Dominating the local skyline, Lancaster Castle is one of England's best-preserved castles. The castle is owned by His Majesty the King, who is the Duke of Lancaster. The castle offers a glimpse into England’s often dark past through tours and special events enjoyed by modern day visitors of all ages. Until 2011 it was a fully functioning HM Prison and was also Europe’s longest-serving prison. 

Its courtrooms have witnessed many famous and infamous trials over the centuries, including those of the Lancashire Witches who were convicted and sentenced to death in 1612. Between 1800 and 1865 only the judges at the Old Bailey in London sentenced more people to death than those who sat at Lancaster Castle.

Photo gallery

Daily tours

Access to most of the castle interiors is by guided tour only.

Tour start times are subject to change or cancellation and visitors are advised to call ahead for information about specific tour times on the day of their visit.

Tours run at regular intervals every day from 10am. Tours generally start 30 to 45 minutes apart.

All tour start times are subject to change or cancellation. 

The Police Museum (Thursday to Friday only), Witches' Exhibition and castle courtyards can be accessed without a guided tour. These parts of the castle are not administered by Lancashire County Council. 

Admission charges

• Adults £9
• Children up to the age of 18 - £7
• Family Ticket £ 25 – two full price and 2 children; 1 full price and 3 children; 4 children (one of whom must be over 16 years).
• For large-group bookings or private tours please contact us to discuss your needs

Opening times

Please note that tour times can be subject to change. Private group bookings and other events/circumstances mean that tours do not always operate at the times listed below and the tour coverage may be altered (with the charge being reduced, as appropriate). Visitors are welcome to call the Castle on 01524 64998 to check tour times for a specific date.

Christmas 2024 and New Year 2025 tours

Sunday 22 December 2024	Open - tours running
Monday 23 December 2024	Open - tours running
Tuesday 24 December 2024	Closed for tours
Wednesday 25 December 2024	Closed for tours
Thursday 26 December 2024	Closed for tours
Friday 27 December 2024	Closed for tours
Saturday 28 December 2024	Open - tours running
Sunday 29 December 2024	Open - tours running
Monday 30 December 2024	Open - tours running
Tuesday 31 December 2024	Open - tours running
Wednesday 01 January 2025	Closed for tours
Thursday 02 January 2025	Open - tours running
Friday 03 January 2025	Open - tours running

Monday 25 November 2024 - Sunday 30 March 2025

Day	Times
Monday	10:30am - 3:45pm
Tuesday	10:30am - 3:45pm
Wednesday	10:30am - 3:45pm
Thursday	10:30am - 3:45pm
Friday	10:30am - 3:45pm
Saturday	10am - 3:45pm
Sunday	10am - 3:45pm

How to find us

The Shire Hall
Lancaster Castle
Castle Parade
Lancaster
LA1 1YJ

The castle is located near to Lancaster city centre and is sign-posted from junctions 33 and 34 of the M6 motorway.  The site is a five-minute walk from the railway station; the bus station is a ten to fifteen-minute walk. Plan your journey and view bus timetables for your area and train times (external site).  Why not take advantage of our bargain bus fare offers to visit?

 

 

Facilities, access and contact details

Facilities

• Free public access to the courtyard area
• Car parking available for blue badge holders by prior arrangement, please contact the castle before your visit
• Assistance dogs welcome
• Part disabled access
• Baby changing facilities
• Cafe in the courtyard (external link). 

Access

Lancaster Castle is located on top of a hill and that approaches from all directions are steep. The visitor entrance is the main gateway to the castle at the front of the building (the John O’Gaunt gate).

The tour route is not suitable for pushchairs or buggies. If your infant is able to walk, or you are able to carry your infant for the duration of the tour, there is a place part-way round the route where buggies can be left, on request, at your own risk. The tour route is also not suitable for wheelchairs. Visitors with limited mobility are asked to please call ahead to speak directly to our tour guides.

See the access statement (PDF 5.24 MB) for more detail or please ring us if you have any questions.

Contact us 

Tel: 01524 64998

Email: lancastercastle@lancashire.gov.uk

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Discover more of Lancashire's diverse history and visit one of our other Lancashire Museums. Which of our museums will you visit next?

Please note that most of Lancaster Castle's history has been associated with law and order and crime and punishment. These topics form a significant part of the guided tour and include information about the death penalty and hangings which took place at the castle.

If you've visited us, what was your favourite thing you learnt about the castle? Let us know by sharing your experiences on Twitter using #LancasterCastle and don't forget to tag in @LancsMuseums on X and @LancsMuseums on Facebook.

Search for the latest events at Lancaster Castle. If there are no current events listed check back for new events soon. We look forward to seeing you.

Find events at Lancaster Castle

Previous events include theatrical and musical events and our annual 'Christmas at the castle' markets. 

Lancashire Museums on X

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We are happy to receive enquiries from schools throughout the year. Our guided tours offer students the opportunity the see one of the last working castles in the country, learn about the administration of the law through the last 1000 years, and experience for themselves what it meant to be imprisoned here. 

Find more information about our group visits.

 

Museum loan boxes

Our museum loan boxes contain a wide range of historical artefacts, replica objects and useful resources loan boxes are a great way of bringing a little bit of the museum into your classroom.

Learn more about loan boxes.