How to get toPontefract Castlecar-free
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Visit Pontefract Castle car-free
It’s easy to get to Pontefract car-free. It’s about 5 minutes’ walk from the train stations and bus stations.
Trains run to Pontefract from: Leeds (35 mins), Sheffield (40 mins), Wakefield (15 mins) and York (30 mins).
Buses run to Pontefract from: Leeds (65 mins), Wakefield (55 mins) and other local towns.
Check out our recommended route (below) and then use our journey planner (above) for door-to-door train, bus and walking routes.
Pontefract Castle is free entry.
Discount: Enjoy 25% off a single dungeon tour ticket, for every visitor visiting by bike or with a valid train ticket. Check tour dates.
For money-saving tips see our handy guides to trains and buses. Find more services on these local bus route maps.
When you travel by train, a Wakefield PlusBus or Leeds PlusBus ticket gives you limitless bus travel in West Yorkshire, including to Pontefract.
Kids’ activities for your journey can be found at Network Rail.
Cycling: Pontefract Castle has a free bicycle rack available near the main entrance. Plan your cycle route here.
Taxis can be booked with Data – 01977 600680.
Find accessibility information for Pontefract Castle and for using public transport.
Discover more West Yorkshire offers and days out with Good Journey.
Getting to Pontefract Castle car-free
Here's our recommended route to Pontefract Castle. To get bus and train times and walking routes use our journey planner.
By train
There are direct trains to Pontefract Baghill from:
- North Yorkshire: Church Fenton (15 mins), and York (30 mins).
- South Yorkshire: Meadowhall (35 mins), Rotherham (25 mins), and Sheffield (40 mins).
Tickets: Search for train times and cheaper tickets with Good Journey.
It’s then around a 7 minute or 0.3-mile walk.
By train
There are direct trains to Pontefract Monkhill from:
- West Yorkshire: Castleford (10 mins), Knottingley (5 mins), Leeds (35 mins), Pontefract Tanshelf (2 mins), and Wakefield Kirkgate (15 mins).
- South Yorkshire: Doncaster (25 mins), Meadowhall (35 mins), Rotherham (25 mins), and Sheffield (45 mins).
Tickets: Search for train times and cheaper tickets with Good Journey.
It’s then around a 7 minute or 0.3-mile walk.
By bus
There are direct buses to Pontefract from:
- Castleford (25 mins, bus 140 or bus 141)
- Hemsworth (20 mins, bus 249)
- Knottingley (5-15 mins, buses 148, 149, 476, 493)
- Leeds (65 mins, bus 140 or bus 141) Leeds PlusBus train tickets are valid to Pontefract and across West Yorkshire.
- South Elmstall (40 mins bus 249 or bus 39b)
- Wakefield (55 mins, buses 148, 149, 113) Wakefield PlusBus train tickets are valid to Pontefract and across West Yorkshire.
The castle is in the city centre, 5 minutes’ walk from Pontefract bus station.
About Pontefract Castle
Once the most important castle in the north, Pontefract Castle was described as the key to the North (Edward I) and Britain's strongest inland garrison (Oliver Cromwell). Now in ruins after three sieges during the Civil Wars, Pontefract Castle is open to visitors wanting to explore its rich history.
For any queries about visiting contact Pontefract Castle on 01977 723440 or [email protected]
Address: Pontefract Castle, Castle Chain, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF8 1QH. Visit Website