Join us for a tour of the castle dungeons. Soak in the atmosphere of this eerie underground space, discover the history of the dungeon and see where Civil War prisoners left to languish scratched their names into the rock. We love our dungeon tours and know you will too! Please read this information to make sure they are suitable for you and your group. Then book your tickets with the 'Book Now' button below: 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. Under 5s This 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. Meeting point Meet at the Gift Shop inside the Visitor Centre 5 minutes before your tour starts. Footwear This tour involves going underground using steep steps. The dungeon floor is uneven. Sensible footwear is strongly recommended. Duration Tours last around 45 minutes. Refunds Generally, tickets are non-refundable. If the Castle cancels the tour, your tickets will be refunded in this case. Dogs Dogs are not allowed on the tour. Access Unfortunately this tour is not accessible for blind / visually impaired 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 2pm. These are fully level access and accessible for all. You can book these by going back to the main ticket page 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. Fliming Filming or photography of our staff is not allowed. Parking 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. 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 Wednesday to Sunday, 10 to 4. You can also email us [email protected]. Please note this email address is only monitored during office hours.

Join us for a tour of the castle as our friendly guide takes you around this historic site. In years gone by, Pontefract Castle was one of Britains most important castles and was known as The Key to the North! Discover who built and lived in the castle and listen to stories of unfaithful Queens, imprisoned Kings as well the castles role in the English Civil Wars. Find out what the castle looked like in its heyday and why the castle now looks as it does! Tour is suitable for wheelchair users and visitors with pushchairs. Please note the start time change to 1pm from Saturday 3 January 2026.This is to allow you time to warm up in The Keep Caf with a hot drink before or after your tour! FAQs 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 walking 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. Car park post code is WF8 2JF 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 Wednesday to Sunday, 10 to 4. You can also email us at [email protected]. Please note this email address is only monitored during office hours.

Join Ilbert the dragon at Pontefract Castle for a fun and friendly afternoon of storytelling and hands on play. Each month help Ilbert and his storyteller bring their books to life through music, props and actions. Then get stuck in with activities, crafts, games and rhymes. These sessions are a great way to spend time together and discover new ways of learning with your child! Wednesday 15 April Shoe stories Save the day and find the missing shoe! Join in with a magical fairytale. Well have a stomping good time. Wednesday 6 May Buzzing bees Summer is coming and Ilberts busy bee friends are back. Listen to a summer story. Join in with some flowery fun. You can also do these sessions as part of50 Things to do before youre 5 [https://wakefield.50thingstodo.org/app/os#!/welcome]. Take part and tick off #40 Happy History, #6 Rhyme Time, #7 Making Music and lots more! FAQs How can I contact the organiser with any questions? Call 01924 302700 and leave a message. We will respond as soon as possible. Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? No, we will have your details at the door. Refund Policy No refunds will be offered on this event.

Discover the history of chocolate and craft your own tasty truffles! Join us for a delicious journey into the story of chocolate. Learn what its made from and how its processed. Discover the fascinating steps that transform cacao into the treat we all love. In this hands-on workshop, youll: - Explore the origins and making of chocolate - Discover the process from bean to bar - Create your own recipe for chocolate truffles to take home! This workshop is designed for teenagers aged 12 to 16. Accompanying adults are welcome, but not essential. Please let us know of any allergies when booking. This activity is part of our Heritage for Youth programme, where teenagers can get hands-on with history through interactive workshops. FAQs How can I contact the organiser with any questions? Call 01924 302700 and leave a message. We will return your call as soon as possible. This number is monitored during office hours: Monday to Friday, 9 to 4. (It is not monitored at weekends and on bank holidays) What's the refund policy? No refunds will be offered on this event. Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? No, we will have your details on the door.

Join our volunteers for a talk on 'A Northern Conflict - The Percies and Nevilles in 15th Century England'. The north of England in the 1400s was dominated by two great noble families. They were the Percies of Northumberland and the Nevilles of Middleham and Raby. These two important families were often at war and in opposition. Their family feud had a national impact. It played a big part in the events that led to the Wars of the Roses. Join us on Sunday 19 April to learn more about the Percies and the Nevilles. Discover their backgrounds and the events that led to their feud. Explore their important connections to both Pontefract Castle and Sandal Castle. Find out more about how events in our region influenced the Wars of the Roses. Learn how it defined the second half of the fifteenth century. Free talk, booking required as places are limited. For adults 16+ This event will take place in the Visitor Centre at Pontefract Castle. FAQs How can I contact the organiser with any questions? Online bookings enquiries:[email protected] or 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. Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? No, we will have your details on the door.

