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Wakefield Museums and Castles
Pontefract Castle Explorer Tour
Fri 1 August 2025 - Sun 29 March 2026, 2pm - 2:45pm
The next occurrence is Fri 3 October 2025
Pontefract Castle
Join us every Friday, Saturday and Sunday* at 2pm for a guided tour of the Pontefract Castle site.
In years gone by, Pontefract Castle was one of Britain’s most important castles and 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 and listen to stories of unfaithful Queens, imprisoned Kings as well the castle’s role in the English Civil Wars.
Find out what the Castle looked like in its heyday and 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.
1 August 2025 - Sun 29 March 2026
2pm - 2:45pm
Pontefract Castle
Meet at the Gift Shop before the tour starts
£3.20 adults, £2.15 children, under 5s free
Accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs
All ages
How long is the tour?
Tours last around 45 minutes.
Can I buy tickets on the day?
Tickets can also be bought on the morning of the tour from the castle Gift Shop, subject to availability. Online tickets will not be available on the day of the tour.
Does the tour involve steps?
No, the tour stays on the level paths. However, the tour does involve moving around the site.
Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility scooters or pushchairs?
Yes, the tour stays on the main paths around the castle grounds.
Is the tour outside?
Yes, the tour is outside and will continue in most weather conditions. Please bring clothing suitable for the weather.
Is the tour suitable for young children?
The tour is suitable for all ages. Under 5s are free and do not need a ticket.
Can I get a refund if I can no longer attend?
Tickets are non-refundable.
Will I get a refund if the Castle cancels the tour?
Yes, refunds will be issued in this case.
Can I bring a dog on the tour?
Yes, well-behaved dogs on a lead are welcome on this tour.
Where can I park?
Pontefract Castle car park is located on Beech Hill a short distance from the castle entrance - a walk of approx. 5min. Please note it is up a steep hill. Car park post code is WF8 2JF.
Our car drop-off point and two disabled parking bays are accessed via a different route on Castle Chain, located at the front of the castle. Please use WF8 1QH in your sat nav.
Meeting point
Meet at the Gift Shop inside the Visitor Centre 5 minutes before your tour starts.
Contact Us
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 Tuesday 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.
Contact information
Pontefract Castle, Castle Chain, Pontefract, West Yorkshire WF8 1QH Car Park: WF8 2JF