TOUR INFORMATION
Our guided tours generally run every 45 minutes on weekdays starting at 10:00 am. Tours run more frequently at weekends. However, please note that tour times are not fixed and are subject to change. Tours are offered on a first come, first served basis; pre-booking is not available.
Visitors are asked to note the following alterations to the timing during the month of June 2022:
Friday 10th June: due to an event taking place in the Shire Hall guided tours running between 10.00am and 1.30pm will be restricted to the outdoor courtyard areas only. These amended tours will last approximately 45 minutes and the ticket price will be reduced to £2.50 (adult), £1.50 (concessions & children) and £6.50 (family). From 1.30pm we will resume our usual guided tours at the standard ticket price (see below).
Saturday 11th June: due to an event taking place in the Shire Hall, the 12.00pm, 2.00pm and 2.30pm guided tours will be restricted to the outdoor courtyard areas only. There will be no tour at 1.00 pm. These amended tours will last approximately 45 minutes and the ticket price will be reduced to £2.50 (adult), £1.50 (concessions & children) and £6.50 (family). All other tours will be our usual guided tours at the standard ticket price.
Saturday 18th June: due to an event taking place in the Shire Hall, guided tours running between 10.00am and 2.00pm will be restricted to the outdoor courtyard areas only. These amended tours will last approximately 45 minutes and the ticket price will be reduced to £2.50 (adult), £1.50 (concessions & children) and £6.50 (family). From 2.00pm we will resume our usual guided tours at the standard ticket price.
TOUR PRICES
- Adults £8
- Concessions £6.50 (over 65, people with a disability, people who are unwaged and students)
- Children £6.50 (under 5s free)
- Families £20 – Two full price and 1 or 2 concessions/children; 1 full price and 3 concessions/children; 4 concessions/children (one of whom must be over 16 years)
- Carers – free
Our knowledgeable and friendly tour guides will take you around the castle, bringing to life its fascinating history. You will journey through tales of witchcraft, religious persecution, crime and punishment, rehabilitation and release throughout the ages.
You will see the dock, and learn what it meant to be ‘sent down’. You can enjoy one of Europe’s most extensive collection of heraldic shields hanging on the walls of the breath-taking Shire Hall. From Richard the Lionheart to Elizabeth II, all the Monarchs of England are represented there, together with the High Sheriffs of Lancashire from 1189 to the present day.
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. .
TOUR TIMES
Monday-Friday
10:00, 10:45, 11:30, 12:15, 13:00, 13:45, 14:30, 15:15 and 16:00
Saturday-Sunday
10.00, 10.30, 11.00, 11.30, 12.00, 13.30, 14.00, 14.30, 15.00, 15.30 and 16.00
Please note that tour times are not fixed and are subject to change. Visitors are welcome to call the castle on 01524 64998 to check tour times for a specific date.
BOOK YOUR TOUR
Visitors can join a tour without booking on a first come, first served basis; please note that pre-booking is not available.
To book your tour, visit the Lancaster Castle ticket office, located under the clocktower in the lower courtyard.
FURTHER 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.
