TOUR NOTICE: SATURDAY 5TH OCTOBER 2019
Due to a wedding ceremony taking place in the castle on this day the last tour will be at 3.00pm and there will be no access to the shop after 3.30pm.
Lancaster Castle is open daily for guided tours, special events and group bookings. Public access into the interiors of the castle buildings is by guided tour only.
Please note that dogs are not allowed inside the Castle, assistance dogs are the exception to this rule. All areas are also smoke-free.
If you have any questions or queries, please contact the Tour Guides directly on 01524 64998.
Opening Times:
We are open 7 days a week (except over the Christmas/ New Year period) from 9.30am to 5.00pm, with guided tours running throughout the day. Tours last approximately 60 minutes.
Tours operate from the Shire Hall entrance, located at the rear of the castle (opposite the Priory Church).
The gift shop closes at 4.30pm
Guided Tours:
Lancaster Castle is one of the UK’s most significant historic monuments. Its origins date back to Roman times and it has been a centre of justice, incarceration and penal reform for almost 1,000 years. So there’s much to see and learn!
Our friendly tour guides will take you through tales of witchcraft, religious persecution, crime and punishment, rehabilitation and release throughout the ages. You may even get to stand in the dock, raise your left hand to be sworn in, and uncover the true meaning of being ‘sent down’. You can try out one of our Georgian cells for size and marvel at one of Europe’s most extensive collections of heraldic shields.
Please note: While every effort is made to open these buildings up for public viewing, Lancaster Castle is still used as a Crown Court. If the Court is sitting, it may not be possible to view all rooms.
Ticket Prices:
- Adults £8,
- Concessions (children, students and people aged over 65) £6.50,
- Family £20 (Our family tickets are flexible: two adults and up to any two concessions, one adult and any three concessions, or a group consisting of four concessions, all qualify)
Accompanying Registered Carers are admitted free. Young people under the age of sixteen must be accompanied by an adult.
Tours are limited to a strict maximum of 49 persons and tickets are sold on a ‘first come first served’ basis.
Private tours are sometimes permissible. This should be negotiated and agreed direct with the Tour Guides on 01524 64998.
If your enquiry is about a school visit or group booking please click here.
FAMILIES WELCOME
Why not take one of our ‘Activity Backpacks’ along with you on the tour! Suitable for 3 to 6 year olds; you can borrow the bag of goodies and find the castle bears dotted along the tour route.
For older children we have an activity book available to buy for just £1. Available from the ticket desk on the day.
How to Find Us:
For information on how to get to the castle and where to park please click here.
Unfortunately we are unable to provide visitor parking on site. However, if you have a disability please call 01524 64998 to arrange access to the Castle.
Additional information:
Photography
Due to the fact that these rooms are still used as a working court, photography is not permitted anywhere in the Shire Hall / Crown Court complex.
Luggage
For security reasons we are not able to store any luggage on site.
Restricted Mobility Access
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 should call ahead on 01524 64998 to discuss possible access. Our full access statement can be found by following this link.
