Name: Clitheroe Castle Museum
Rating: 5.0

Clitheroe Castle Museum

Clitheroe Castle Museum, Castle Hill, Clitheroe, UK

1-90 Years

Paid

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Description

Clitheroe Castle Museum is an award-winning attraction set within one of Lancashire’s most iconic historic landmarks. Perched high above the town, the castle has dominated the skyline for over 800 years and offers stunning panoramic views across the Ribble Valley. It’s a perfect destination for families, history lovers and anyone looking to explore heritage in a scenic setting.

Inside the museum, visitors can journey through 350 million years of local history, from the formation of the landscape to modern times. The galleries feature interactive displays, touchscreen animations and fascinating artefacts such as the Mitton Hoard, Roman objects and Victorian items. Outside, the 16-acre grounds include a creative activity area, a unique labyrinth, a war memorial and even a skatepark, offering plenty to explore beyond the museum itself.

Museum entry costs £5.10 for adults, while children up to 18 years can enter for free. Private tours are available for £8 per person, and an Xplorer pass costs £25, while access to the castle grounds remains free for all visitors.

With its mix of history, interactive learning and open green space, Clitheroe Castle Museum provides a well-rounded and enjoyable day out. Whether you’re discovering local stories, enjoying the views or exploring the grounds, it offers a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Overlooking the picturesque town of Clitheroe is the ancient landmark, Clitheroe Castle. Sitting proudly on top of its limestone mound the Castle has dominated the local skyline for over 800 years.
Stunning panoramic views of Ribble Valley’s beautiful, historic landscape can be seen from here which certainly makes the climb up to the top worthwhile!
The award-winning Museum is located in the former Steward's House, a Grade II listed building that was built in the 18th century to house the Steward of Clitheroe Castle. Visitors will also find a Gift Shop making it a great day out for all the family.
Visitors to the museum will be transported through 350 million years of local history. The journey starts with the formation of the landscape we see today and why the Ribble Valley is a haven for unique wildlife.
Moving through the galleries the captivating story of the Castle and surrounding area continues to unfold. From local industry and heroes to folklore and legends the exhibits, touchscreen animations and sound points make it a shared experience for everyone to enjoy.
Explore our modern galleries and discover treasures such as the Mitton Hoard, Roman Strigil, Bronze age bowl, an elephant molar, Victorian cooking range, and the beautifully preserved Downham Banner.
Borrow one of our explorer backpacks to make your visit a great adventure. The backpacks are free to borrow and available from the museum reception. Great for little kids and big kids too!

Events and Exhibitions

Facilities

Parking: Car parking available for blue badge holders
Food & Drinks: Nearby 3C’s Cafe in Clitheroe Castle park available.
Toilets: Toilet with Baby changing facilities available.

What to see

The Grounds

Clitheroe War Memorial: The whole of the Castle complex, including the keep, the suite of buildings that now form the museum, the park and the bronze memorial sculpture all form Clitheroe's war memorial. The sculpture was commissioned from Louis Frederick Roslyn, an established artist who had studied at the Royal Academy. Unveiled in 1923 the sculpture is powerful and contemplative. The larger than life-size figure of a Grenadier Guard in battle order with cap, bowing his head and resting his hands on his reversed rifle stands on a pedestal of grey Aberdeen granite.
Plaques timeline: In 2010, ten plaques featuring key events in the history of Clitheroe where installed on the walls of the creative activity area next to the Keep. The plaques, which are designed to look visually appealing and decorative, as well as containing Braille text, encourage people to explore the town's history. Visitors to the castle can take rubbings from the plaques, each of which highlights a local historical event.
Labyrinth: Get lost in the winding pathways of the Clitheroe Castle Labyrinth, the first public labyrinth in Lancashire. Commissioned by Ribble Valley Borough Council in 2005 from international labyrinth artist Jim Buchanan the unique, large-scale labyrinth was designed specifically for the Clitheroe Castle Grounds. Constructed from grass and limestone on the site of an old bowling green this community labyrinth is a stunning example of land art, which attracts and delights local people and visitors alike.
The Pinnacle: The pinnacle monument is located in the former rose garden at Clitheroe Castle. The pinnacle, or turret, originally formed part of the roof of the new Houses of Parliament after it had to be rebuilt following the Great Fire of 1834 and is one of eight removed in the 1930s. Purchased by Sir William Brass MP and presented to the town for George VI’s coronation in 1937 the pinnacle at Clitheroe is unique in that it is the only one known to be accessible to the public.
Clitheroe skatepark: Clitheroe skatepark was built and opened in 2006 and is an all concrete park made up of both transition and street elements that can be found in the grounds of Clitheroe Castle.