Located in the historic town of Pontefract, this once-fearsome fortress dominated Yorkshire and beyond earning itself the name of the Key to the North! Free Entry. Today, the castle is a place of family …
Located in the historic town of Pontefract, this once-fearsome fortress dominated Yorkshire and beyond earning itself the name of the Key to the North! Free Entry. Today, the castle is a place of family-friendly adventure, with wide open spaces, a play area and a fantastic view of the surrounding countryside. Ignite your imagination as you explore the ruins and discover fascinating stories of murdered Kings and secretive Queens. If you’re feeling brave enough, take a trip into the castle’s dungeon on one of our guided tours (booking required). The Castle hosts a programme of events and activities throughout the year, including tours, talks, musical concerts and family workshops.
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Tripadvisor
4.2/5 · 321 reviews
5-star
72%
4-star
21%
3-star
3%
2-star
2%
1-star
2%
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Mar 22, 2025
We visited here on a beautiful sunny day. Free car parking and free entry. How can you not give a free attraction five stars?! Firstly the grounds are kept immaculate. The little shop has lots of sou…Full review by airx01
Dec 13, 2024
Beautiful ruins. Do fantastic fun days and music festivals. Kept amazingly clean and tidy. Nice little visit. Shop n cafeFull review by angie h
Dec 10, 2024
Such a stunning place, free to access and dog friendly if on a leash. These ruins have loads of information and the visitors centre and cafe are lovely arts and crafts style buildings. A lovely area …Full review by Lyn B
I would like to know whether dogs are welcome and there's anywhere to walk them.
A:
Dogs on leads are welcome in the Castle, however at the moment they are not allowed in the activity center, the shop or the cafe. You can however have a coffee and something …
Dogs on leads are welcome in the Castle, however at the moment they are not allowed in the activity center, the shop or the cafe. You can however have a coffee and something to eat if you wish outside the cafe in our seating area and your dog is welcome outside with you. Hope this helps x
Would it be suitable to walk the dog and have a meal
A:
Dogs on leads are welcome at the castle, however they are not permitted in the activity center, shop or cafe at the moment. We do however have a seating area outside the cafe where …
Dogs on leads are welcome at the castle, however they are not permitted in the activity center, shop or cafe at the moment. We do however have a seating area outside the cafe where you are most welcome to come along have a coffee and a light lunch and have your dog with you outside. Hope this helps x
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