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Lancaster Castle Courtyard to reopen to the public on Monday 12th April

Lancaster Castle Courtyard to reopen to the public on Monday 12th April 2021

Lancaster Castle Courtyard is to reopen to the public on Monday 12th April in line with the easing of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Visitors will once again be free to explore the exterior of the most historically significant landmark in Lancashire.

Whilst Lancaster Castle’s origins date back to Roman times, the Castle has witnessed significant events throughout the centuries. Today, the Castle is arguably most well-known for the trials of the Pendle Witches, who were incarcerated and tried within the Castle in 1612.

The Kitchen café run by renowned coffee roasters and baristas Atkinsons will also reopen on Monday, with outdoor seating available for guests. As always, they will offer a range of speciality teas and coffee, alongside an array of cakes, slices, scones, toasties, and soup. The café will be open Monday-Sunday, from 10am to 4pm.

Commenting on the reopening of the Castle courtyard, the Duchy of Lancaster’s Head of Communications Debbie Garritty said: “We are delighted to be able to reopen the courtyard space to members of the local community and beyond. Lancaster Castle is an incredibly important heritage site; we are keen for visitors to experience the vast history that this historic former prison and the city of Lancaster has to offer. All necessary COVID-19 guidelines are in place to ensure the health and safety of all visitors to the Castle. We will be closely monitoring Government guidance, and hope to be able to reopen fully by 17th May.”

Lancaster Castle has undergone extensive restoration and conservation works in recent years. In late 2019, the renovation of the lower courtyard was completed, including the newly uncovered cloisters and the exposure of the kitchen courtyard, which was previously unseen and inaccessible.

Lancaster Castle is owned by the Duchy of Lancaster, an ancient inheritance originating in 1265, which is in trust for the Monarch and Duke of Lancaster, Queen Elizabeth II.

To keep up to date with news and updates or to find out more about the history of Lancaster Castle, visit the website: www.lancastercastle.com.

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