakefield Museums and Castles

Join us for a tour of the Pontefract Castle dungeon! Soak in the atmosphere of this eerie underground space.

Discover the many uses of the dungeon. See where English Civil War prisoners left to languish scratched their names into the rock. 

Tours run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 10:45am to 11:30am (some exceptions due to events).

We often run additional tours during school holidays and on special event days.

Frequently asked questions

How much do the tours cost?

Tickets are £4.40 for adults, and £2.55 for children. Only children over the age of 5 can come on a Dungeon Tour.

Do I need to book in advance?

We recommend booking in advance online to ensure tickets are available. A limited number of tickets will be available to buy on the day from the Gift Shop.

Are the Dungeon Tours suitable for children?

Children over the age of 5 are allowed to come on a dungeon tour. The tour is generally not suitable for young children and babies (under 5s). Children and babies cannot be carried up or down the steps due to the risk of falling.

Are the Dungeon Tours accessible?

Unfortunately this tour is not accessible for blind / partially sighted visitors or wheelchair users. This is due to the low light levels, uneven ground and 44 steep historic steps down into the dungeon. 
Alternatively, we offer Castle Explorer Tours every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 1pm. These are fully level access and accessible for all. You can book these in advance online or at the Pontefract Castle Gift Shop.
Dogs and assistance animals cannot be allowed into the dungeon because of the steep steps.
The conditions in the dungeon are often damp and dark. This may make the tour uncomfortable for visitors with sensory hypersensitivities.

How long is the tour?

Tours last around 45 minutes.

Are there discounts available?

If you are travelling to Pontefract Castle by train or on your bike, you can get 25% off Dungeon Tour tickets! To get the discount, you must buy your tour ticket on the day from the Gift Shop. More information on Good Journey's website. 

Can I bring my dog on the tour?

Dogs are not allowed on the tour.

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

Meet at the Gift Shop inside the Visitor Centre 5 minutes before your tour starts.

What should I wear for the tour?

This tour involves going underground using steep steps. The dungeon floor is uneven. Sensible footwear is strongly recommended.

Can I take photos or film the tour?

You can take photos and short video for personal use. Filming or photography of our staff is not allowed.

Where can I park?

Pontefract Castle car park is located on Beech Hill. This is a short distance from the castle entrance - a walk of around 5 minutes. The car park post code is WF8 2JF. 

Can I get a refund?

Generally, tickets are non-refundable. If we cancel the tour, your tickets will be refunded in this case.

Contact details

Online bookings enquiries: Call 01924 302700 and leave a message. This number is monitored during office hours: Monday to Friday, 9 to 4. (It is not monitored at weekends and on bank holidays)

General visit and on-the-day enquiries: Contact the Pontefract Castle Gift Shop on 01977 723440 and leave a message. This number is monitored Wednesday to Sunday, 10 to 4.
You can also email us at castles@wakefield.gov.uk. Please note this email address is only monitored during office hours.