Lancaster Castle
Lancaster Castle, owned by His Majesty the King, the Duke of Lancaster, has over 1,000 years of heritage, history, justice, felony and incarceration just waiting for you to explore!
Lancaster Castle, often known as John O’Gaunt’s Castle is one of the most historically fascinating surviving buildings in the country. Its beginnings date back to Roman times when, from its commanding position on the hill overlooking the town of Lancaster and the River Lune, it stood as a bastion against the marauding forces of the ancient Picts and Scots tribes. In later years, the Castle saw the trials of many witches, the most infamous of which being the Pendle Witches in 1612, who were executed on the moors opposite, close to where Williamson Park now lies. Prior to 1800, all executions took place on the moors outside of the city, but later executions took place behind closed doors in a corner of the castle interior known as the “Hanging Corner”, in an angle between the tower and the wall on the east side of the terrace steps. On the ground-floor of the tower is the “Drop Room” which contains relics of the many executions, and can be visited today.
Over 200 people have lost their lives in Lancaster Castle, and it will come as no surprise to hear that the castle is home to many alleged spirits. A monk with a noose around his neck is said to roam the grounds and one of the Pendle Witches, Elizabeth Southerns, is also said to make her presence felt. Some visitors have even reported a feeling of being pushed as they wander around the grounds, though with so many ghosts to choose from it’s hard to know which one is most likely to be doing the barging.
As well as being a fortification, the Castle was also Europe’s longest-serving operational prison until its closure in March 2011. In addition, its courtrooms have witnessed many famous and infamous trials over the centuries, including those of the Lancashire Witches who were convicted and sentenced to death in 1612.
The Police Museum in A Wing of the former prison has sixteen galleries each contained within their own cell. Discover more about Lancashire`s shocking cases, including Dr Buck Ruxton`s bathroom: https://www.lancashirepolicemuseum.co.uk/
VISIT INFORMATION
Full Tours will include: A-Wing, C-Wing, the Old Waiting Cells, Hadrian’s Tower, Shire Hall, Crown Court, Grand Jury Room and the Drop Room.
For information on tour accessibility, please read through our access statement ahead of your visit.
Opening Hours
- In spring/summer (Easter-October), castle tours operate daily (Monday-Sunday) at regular intervals between 10am and 3.45pm.
- The Lancashire Police Museum is open on Thursdays and Fridays 10.30 – 4pm (closed for lunch 12.30 – 1.30pm). Also open selected Saturdays in summer. Free entry.
- The Witches Exhibition in the Well tower is also open to the public.
- The Gatehouse opens 9.30am – 5.00pm.
- There is a café and toilet on site, accessible to the public. The Kitchen Cafe is also open every day from 10.00am to 4.45pm for teas, coffees and light refreshments.
Cost
- Adults: £9.00
- Children up to the age of 18: £7
- Family Ticket: £25 – two full price and 2 children; 1 full price and 3 children; 4 children (one of whom must be over 16 years)
- For large-group bookings or private tours please contact us to discuss your needs.
- Booking is at the castle on a first-come first served basis (no pre-booking).
- N.B. there may be changes to the route or viewable areas if the Courts are sitting or there is a function or private hire.
Accessibility
- Members of public are free to walk around the courtyards but access into the majority of the main buildings is by guided tour only.
- Lancaster Castle is located on top of a hill, approaches from all directions are steep and cobbled/uneven.
- 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 part-way round the route where buggies can be left, on request, at your own risk.
- The tour route is also not suitable for wheelchairs. Visitors with limited mobility are asked to please call ahead to speak directly to our tour guides.
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