Things to do at Pontefract Castle

$Things to do at Pontefract Castle$ Pontefract Castle

$A child shining a torch on historic graffiti in the Pontefract Castle dungeon$

Things to do at Pontefract Castle

There’s lots to do at Pontefract Castle. Walk in the footsteps of royalty, descend into the dungeon and enjoy the epic open space!

Discover Pontefract’s past in a family-friendly way here at the castle.

Looking for events at Pontefract Castle? Head to our What's On page.

$A group listening to a tour guide talk about the remains of a tower at Pontefract Castle$

Step into history

Walk in the footsteps of royalty and Civil War soldiers! Take some time to explore what is left of this once important castle. Discover the stories hidden in the castle ruins on a guided Explorer Tour.

$A child shining a torch on historic graffiti in the Pontefract Castle dungeon$

Discover the dungeon

As Civil War ravaged the country a medieval wine cellar became a damp, dark and deep dungeon. Learn all about its construction and uses. Discover notable prisoners. See where they scratched their names into the rock on a Dungeon Tour.

A person using a rubber mallet to hit a stamp onto a coin

Mint your own siege coin

Make and take your own unique souvenir in the Gift Shop! Just like a Civil War soldier, mint your own siege coin with the castle’s emblem.

£1 per coin, Gift Shop open Wednesday to Sunday.

A child grinning and going down the slide in the castle playground

Conquer the castle playground

Let the little ones loose in our brilliant Castle Playground. We’ve got battering ram swings, slides and climbing frames. Find out who’s the King or Queen of the castle – and who’s the dirty rascal!

Two children smiling and looking in a display case containing cannonballs

Get a sense of the past

Explore objects from Pontefract Castle’s impressive past. Discover finds from archaeological digs. Get close to real Civil War armour. Get a whiff of history with sensory boxes – including the latrines! Dress up as a lord, lady or soldier.

A child smelling rosemary growing in the medieval herb garden

Relax in nature

Go grass-gazing in this peaceful, picturesque setting. Count the birds, bugs and plant species you can find. Watch the clouds drift over Pontefract from the castle’s vantage point.

$Two children using an audio point in the grounds at Pontefract Castle$

Listen to tales from history

Turn the handle on the audio points around the grounds to hear stories from the past. Listen and watch videos in the Visitor Centre as actors bring history to life.