Pontefract Castle
The medieval castle ruins where Richard II is believed to have died. Besieged three times during the Civil War and then demolished, the cellars are open to visitors.
Pontefract Castle was built in the Norman period in the 11th century and was once one of the most important royal strongholds in northern England. Richard II, deposed in 1400, is believed to have died here. During the English Civil War, the castle was besieged three times by Parliamentary forces, and in 1649 it was ordered demolished. Today its remaining walls, tower bases and castle cellars survive. The ruins are free to visit and have a visitor centre and café. The underground magazine requires a guided tour, charged per session. The town is famous for liquorice sweets known as Pontefract cakes. It is a 30–40 minute train journey from Leeds, and the castle is within walking distance of the station.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:30–16:30 (shorter in winter; check official website)
Nearby sights
- Lotherton Hall
- Temple Newsam
- The Hepworth Wakefield
- Roundhay Park & Tropical World
- Thackray Museum of Medicine
- Royal Armouries Museum
- Leeds Minster
- Victoria Quarter