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.
OPENING HOURS AND TOUR INFORMATION
Due to essential maintenance work, guided tours on Thursday 14th March will be truncated and will not include any areas of the Shire Hall court complex. These tours will only visit areas of the former prison – A Wing and C Wing, with a portion of the tour in the castle courtyards, weather permitting. These tours will last approximately 30 minutes and will be charged at the rate of £2.50 (adult), £1.50 (concession) and £6.50 ‘family ticket’ (2 adults with 2 concessions of any type).
Access to most of the castle interiors is by guided tour only.
In winter, tours operate daily between the times detailed below.
- Monday to Friday: normally at 10.30am, 12.15pm, 2pm 3.45pm
- Saturday and Sunday: at regular intervals between 10am and 3.45pm
All 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.
The Police Museum (Thursday to Friday only), Witches’ Exhibition and Castle courtyards can be accessed without booking a guided tour.
Admission charges:
- Adults £8.00
- Concessions £6.50 (over 65, people with a disability, unwaged and students)
- Accompanied children £6.50 (under 5s free)
- Families £22.50 (any group of 4 at least 2 of whom must be concessions)
- Carer accompanying a visitor with a disability – free
For large-group bookings or private tours please contact us to discuss your needs.
For more details, please see Lancashire County Council www.lancashire.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/museums/lancaster-castle/
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you are interested in information about school visits or group bookings, please click here.
Regrettably 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 where buggies can be left, on request, at your own risk.
Likewise, the tour route is not suitable for wheelchairs. Visitors with limited mobility are welcome to call ahead on 01524 64998 if they have any questions or concerns.
For further information on tour accessibility, please read through our access statement ahead of your visit, which can be found here.
For security reasons we are not able to store luggage on site.
TOUR QUERIES
For any queries regarding our tours, please speak to the Museum Service. Tour guides can be found in the Lancaster Castle ticket office, located under the clocktower, and will be able to answer any questions you may have.
Alternatively, please call the office on 01524 64998, or email lancastercastle@lancashire.gov.uk.