| Facts | Prices: Adults - £3.75, Conc. - £2.50, Kids - £2.00, Family tickets available. Winter Opening Times: 1 October - 31 March Monday to Sunday 10am until 4pm. Summer Opening Times: 1 April - 30 September, Monday to Sunday 10am until 5pm. Last admissions to Conisbrough Castle are 40 minutes before closing each day. Conisbrough Castle is closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. Getting there: By rail: Conisbrough Station Facilities: Tea rooms and gift shop Contact details: Conisbrough Castle, Castle Hill, Conisbrough, Doncaster, DN12 3BU
T: 01709 863329, F: 01709 866773 |
Most castles, by their very nature tend nowadays to be in states of disrepair. Conisbrough is no exception, and the castle has undoubtedly seen better days.  | | It's a long way up |
The grounds that once sheltered royalty (King John had been a visitor in 1201, followed over a century later by King Edward III) are now largely ruins. Despite this the appeal of such sites are not diminished by their dilapidated appearance. In fact the way the castle lies on the very peak of the areas skyline remains extremely picturesque.  | | A great view of Conisbrough |
Of course, for all the view is pleasing to the eye, the settlement at Conisbrough has more to offer than simply an aesthetic quality. A series of information points among the grounds help to illustrate exactly how the grounds would have looked at the height of their grandeur and more interestingly what purpose was fulfilled by each room. Like many historic attractions one of the most valuable things that the site offers is its accessibility to young people. School trips are welcomed for all ages and it is clear to see that such hands on experience of the region's past is both more exciting and more memorable for the children who pass through. Direct contact with such an old and decorated building offers everything that mere exposure to textbooks cannot.  | | Luxury living - a four poster bed |
Special mention must also be given the to the Keep. This is easily the most well preserved annex (as befits the safe hold and quarters of the Earls’ who once resided here). It is a proud building which has been decorated traditionally and whose musty smell and spiral staircases serve to set the context well. Obviously this will not appeal to those whose interest in history is minimal, and a little more depth would not go amiss on the information boards, but it is an inexpensive, educational and worthwhile trip for anybody with a curiosity about South Yorkshire and its history. | 
