Wakefield Museums and Castles

Pontefract Museum closed Thursday 2 October

Pontefract Museum will be closed today Thursday 2 October 2025 all day. This is to allow for some essential maintenance work. 

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

The museum will be back open tomorrow Friday 3 October.

Pontefract Museum Pontefract Museum

A family doing dressing up in front of the Keirincx oil painting of Pontefract Castle in the 1640s

Learn all about Pontefract's eventful history! Discover royal links, from the Domesday Book to the Civil Wars. Find out how local people made political history. See how the town grew thanks to the sweet success of liquorice.

A member of staff talking to a visitor in the art nouveau foyer at Pontefract Museum

Plan your visit to Pontefract Museum

Find our opening hours and facilities here. Learn how to get to Pontefract Museum.
A child holding a magnifying glass up to their eye and a child wearing ear defenders and grinning at Pontefract Museum

Access information at Pontefract Museum

Find access information for Pontefract Museum, including moving around our spaces, toilets and accessible parking.
An adult and child looking in a display case containing a ballot box from the 1800s

Things to see at Pontefract Museum

There’s so much to see at Pontefract Museum! From Civil War treasure hoards to a piece of political history, there's lots to explore.
A child grinning and handing out a plastic carrot from a toy market stall

Things to do at Pontefract Museum

There’s lots to do at Pontefract Museum! Discover Pontefract’s history in a family-friendly way here at the museum.
A young girl wearing a red medieval dressing up dress as her mum helps her put it on

Information for families visiting Pontefract Museum

Find information about visiting Pontefract Museum for families of all shapes and sizes.

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