Join Carole, one of our volunteer gardeners, as she talks about the plants in ourMedieval Herb Garden [https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/pontefract-castle/medieval-herb-garden-blogs/]. See unusual and familiar plants in a new light. Find out how they were used throughout history. Discover whats in a name, and why some of those names have changed over time. This talk takes place outside by the herb garden and is free. FAQs How can I contact the organiser with any questions? [email protected], or 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. Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? No, we will have your details on the door.

Bees have been buzzing around planet Earth for over 100 million years! And when people came along, humans discovered just how helpful bees could be to our own interests. In this home education workshop designed for children aged 5+ we will: explore how bees were useful to the people who lived and worked at Pontefract Castle in medieval times consider the importance of bees at the castle - and in the wider world - today If you would like more information about the workshop please email us [email protected]. This session is delivered in partnership with the Community & Family Learning Team at Wakefield Councils Adult Education Service. Please note that from April 2026, the price of Home Education workshops has increased to 6.80 per child. FAQs How can I contact the organiser with any questions? Call 01924 302700 and leave a message. We will respond as soon as possible. This number is monitored during office hours: Monday to Friday, 9 to 4. (It is not monitored at weekends and on bank holidays.) Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? No, we will have your details at the door. Refund Policy No refunds will be offered on this event.

Hedgehogs are a beloved part of British wildlife! In this home education workshop designed for children aged 5+ we will: learn fascinating facts about hedgehogs discover the work taking place at Pontefract Castle to make it a happy hedgehog habitat create some crafty hedgehogs to take home If you would like more information about the workshop please email us [email protected]. This session is delivered in partnership with the Community & Family Learning Team at Wakefield Councils Adult Education Service. Please note that from April 2026, the price of Home Education workshops has increased to 6.80 per child. FAQs How can I contact the organiser with any questions? Call 01924 302700 and leave a message. We will respond as soon as possible. This number is monitored during office hours: Monday to Friday, 9 to 4. (It is not monitored at weekends and on bank holidays.) Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? No, we will have your details at the door. Refund Policy No refunds will be offered on this event.

From real-life mysteries to political milestones, and famous visitors to locals who left the area to lead incredible lives elsewhere, Pontefract and the surrounding towns and villages have a rich history full of intriguing, exciting, amusing and often unexpected stories. In this home education workshop designed for children aged 5+ we will: go on a scavenger hunt around Pontefract Castle uncover clues and reveal some of the most surprising stories from the locality's past If you would like more information about the workshop please email us [email protected]. This session is delivered in partnership with the Community & Family Learning Team at Wakefield Councils Adult Education Service. Please note that from April 2026, the price of Home Education workshops hasincreased to 6.80 per child. FAQs How can I contact the organiser with any questions? Call 01924 302700 and leave a message. We will respond as soon as possible. This number is monitored during office hours: Monday to Friday, 9 to 4. (It is not monitored at weekends and on bank holidays.) Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? No, we will have your details at the door. Refund Policy No refunds will be offered on this event.

Spring is in the air. What better way to celebrate than to make a willow spring wreath, with a twist? Use natural materials to make your own unique wreath to brighten up your home. Blooming lovely! FAQs How can I contact the organiser with any questions? 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) What's the refund policy? Refunds are only available for cancellations up to 7 days before the event. Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? No, we will have your details on the door.

Make a flower press and use pressed flora to create a delicate lantern. Be inspired by the magicalmedieval herb garden [https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/pontefract-castle/medieval-herb-garden-blogs/] at Pontefract Castle, and the gardens of the past. Use a variety of materials to make your own spellbinding lantern, including pre-pressed flowers. Give your new flower press a go and capture some of our herb garden specimens. FAQs How can I contact the organiser with any questions? 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) What's the refund policy? Refunds are only available for cancellations up to 7 days before the event. Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? No, we will have your details on the door.

