Pontefract Castle (official)

19/10/2026

Meet local author Gail C. Powell at a special spooky author event on Halloween! 👻

Discover how local history, mystery and legends helped shape her writing...

Listen to exciting passages from her work read by the author herself!

Young writers and imaginative minds will even have the chance to create ideas for their own mysterious or magical tale inspired by history

📅 Saturday 31 October, 11:30am to 12:30pm
🎫 Free, booking required - suitable for ages 7+
Book here: https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/whats-on/gail-powell/


Wakefield Libraries Experience Wakefield

18/10/2026

🍂☕ Autumn treats at The Keep Café! 🍎🍁

The autumn days are getting chillier, so why not pop into The Keep Café at Pontefract Castle and warm up with something delicious?
Indulge in a slice of our Spiced Caramel Apple Parkin – packed with warming autumn flavours and topped with a delicious caramel drizzle. 😋

Pair it with a creamy latte, or why not add a little Pumpkin Spice for that extra autumnal twist? 🎃☕

The perfect excuse to take a break, get cosy and enjoy a little seasonal treat!

🕑 We're now in our autumn / winter hours. The Keep Café is open Wednesday - Sunday 10:30am - 2:30pm.

Experience Wakefield

14/10/2026

In two week's time, Witches and Wizards week will be in full swing!

From Wednesday 28 to Saturday 31 October, you can enjoy all sorts of bewitching activities at the castle between 11am and 3pm:

🧙‍♀️ Take part in with witchy outdoor activities
🧉 Learn to mix magical potions
🪄 Magic up fun themed crafts

Join our resident witches on the bandstand for potions demonstrations everyday at 11:15am, 12:15pm and 2pm!

Dressing up encouraged (though not required)!

Free, no booking required*

*Exception for Witches and Wizards week (SEND session), Weds 28 Oct at 10am. Book at: https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/whats-on/send-witches-and-wizards/


Experience Wakefield Wakefield Libraries Yorkshire Tots to Teens

08/10/2026

Looking for a taste of autumn? 🍂 Fresh, fragrant quinces have just arrived at the shop!

Known for their incredible aroma and beautiful golden color, these seasonal gems are perfect for slow-cooking, baking, or turning into homemade jams and quince paste (membrillo).

These Yorkshire grown quinces will make an amazing jelly to add a royal touch to any meal.

£1 each with a recipe / information sheet.

05/10/2026

By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes... October half term is just around the corner and that means we're looking forwards to a hocus-pocus holiday!

We've got lots of bewitching activities for you to join in with at Pontefract Castle this year:

✨ Witches and Wizards week is back Weds 28 to Sat 31 Oct*
Take part in witchy outdoor activities. Learn to mix magical potions. Magic up fun themed crafts. Potions demonstrations on the bandstand at 11:15, 12:15 and 14:00

You can also get involved with the following special sessions throughout the week:
🐸 Dispelling animal myths (6+) - Thursday 29 Oct (£3 per child, booking required)
🎨 Finding my roots - Friday 30 Oct (free, no booking required)
📖 Meet the author: Gail Powell - Saturday 31 Oct (free, booking required)

Find out more about what's on across our sites and book in our handy half term guide: https://wmandc.co/holidays

*Witches and Wizards week is free and no booking required. Booking is only required for the Witches and Wizards week (SEND session) on Weds 28 Oct, 10am.

Experience Wakefield Wakefield Libraries Yorkshire Tots to Teens

03/10/2026

Now that we have moved to our Autumn/Winter hours, a reminder that Explorer Tours now begin at the earlier time of 1pm.

Join us every Friday, Saturday and Sunday* and enjoy a guided tour of the Castle site!

Learn about history where it happened and walk in the footsteps of royalty and Civil War soldiers with our fantastic staff.

Explorer Tours are suitable for wheelchair users and visitors with pushchairs, and suitable for all ages!

Book online in advance or purchase a ticket on the day from our Gift Shop.

🎫 £3.45 adults, £2.35 children, under 5s go free
🌐 Book online at: https://www.ticketsource.com/wakefield-museums-castles/pontefract-castle-explorer-tour/e-xpljpe

*Some exceptions due to occasional site closures - these dates will not be available to book online.

02/10/2026

Seeking inspiration to get creative this autumn?

Come along to one of our fantastic poetry workshops and walks!

Join the Castle team and Lindsey Marie from Black Horse Poets Society and be inspired by the grounds of Pontefract Castle and some creative prompts.

📅 Saturday 10 October, 11am* and 1:30pm**
🎫 £3 per attendee, booking required at www.ticketsource.com/wakefield-museums-castles

* 11am - Walk and Write: Pontefract Castle (18+)
** 1:30pm - Walk and Write: Pontefract (families, 10+)

A perfect way to get ready for !

Experience Wakefield Wakefield Libraries

01/10/2026

October has arrived and it's time to move to our Autumn / Winter opening hours from today until 31 March 2027:

🏰 Castle grounds
- Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 4:30pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 9:30am to 4:30pm

🛍 Visitor Centre and Gift Shop
- Wednesday to Sunday: 10am to 4pm
- Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

☕ The Keep Café
- Wednesday to Sunday: 10:30am to 2:30pm
- Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

Wakefield Council Experience Wakefield

29/09/2026

Ilbert's Dragon Tales (ages 2 to 5) returns in just over a week!

Join us with your little ones at the Castle for some autumn adventures as October rolls in 🍂

We'll explore the changes and colours in nature as the seasons alter in this autumnal session!

📅 Wednesday 7 October, 1:30pm
🎫 £3 per child, accompanying adults free

Book at: https://www.ticketsource.com/wakefield-museums-castles/e-vrkvyq

23/09/2026

We're excited to be hosting one of Wakefield Libraries' Dungeons & Dragons session this October!

Enjoy a whodunnit in this mystery edition on Saturday 17 October, 12 noon - 3pm.

Suitable for ages 9+, there are both children and adult tables available.

Booking is required via Pontefract Library - call 01977 727692 or email [email protected]

🐉🎲 We are proudly hosting two exciting Dungeons and Dragons events!

Was it the red dragon in the library or the gelatinous cube in the kitchen? Can you and your party solve the mystery?

📅 17 October ⏰ 12pm-3pm 📍 Pontefract Castle
🎟️ Booking essential, contact Pontefract Library at ☎️ 01977 727 692 ✉️ [email protected]

📅 24 October ⏰ 12pm-3pm 📍 Wakefield Library
🎟️ Booking essential, contact Wakefield Library at ☎️ 01924 305 376 ✉️ [email protected]

Both are for ages 9+



Wakefield Council Pontefract Castle (official) Wakefield Museum Experience Wakefield