Wakefield Museums and Castles

Join us every Friday, Saturday and Sunday* at 1pm** for a guided tour of the Pontefract Castle site.

In years gone by, Pontefract Castle was one of Britain’s most important castles. It was known as The Key to the North!

Learn about history where it happened. Walk in the footsteps of royalty and Civil War soldiers.

Discover who built and lived in the castle. Listen to stories of royal scandals. Explore the castle’s role in the English Civil Wars.

Find out what the castle looked like in its heyday. See how it has changed over time.

Tour is suitable for wheelchair users and visitors with pushchairs.

Suitable for all ages.

*Some exceptions due to occasional site closures - these will not be available to book online.

** Note the change in start time to 1pm for January to March 2026. This is to allow you time to warm up in The Keep ​Café with a hot drink before or after ​your tour!

Frequently asked questions

How much do the tours cost?

Tickets are £3.20 for adults, and £2.15 for children (5+). Under 5s are free.

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 Explorer Tours suitable for children?

Yes, the Explorer Tours are family friendly and pushchair accessible.

Are the Explorer Tours accessible?

Yes, the Explorer Tours stay on a wheelchair accessible route around the grounds.

How long is the tour?

Tours last around 45 minutes.

Is the tour outside?

Yes, the Explorer Tour is outside and will continue in most weather conditions. Please bring clothing suitable for the weather.

Can I bring my dog on the tour?

Yes, well-behaved dogs kept on leads can come on an Explorer Tour.

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

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

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.