Lancaster Castle courtyard re-opens with free tours and fresh coffee

The Kitchen café run by Lancaster coffee roasters and baristas Atkinsons has also re-opened this week, with outdoor seating available for customers daily between 10am and 4pm.

In line with the easing of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions visitors are once again free to explore the exterior of the most historically significant landmark in Lancashire.

Lancashire County Council is also running outside tours of the castle starting this week.

They are free of charge and last 30 minutes.

The first tour is at 10am, and the last is at 3:30pm.

Whilst Lancaster Castle’s origins date back to Roman times, the castle has witnessed significant events throughout the centuries.

Today, the castle, which is owned by the Duchy of Lancaster, is arguably most well-known for the trials of the Pendle Witches, who were incarcerated and tried within the Castle in 1612.

Debbie Garritty, the Duchy of Lancaster’s head of communications, said: “We are delighted to have now re-opened the courtyard space to members of the local community and beyond.

"Lancaster Castle is an incredibly important heritage site; we are keen for visitors to experience the vast history that this historic former prison and the city of Lancaster has to offer.

"All necessary COVID-19 guidelines are in place to ensure the health and safety of all visitors to the Castle.

"We will be closely monitoring Government guidance and hope to be able to reopen fully by May 17.”

Lancaster Castle has undergone extensive restoration and conservation works in recent years.In late 2019, the renovation of the lower courtyard was completed, including the newly uncovered cloisters and the exposure of the kitchen courtyard, which was previously obstructed from view.

Lancaster Castle is owned by the Duchy of Lancaster, an ancient inheritance originating in 1265, which is in trust for the Monarch and Duke of Lancaster, Queen Elizabeth II.

To keep up to date with news and updates or to find out more about the history of Lancaster Castle, visit the website: www.lancastercastle.com.