Learn the historic technique of lino printing. Create a simple design to decorate a useful tray. Your lino cuts can be used to print over and over again! FAQs How can I contact the organiser with any questions? 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) What's the refund policy? Refunds are only available for cancellations up to 7 days before the event. Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? No, we will have your details on the door.

Pontefract Castle’s biggest classical event returns for 2025! Enjoy a magnificent evening of music and light as Pontefract Castle proudly presents the West Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra. Bring along friends and loved ones to listen to moving melodies as the sun goes down over the Castle. Prepare to be transported on an orchestral odyssey! The concert will end with a fantastic firework finale.

Richard III is one of the most controversial monarchs in English history. It seems everyone still has an opinion about him, good or bad. What is less well known is that Richard had an enduring love affair with the north of England. It's one that is still reciprocated by many in the region to this day. Join our volunteers for an intriguing and engaging talk. Learn how the north of England became central to Richard's support. Discover how Pontefract and Sandal Castles played a significant role in his life and short reign. Free talk, booking required as places are limited. For adults 16+ This event will take place in the Visitor Centre at Pontefract Castle. FAQs How can I contact the organiser with any questions? Online bookings enquiries:[email protected] or 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. Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? No, we will have your details on the door.

Step back in time for an unforgettable evening of music and nostalgia! This years spectacular Tribute at the Castle is an80s Show. It's packed with iconic hits, dazzling costumes and all the retro vibes you love. Dance the day away in our stunning historic setting,Pontefract Castle [https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/whats-on/tributes-at-the-castle/]. Grab your leg warmers and neon its going to be an absolute blast! Tickets: Adults:18.35 (plus 1.54 booking fee) Child (aged 5 to 16):14.80 (plus 1.24 booking fee) Under 5s:Free and no ticket needed Disabled person and registered carer:18.35 plus 1.54 booking fee (price of 1 adult ticket, valid for 2 people). Proof of carer status required. Early access tickets:20.35 adult, 16.80 child, 20.35 disabled person and carer (plus booking fee). VIP tickets (admits 4 people):112plus 9.41 booking fee. Includes a bottle of prosecco and a reserved picnic table with excellent view of the event. Limited availability! Personalised shout outs:5 plus 0.42 booking fee per shout out. Limited availability! Frequently asked questions: What time does the event start?The gates will open at 4pm. The show will begin at 5pm. The act will perform two 45 minute sets. The event ends at around 8pm. Are there early entry tickets available?Yes, there are a limited number of early entry tickets available for an extra 2 (plus booking fee). If you have an early entry ticket you can enter the site from 3pm. Is there an interval?Yes, there will be a 30 minute interval around 5:45pm. Will the performance still go ahead if it is raining?Yes. In the case of adverse weather, the event will not be cancelled and will go ahead as planned. If the adverse weather causes any health and safety concerns the Events Team may have to cancel the event. Only in the event of us cancelling will a refund be offered. Do you offer refunds or exchanges?Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Only in the event of us cancelling will a refund be offered. Do you offer carer tickets?We offer a combined Disabled Person and Registered Carer ticket, priced at the value of 1 adult ticket and valid for 2 people. Proof of eligibility will need to be provided on arrival which could include: Carers Card, An Access Card, National Carers and Disability Card, recent Attendance Allowance Letter (AA), Carers Allowance Letter of Award, Disability Living Allowance Letter (DLA), or Personal Independence Payments (PIP). Is the event wheelchair accessible? Will there be a designated access area?Yes. The main Pontefract Castle site is accessible by wheelchair. There is a hardstanding path that runs around the main grassed event area (the bailey) however some areas on the bailey are uneven. A space close to the performance area will be marked out as an accessible area. There will be an option to let us know when you book online if you need use of this space. You can also browse our full access information for Pontefract Castle [https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/pontefract-castle/access-information-at-pontefract-castle/]. Are refreshments available?Yes, there will be on site catering units and a bar. The castle's Keep Caf and Gift Shop will also be open during the event. Can I bring my own food and drink?Yes. Please use the waste and recycling bins provided or take your rubbish home with you. No open flames or BBQs are allowed. Is there any seating?No, please bring your own low back chairs or picnic blankets. Full seating / picnic equipment guidelines follows this FAQs section. If you have purchased a VIP ticket you will be provided