Lancaster Castle

The castle was begun in the 1090s on a Roman site above the Lune and became the county gaol and assize court, a role it held continuously until HMP Lancaster closed in 2011, making it one of the longest-serving prisons in Europe. That is the reason it was almost entirely inaccessible to visitors until recently and why the fabric is a mixture of medieval towers and Georgian and Victorian prison building. The Shire Hall has a display of heraldic shields of the county's high sheriffs. The Crown Court, still occasionally in use, is where the 1612 trials of the accused from Pendle were held, and the cells and the drop room can be seen on the tour. The Well Tower is traditionally called the Witches' Tower. The gatehouse of about 1400 is the most complete medieval element.

What you actually see

• The Crown Court - the courtroom where the 1612 assize trials were held.
• The prison wings - Georgian and Victorian cells left as they were in 2011.
• The Shire Hall - heraldry of the county's sheriffs across the walls.
• The gatehouse - a substantial tower of about 1400 over the entrance.

When to go

April to October for the fullest tour schedule; access is by guided tour only and times vary, with fewer in winter. Court sittings close parts of the building at short notice.

Honest expectations

Independent wandering is not possible; everything is by timed guided tour and slots sell out. Parts remain closed for redevelopment. The prison history is grim and is presented plainly, which is not a light visit.

Nearby

The Ashton Memorial in Williamson Park is a short walk; Morecambe Bay lies west.