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Lancaster Castle

Lancaster Castle: Hours, Address, Lancaster Castle Reviews: 4.5/5

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Lancaster Castle

See all things to do
See all things to do
Lancaster Castle
4.5
2,265
#4 of 32 things to do in Lancaster
Historic Sites • Castles
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
Owned by the serving monarch, HM Queen Elizabeth II, through the Duchy of Lancaster, Lancaster Castle is a wealth of English history. Since being established by the Romans the castle has been a home to monarchs, a place of trial and execution, and a working prison right up until 2012. Still a crown court, the majority of the castle is now open to the public for the first time in over 1,000 years. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and ongoing restoration work in the Shire Hall guided tours have been suspended until January 2021. The courtyards are open and free to visit but there is no access to any of the buildings at the moment. The cafe is open between 10.00 am and 5.00 pm daily.
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The area
Address
Best nearby
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239 within 5 kms
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Attractions
35 within 5 kms
Cottage Museum
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71
58 mHistory Museums
exterior view
Lancaster Priory Church
188
0.2 kmChurches & Cathedrals
getlstd_property_photo
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118
0.1 kmSpeciality Museums
city museum
Lancaster City Museum
360
0.2 kmSpeciality Museums • History Museums
Lancaster Visitor Information Centre
38
65 mVisitor Centres
Lovely statue of Queen Victoria and Albert at end of the art gallery
The Storey
27
69 mArt Galleries
Roman Bath House and Wery Wall Remains
31
0.2 kmHistoric Sites • Ancient Ruins
Lancaster Maritime Museum
Lancaster Maritime Museum
204
0.5 kmMilitary Museums
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Popular mentions
4.5
2,265 reviews
Excellent
1,446
Very good
568
Average
158
Poor
56
Terrible
37
Cheekycockney190757
Basildon, UK4,545 contributions
Nice plave to visit whilst in the city
Oct 2020
Visited on Monday 26th October 2020. After we walk around the city centre we walked up to the castle which was a working prison until 2011. The castle was open at the time and free to enter but the guided tours were not available and the battlements couldn't be accessed. We could access the courtyard, cafe and toilets and though limited these were beautifully presented.
Written 9 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jimi2901
Wigan13 contributions
History lesson
Dec 2020 • Friends
Great information shared by our tour guide Cameron despite difficult conditions (cold,wind,rain,masks).
Written 19 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lucia S
5 contributions
GREAT!
Dec 2020 • Couples
Even during Covid 19 times the staff working in Lancaster castle was very helful and welcoming. Cameron gave us a lovely and interesting tour around the outside of the castel for free (since the inside visits are unavailable at the moment), was veery friendly and did not mind us asking tons of question. Definitely recommend visiting this lovely place no matter how much time you have in Lancaster - the whole guided tour around the outside portion of the castle will take you maximum 20 mintes. Definitely worth it!
Written 13 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jon
Lancaster3 contributions
Lovely atmosphere
Oct 2020
Looking forward to regular stops here post-lockdown... a beautifully preserved castle makes for a lovely atmosphere to enjoy a delightful tea or coffee at the wonderful Atkinsons within the grounds.
Written 8 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gee
Salford, UK4 contributions
Great history
Oct 2020 • Couples
Closed due to Covid but you can still walk inside the grounds and pick up a leaflet giving some history
Written 13 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hazel
Oldham, UK54 contributions
Fantastic Building
Sep 2020
Had a day out in Lancaster and visited the castle, I was surprised you could actually walk around the forecourt (due to CV-19). The building is awesome and steeped in history. I would have loved to do the tour but unfortunately that is not operating at the moment. But worth a visit just for a brew in the cafe.
Written 28 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ashley H
14 contributions
Covid restrictions
Sep 2020 • Couples
Went to have a look round with my wife but due to covid they only let her I to the courtyard. I was left holding the dog as there not dog friendly
Written 17 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Patricia S
57 contributions
Great historical location
Aug 2020 • Friends
The castle and prison are currently being renovated but it was great learning about the history of it from one of the staff. She was very knowledgeable. Lovely historical location. Visit to the priory is essential. Cafeteria brilliant...service was excellent!
Written 30 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jessica H
London, UK44 contributions
Beautiful and atmospheric
Aug 2020 • Family
Glorious building and wonderful architecture. Very much looking forward to returning in January when the tours restart, as only the exterior/courtyard is available now. Would like some more detail about the history of the Castle etc. - there is one informative board just to the left of the entrance, but couldn’t see anything else.
Written 30 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
glamourpuss1000
Liverpool, England2,996 contributions
Fascinating piece of history and so much more
Aug 2020
This is a very interesting place to visit, obviously of great historical interest but also a really pleasant place thanks to the flowers, landscaping and lovely cafe. The Chapel courtyard has beautiful flowers and is very peaceful then you read that's where most of the executions took place! The buildings have signs indicating their former usage, this place really captures your imagination. There is limited access owing to Covid but I will definitely return for the guided tours when they start again in January 2021.
Written 24 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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