with 1 standard size picnic bench for 4 people. Do under 5s need a ticket?No, under 5s are free and do not require a ticket. Is the event outdoors? The event takes place outdoors on the main grassed area of the castle and will take place whatever the weather. Large umbrellas (fishing / parasol) or tents are not permitted due to safety and visibility issues. Please bring ponchos, raincoats or regular / golf umbrellas if the weather is wet. Can I bring my dog?No, Assistance dogs only due to the large numbers of people expected. Assistance dogs must be on a lead at all times. Are there toilets available?Yes, there will be portable toilets on the bailey including an accessible portaloo. The Visitor Centre toilets will also remain open during the event. Where can I park? We recommend that you use the Pontefract town centre car parks [https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/parking/car-parks-across-the-district/car-parks-in-pontefract]. I have a Blue Badge, where can I park?Roadside parking will be available for Blue Badge holders on many of the surrounding roads marked with double yellows. Please checkThe Blue Badge Scheme [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-blue-badge-scheme-rights-and-responsibilities-in-england/the-blue-badge-scheme-rights-and-responsibilities-in-england] for rules on where parking is permitted. There will be a limited number of spaces available in the castle car park however access to the castle is up an incline on a cobbled path. Can I smoke / vape during the event?Smoking or vaping is not allowed in the grounds of Pontefract Castle. A smoking area will be available outside the main gates. Can tickets be purchased on the night?Tickets will be available online (subject to availability) right up to the same day as the event. Tickets must be purchased here on TicketSource. Seating and picnic equipment guidelines To help keep walkways clear and ensure the comfort and safety of all visitors, only small personal seating and compact picnic equipment will be permitted inside the event. Allowed Folding camping chairs Small, low-level picnic tables (maximum width: 60cm) Picnic bags, small coolers and blankets Festival trolleys (must be emptied and folded down once inside the venue) Not Allowed Trestle tables Large or family-sized picnic tables Full-height dining tables Oversized coolers, large trolleys, or bulky luggage Event staff may ask visitors to leave any oversized items at the gate before entering. All decisions regarding item size and suitability are final. Public transport information: Pontefract has three train stations, all of which are near to Pontefract Castle. Please check the timetables before travelling. Pontefract Monkhill station is 0.3 miles away from Pontefract Castle. Please note there is no step-free access between the two platforms at Pontefract Monkhill, and they are connected by a footbridge with steps. Pontefract Tanshelf station is about 1 mile away from Pontefract Castle. There is step-free access between the platforms at Pontefract Tanshelf. These two stations are on the Leeds and Wakefield route. Pontefract Baghill station is 0.3 miles away from Pontefract Castle. There is step-free access between the platforms at Pontefract Baghill. This station is on the Sheffield and York route. Pontefract Castle is about 0.2 miles away from Pontefract Bus Station. There is a slight decline down towards the castle, and an incline back towards the bus station. For details about local buses and trains please see Metro [https://www.wymetro.com/]. Further questions?You can email us at [email protected] and we will get back to you during office hours. These are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Learn about the marvellousmedieval herb garden [https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/pontefract-castle/medieval-herb-garden-blogs/] at Pontefract Castle! Discover the many different plants and flowers that grow here. Make a paper plant pot. Plant some bee-friendly flowers in it to grow through the summer. SEND families are welcome at all of our sessions.We are also running this SEND session for those families who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. SEND sessions must be pre-booked to manage numbers. It is still a free activity. We also have a drop-in version of this event on the same day Wednesday 27 May (11am to 2pm). FAQs How can I contact the organiser with any questions? 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) Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? No, we will have your details at the door.

Pollinators are awesome, and so important for our planet! Test your bug spotting skills at Pontefract Castle. Learn how to survey nature. Join in a mini bioblitz. Meet local beekeepers and the RSPB. Discover what local organisations are doing to help nature thrive. SEND families are welcome at all of our sessions.We are also running this SEND session for those families who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. SEND sessions must be pre-booked to manage numbers. It is still a free activity. We also have a drop-in version of this event on the same day Thursday 28 May (11am to 3pm). FAQs How can I contact the organiser with any questions? 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) Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? No, we will have your details at the door.