Pontefract Castle Wins Tripadvisor Award

Pontefract Castle has just been named a winner in the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards for 2025. This isn't just a local prize; it means that people who have walked its grounds and explored its history rate it as one of the very best visitor attractions anywhere in the world.

What's the award all about, then?

So, what exactly is a Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Award? Think of it like a 'people's choice' award for places to visit. Over a 12-month period, hundreds of thousands of travellers from across the globe use the popular Tripadvisor website to share their thoughts. They leave reviews, give star ratings, and save places they loved to their 'must-visit again' lists. When a place gets consistently amazing feedback, it gets noticed.

This award, announced on 08 August 2025, means that Pontefract Castle has collected so many positive reviews and high ratings that it now ranks in the top 10 percent of all visitor attractions worldwide. That's a massive achievement. Out of all the theme parks, museums, and historic sites on the planet, this castle in West Yorkshire is right up there with the best of them. What's more, this is the fifth time the castle has gained this fantastic recognition, which shows it's not just a one-off success. It's a place that consistently provides brilliant experiences for everyone who walks through its gates. The award is based on genuine feedback, reflecting the memorable impact the castle has on its visitors.

A huge thank you from the people behind the castle

Naturally, the team at Wakefield Council, who look after the castle, are absolutely thrilled. It's one thing to think your attraction is great, but it's another to have it confirmed by hundreds of happy visitors. The award is a real testament to the hard work that goes into maintaining the site and making history feel alive for everyone, from young kids to their grandparents.

Cllr Hannah Appleyard, Wakefield Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, shared her delight at the news:

"It's great that Pontefract Castle's popularity has again been recognised with this award. What makes it so special is that it's based on great feedback from hundreds of visitors. A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences."

This really gets to the heart of why the Travellers' Choice Awards matter so much. They are a direct result of people having such a good time that they want to tell others about it. This recognition is built on authentic visitor feedback, from the stories shared in glowing reviews to the simple act of giving a five-star rating. It's a huge vote of confidence from the public.

So, what's inside these famous castle walls?

Pontefract Castle is much more than just a collection of old stones. It's a place steeped in nearly a thousand years of history, with stories of royalty, rebellion, and epic sieges. Built around 1086 by a Norman baron named Ilbert de Lacy, the castle has seen it all. It was once one of the most important fortresses in the North of England.

It's a place with some properly dramatic tales to tell. King Richard II was imprisoned and is thought to have died within its walls, a dark piece of history that was later immortalised in Shakespeare's plays. If you're a fan of the Bard, you're literally walking onto one of his stages. Later, the castle played a key role during the English Civil Wars, holding out for the King in three separate sieges. It was a place of immense strength and strategic importance. When you visit, you're not just looking at ruins; you're standing in a place that shaped English history.

If you're planning a visit, here are the opening times to keep in mind:

• Until 30 September: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm
• From 1 October - 31 March: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:30am to 2:30pm

The view from the top at Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor is the world's largest travel guidance platform. Every month, millions of people use the website and app to plan everything from a weekend break to a round-the-world trip. With more than a billion reviews and opinions, it has become the go-to resource for travellers. So, an endorsement from them is a pretty big deal.

Kristen Dalton, the President of Tripadvisor, congratulated the castle on its achievement:

"Congratulations to Pontefract Castle on its recognition in Tripadvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards for 2025. Ranking among the top percentage of businesses globally means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took time to go online and leave a glowing review about their experience. We hope this recognition continues to drive business to you in 2025 and beyond."

It's a powerful signal to people looking for their next great day out that Pontefract Castle is a guaranteed winner. This kind of recognition often leads to more visitors, which helps ensure the castle can continue to be looked after for future generations to enjoy. It's a win for the castle, and a win for everyone who gets to discover its amazing stories.