English Heritage - Pendennis Castle - Free entry

Open on Mother's Day

Free entry

English Heritage – Pendennis Castle

7–8 March 2026, 11–15 March 2026

Free entry Family friendly Heritage Museum / Gallery Outdoors & Nature No pre-booking required

A historic stone castle stands on verdant cliffs overlooking a vast ocean under a clear blue sky. Visitors wander the lush green lawn, evoking a serene, leisurely atmosphere. — English Heritage

Offer details

Perched above the mouth of the River Fal, Pendennis has been guarding these coastal waters for 500 years, including launching long-range, radar-controlled attacks against enemy ships during the Second World War.

First built by Henry VIII to defend against a possible European invasion, in 1646 it was one of the last Royalist strongholds in the Civil War, falling to the Parliamentary army after a five-month siege.

Today, Pendennis is a perfect spot to enjoy the views over Falmouth and out to sea, who knows what kind of vessel, bird, or coastal creature you might spot! For a higher view, climb the Tudor Keep and imagine how it would have felt to look out to sea as the forces of the Spanish Armada assembled somewhere over the horizon. The historic weaponry of Pendennis can be explored in the Field Train Shed, a collection of Tudor, Napoleonic, Victorian and 20th-century guns. You can also visit the Half Moon Battery, created during the Second World War, for an immersive experience into wartime life at Pendennis.

This is a family-friendly site with lots of room to run around, and our castle-themed soft play area for under-fives right next to the well-stocked café.

Parking:

Main car park on Castle Drive - follow signs past 'Ships & Castles' Leisure Centre (use TR11 4NQ for Sat-Nav). There is a 2.1M height barrier in place and no parking charge.

Accessible parking within the castle grounds is limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, (use TR11 4LP for Sat-Nav). Visitors with mobility concerns can use the drop-off point at the castle gates.

How to take part

You don’t need to book your visit in advance, but if you’d like to you can book online using code NLOPENWEEK26. Please remember to bring proof of purchase of a National Lottery game with you to show on the day. One Lottery game allows access for one adult and two children, but please book a separate ticket for each visitor.

Terms and conditions

English Heritage will be taking part in National Lottery Open Week with a special offer of Free entry

This offer will run on 7–8 March 2026, 11–15 March 2026

Booking in advance is not required.

One National Lottery ticket (physical or digital), scratchcard, or Instant Win Game will give access to One adult and two children.

Booking is not essential, but you can book your visit online using code NLOPENWEEK26.

You can redeem your free entry at participating sites only.

Proof of purchase of a National Lottery game must be presented at the admissions desk on arrival and can be either a hard-copy or digital ticket. Pre-booked tickets will not be valid without proof of purchase of a National Lottery game.

No refunds can be given retrospectively.

All National Lottery games, including National Lottery draw-based games, Instant Win Games, and National Lottery scratchcards, purchased in-store and online / via app, qualify to redeem this offer.

Proof of purchase of a National Lottery game can be either hard copy ticket or digital.

The date of draw / purchase is not relevant.

All offers are subject to availability.

English Heritage has the right to refuse entry in the unlikely event of venue / offer reaching capacity, as well as unforeseen circumstances.

In the event of queries on the day, the organisation's decision is final.

This offer is not exchangeable.