AttractionEnglish Heritage

Conisbrough Castle

Doncaster, South Yorkshire

A unique cylindrical keep standing 800 years above Doncaster, with a decent grassy bailey for your dog while you climb the tower.

The keep is unlike anything else in England. Conisbrough's cylindrical tower, built of pale ashlar with six massive buttresses, has stood for over 800 years. Inside, three big chambers and a beautifully made miniature chapel are brought to life by wall projections, with graphic novel style interpretation featuring builders, servants, ladies-in-waiting and squires.

As you climb to the top for panoramic views, or take the cutaway model tour if you would rather not do the stairs, your dog has a decent grassy inner bailey with the curtain wall around it, set on a hill so there are views out. The exhibition traces the castle's story through to its Regency fame as the setting of Walter Scott's Ivanhoe.

Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds only, with assistance dogs welcome across the site. Parking is the tricky bit, and English Heritage recommend Calvert Way, opposite the private car park at the bottom of Castle Hill. There is a shop, toilets, exhibition and picnic seating, but no café.

At a Glance

Dog Access: On-lead in the grounds; Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds only. Assistance dogs welcome across the site.
Site Type: Medieval & Tudor
Entry: £9.35 adult; £4.67 child · £23.37 family
Members: Free for English Heritage members
Facilities: Exhibition, Gardens, Parking, Picnic seating, Shop, Toilets, Wheelchair access
Telephone: 01709 863329
Parking: We recommend you use Calvert Way for parking, opposite the private car park at the bottom of Castle Hill. Alternatively, there’s street parking in the village. There are also a few accessible spaces outside the visitor centre.

English Heritage Membership

Planning Your Visit

Opening times

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 17:00
Friday: 10:00 - 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00

Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Conisbrough Castle dog friendly?
Yes, dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds at Conisbrough Castle, which includes a decent grassy inner bailey enclosed by the curtain wall — a pleasant spot for your dog to explore while you take in the views. Assistance dogs are welcome across the entire site. Please note that dogs other than assistance dogs are not permitted inside the keep itself.
Are dogs allowed at Conisbrough Castle year round?
The listing doesn't specify any seasonal restrictions on dogs, so they appear to be welcome in the grounds throughout the year. It's always worth checking with English Heritage directly before your visit, particularly around any special events or closures that might affect access.
What should I know before visiting Conisbrough Castle with my dog?
Keep your dog on a lead throughout the grounds, and bear in mind they won't be able to join you inside the keep or its interior spaces (unless they're an assistance dog). Parking can be a little tricky — English Heritage recommend using Calvert Way, opposite the private car park at the bottom of Castle Hill, though there is also some street parking in the village. There's no café on site, but there is picnic seating, so it's worth bringing your own refreshments for you and your dog.