Catapult Challenge
Pontefract Castle, Castle Chain, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF8 1QH
Load, aim, release – it’s time to take the Catapult Challenge at Pontefract Castle!
Calling all problem solvers and budding engineers!
Are you up to the catapult challenge? Learn about the siege engines that took on many medieval castles.
Test and experiment with angles and materials to make the best catapult design. Can you knock down our mini castle walls?
This is a drop in family activity that will take place outside on Pontefract Castle Bailey. You'll be using everyday materials including wooden rods, rubber bands and paper cups to create your designs. No siege engines or full size catapults will be present on site for this event
Please note, this activity is suitable for those aged 7+
This event is part of Our Year 2024
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 07 September:
- 10:00-12:00 & 13:00-15:00
Location & directions
Pontefract Castle, Castle Chain, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF8 1QH
- Directions:
- This event will take place on Pontefract Castle bailey. The bailey is the big grassed area inside the castle ruins.
- Contact on day:
- Pontefract Castle
- Telephone number:
- +441977723440
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
The workshop takes place in Pontefract Castle Bailey. There are two parking bays outside the castle gates (WF8 1QH) for blue badge holders. If these are full, please drop off passengers at the castle gates and park in the car park at WF8 2JF, a five minute walk away. For more access information please visit https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/museums-and-castles/pontefract-castle/access-at-pontefract-castle/
Additional information
Located in the historic market town of Pontefract, from its construction in 1070 to its demise following the Civil Wars, the once-fearsome fortress of Pontefract Castle dominated Yorkshire and beyond, bearing witness to some of England’s most momentous historical events earning itself the name of the Key to the North! Today, the castle is a place of family-friendly adventure, with wide open spaces to explore and play, and fascinating ruins to investigate.
