Clitheroe Castle
A small museum in the 18th-century Steward's House below Clitheroe's Norman castle keep, with local history, archaeology and the Mitton Hoard.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Clitheroe Castle is a medieval castle on a limestone hill in the middle of the town. It was the centre of the Honour of Clitheroe, a large estate along the western Pennines, and was probably built in the 12th century by the de Lacy family. Its small stone keep is one of the smallest surviving in England. After the de Lacys the castle passed to the Earls of Lancaster and then to the Duchy of Lancaster.
A garrison left by Prince Rupert held the castle in 1644 during the Civil War, and in 1649 Parliament ordered it to be slighted. In 1660 Charles II gave the castle and the honour to George Monck, Duke of Albemarle. The borough council bought the site in 1920 as a war memorial to local men who died in the First World War, and the grounds became a public park.
The museum is housed in the former Steward's House, a Grade II listed building of the 18th century, and the old courthouse is used as a space for temporary exhibitions. The museum was refurbished at a cost of £3.5 million and reopened in 2009. Its displays cover about 350 million years of local history, with finds such as the Mitton Hoard. The keep is currently closed for restoration work.
Highlights
- Mitton Hoard and other local archaeological finds
- Local history galleries covering about 350 million years
- Downham Banner and a Victorian cooking range
- Norman castle keep, currently closed for restoration
- Castle park with a labyrinth and war memorial
- Free explorer backpacks for children
Permanent exhibition
- Local history galleries – Displays on about 350 million years of local history, with the Mitton Hoard, a Roman strigil, a Bronze Age bowl and the Downham Banner.
- Operated by
- Lancashire County Council
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £5.20 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 18 · The museum lists children up to 18 as free. |
| Private tour, per person | £8 |
| Xplorer pass | £25 |
Entry to the castle grounds is free.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum has full disabled access, but the buildings stand at the top of a fairly steep slope that a powered scooter can manage. Blue Badge parking is available, and assistance and guide dogs are welcome. A full access statement is available on the website.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 18 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Baby changing facilities
- Playground / play area
Children can borrow free explorer backpacks from reception, and a themed hunt and craft session takes place each month. The grounds have a labyrinth and creative activity area, and baby changing facilities are available.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
On-site parking is for Blue Badge holders only.
- Accessible parking
The museum is in the castle grounds at the top of a steep slope, with a drop-off and pick-up point.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
3C's Cafe is in the castle park near the museum, and a gift shop is on site. Meeting and activity rooms can be hired.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
Meeting and activity rooms are available for hire.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Private guided tours can be booked, and school learning sessions are offered. |
