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Opening Times

Admission by guided tour only

  All year*
Mon 10 - 5pm
Tue 10 - 5pm
Wed 10 - 5pm
Thur 10 - 5pm
Fri 10 - 5pm
Sat 10 - 5pm
Sun 10 - 5pm
* Closed Christmas and New Year

We suggest you allow at least 1.5 hours for your visit.

Notes about opening times

Lancaster Castle is still used as both a Crown Court and a Prison.

The content of the tours on weekdays varies due to the pattern of use by the Crown Courts, so please ring us on 01524 64998 before planning your visit so that we can advise you of what is available on any given day.

At weekends, tours operate every 30 minutes 10:30am to 4:00 pm.

Guided tours

  • Guided tours daily from 10.30am to 4pm*
  • Tour duration 60 minutes
  • Evening tours available for group bookings
  • Tours available for pre-booked school groups

Admission charges

Adults£ 5.00
Concessions £ 4.00
Children £ 4.00
Family Ticket
(2 adults + 2 children)
£ 14.00

Facilities

  • Parking within 100 metres
  • Gift shop
  • Limited access for disabled users
  • Visitors with guide dogs welcome
  • Family events and activities
  • Regular theatrical events

Enjoy England.com Quality Assured Visitor Attraction

Contact the museum

Lancaster Castle
Castle Parade, Lancaster, LA1 1YJ.
Tel: (+44) 01524 64998
Fax: (+44) 01524 847914

Our venues

Lancaster Castle

Discover one of the most important historic monuments in the North West

Steeped in almost 1000 years of history, the Castle is built on a commanding hill top location which dominates the City of Lancaster.

The castle buildings have undergone extensive alterations during its history, with parts being demolished to allow for conversion into a court and prison in the late 18th century. The castle buildings are Grade I listed with some being awarded Scheduled Ancient Monument status.

The castle is still a working Crown Court and prison today.  The history of the castle is tied up with stories of royalty, power, criminals, dungeons, death, treason, transportation and witchcraft. The rich history of the castle as well as the architecture and magnificent interiors make it a must see tourist destination for anyone visiting the county.

The interiors of the castle demonstrate a stark contrast between the harsh dungeon conditions and the highly decorative interiors of the Crown Court and Shire Hall.

From the Lancashire witches to the power loom rioters to the Birmingham Six, Lancaster castle has been connected to many people throughout its history. Discover stories of some of its most famous “inhabitants” and the cases which were tried at the court.

Explore the museum:

Schools


Lancaster Castle gallery