Lancaster Castle

Lancaster Castle Lancaster Castle welcomes visitors of all ages for daily tours, special events and group bookings. Accompanying Registered Carers are admitted free.
(1039)

For more information call 01524 64998 or visit our website www.lancastercastle.com Why not take a tour around one of the UK's most significant historic monuments. Lancaster Castle also has a programme of special events throughout the year. More details can be found on the website www.lancastercastle.com

With origins dating all the way back to the Romans, this fascinating collection of buildings

has been a centre for justice, incarceration and penal reform for almost 1,000 years. Our knowledgeable and friendly tour guides will take you 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 breathtaking 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. Similarly, restoration works underway at the Castle to repair its historic fabric mean that public access to all areas of the Castle is subject to public safety and security considerations. TICKET PRICES:

Adults £9.00
Children up to the age of 17 - £7.00
Family £25.00 - Two full price and two children, one full price and three children, 4 children (one of whom must be over 16 year old)
For large group bookings or private tours please contact us to discuss your needs. Access into the castle can be restrictive, due to uneven surfaces, staircases and cobbles. Please note that young people under the age of sixteen must be accompanied by an adult. If you have any questions about access or booking tours for your visit, please call us on 01524 64998

🌈 A rare view over Lancaster's skyline. Lancaster Castle, the Priory tower and a rainbow overhead 🌈Photo by:  on Instagr...
07/09/2026

🌈 A rare view over Lancaster's skyline. Lancaster Castle, the Priory tower and a rainbow overhead 🌈

Photo by: on Instagram

If you've captured any great photos of the castle, we'd love to see them. Share it with us in the comments or send it over. 📸

🧵 Did you know?Around 1800, many Lancashire handloom weavers enjoyed what was often described as a "golden age".They wer...
07/09/2026

🧵 Did you know?

Around 1800, many Lancashire handloom weavers enjoyed what was often described as a "golden age".

They were skilled craftspeople, respected in their communities, and could often earn enough to support their families comfortably.

But new inventions such as the Spinning Jenny, Water Frame, Mule, and Power Loom transformed textile production forever.

The Industrial Revolution brought innovation and progress, but also uncertainty, job losses, and social unrest, eventually leading to the Lancashire Uprising in 1826.

See the incredible free exhibition, “Rise Up! Lock Down!’, at Lancaster Castle, C Wing, 5th - 16th October 2026

🏰 Music sounds different inside a castle 🎶For centuries, Lancaster Castle has witnessed history, and during Lancaster Mu...
03/09/2026

🏰 Music sounds different inside a castle 🎶

For centuries, Lancaster Castle has witnessed history, and during Lancaster Music Festival it becomes part of the city’s vibrant cultural story.

There’s something special about experiencing live music within one of Lancashire’s most iconic landmarks.

We can’t wait to welcome festival-goers back this October 8-11

The Lancashire Uprising of 1826 were among the largest industrial protests in the county's history.Over just a few days,...
03/09/2026

The Lancashire Uprising of 1826 were among the largest industrial protests in the county's history.

Over just a few days, crowds moved from town to town, attacking mills and smashing power looms. More than 1,100 looms were destroyed.

Why?

Many handloom weavers believed the new machinery was destroying their livelihoods. Families who had once lived comfortably faced poverty, unemployment, and hunger.

The rising was not just about machines. It was about people fighting to survive during a period of enormous social change.

See the incredible, free exhibition, “Rise Up! Lock Down!’, at Lancaster Castle, C Wing, 5th - 16th October 2026

Join us in the Courtyard this Saturday as the wonderful Blackburn People’s Choir brings live music to Lancaster Castle! ...
02/09/2026

Join us in the Courtyard this Saturday as the wonderful Blackburn People’s Choir brings live music to Lancaster Castle! 🎼

Performance times:
• 12:00pm – 12:45pm
• 2:00pm – 2:45pm

🎵 Did you know?Lancaster Music Festival brings together more than 300 artists from across the UK and beyond, with perfor...
01/09/2026

🎵 Did you know?

Lancaster Music Festival brings together more than 300 artists from across the UK and beyond, with performances taking place in venues throughout the city.

From historic landmarks to cafés, pubs, outdoor spaces and, of course, the spectacular Lancaster Castle, the whole city becomes a stage. And best of all, it's completely free to attend.

Mark your calendars: 8 to 11 October 2026

Mary Hindle and the 1826 Lancashire Rising: Lancaster SymposiumDuring the Lancaster Music Festival, Lancaster Castle is ...
28/08/2026

Mary Hindle and the 1826 Lancashire Rising: Lancaster Symposium

During the Lancaster Music Festival, Lancaster Castle is also hosting an exhibition on Mary Hindle and the Lancashire Rising, It's a fascinating opportunity to step away from the music for a moment and discover a piece of Lancashire's rich history.

Marking the 200th anniversary of the 1826 Lancashire Weavers' Uprising, the exhibition explores the story of the thousands of weavers and workers who protested against poverty, unemployment, and economic hardship as new machinery threatened traditional livelihoods. Among the most compelling personal stories is that of Mary Hindle.

During uprising, Mary went in search of her daughter, who was among the crowds watching events unfold. Although there is little evidence that Mary participated in the machine-breaking itself, an informer reportedly cut a piece from her skirt as proof that she had been present at the uprising.

Following her arrest, Mary was tried for her alleged part in the uprising at Lancaster Castle, alongside other protesters. Convicted, she was sentenced to death before a campaign for clemency secured a reprieve, with her sentence commuted to transportation for life to Australia.

🎶THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS! 🎸We’re delighted to once again be part of Lancaster Music Festival 2026, one of the UK’s largest ...
27/08/2026

🎶THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS! 🎸

We’re delighted to once again be part of Lancaster Music Festival 2026, one of the UK’s largest urban music festivals, bringing thousands of music lovers into the heart of Lancaster from 8 to 11 October 2026!❤️

For four incredible days, the city will come alive with more than 500 performances across 50+ venues. From pubs and cafés to outdoor spaces and historic landmarks, every corner of Lancaster plays its part, and we’re proud that Lancaster Castle will once again provide one of the festival’s most memorable settings.🎤🏰

We can’t wait to welcome you back for another incredible festival weekend!

On Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August a free music festival is taking place at Lancaster Castle. Tours will be on Saturday...
12/08/2026

On Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August a free music festival is taking place at Lancaster Castle. Tours will be on Saturday may be reduced or impacted by live music in the castle courtyards.

Please note, guided tours of Lancaster Castle will not be running on Sunday 16 August 2026.

This summer holiday the Lancashire Police Museum is open on Thursdays, Fridays AND Saturdays!!Visit the completely free ...
07/08/2026

This summer holiday the Lancashire Police Museum is open on Thursdays, Fridays AND Saturdays!!

Visit the completely free Lancashire Police Museum, set in an atmospheric former prison at Lancaster Castle.

10.30am to 12.30 and 1.30pm to 4pm @ Lancaster Castle


Address

Castle Parade
Lancaster
LA11YJ

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5pm
Friday 9:30am - 5pm
Saturday 9:30am - 5pm
Sunday 9:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+44152464998

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Lancaster Castle posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organisation

Send a message to Lancaster Castle:

Shortcuts

Share

Category