Wakefield Visitor Guide
Wakefield, a vibrant city in the heart of West Yorkshire, is rich in history, culture, and scenic beauty. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or a nature explorer, Wakefield has something for everyone. Here's your ultimate guide to discovering this fascinating city.
Wakefield Visitor Guide
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Getting There
By Car: Wakefield is accessible via the M1 (junctions 39-41) and M62 motorways. Parking is available at city center car parks like The Ridings and Trinity Walk.
By Train: Wakefield has two train stations: Wakefield Westgate (on the East Coast Main Line) and Wakefield Kirkgate. Both offer regular services to Leeds, London, and other major cities.
By Bus: Local and regional buses connect Wakefield to neighboring towns and cities.
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Annual Events
Rhubarb Festival (February): Celebrates Wakefield's heritage as part of the "Rhubarb Triangle" with food, drink, and entertainment.
Long Division Festival (June): An independent music and arts festival.
Wakefield Festival of Food, Drink & Rhubarb (Summer): Showcasing local food and craft producers.
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Visitor Tips
Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer for outdoor activities, or February for the Rhubarb Festival.
Accessibility: Many attractions are wheelchair accessible. Check individual sites for details.
Family-Friendly Activities: Parks, museums, and watersports at Pugneys make Wakefield great for kids.
Wakefield
North Yorkshire
Things to See and Do at Wakefield
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Top Attractions
1. The Hepworth Wakefield
Overview: A world-renowned art gallery showcasing contemporary and modern art.
Highlights: Works by Barbara Hepworth, temporary exhibitions, and a riverside garden designed by Tom Stuart-Smith.
Facilities: On-site café and gift shop.
Website: The Hepworth Wakefield
2. Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Overview: An open-air gallery featuring large-scale sculptures in a stunning 500-acre park.
Artists Featured: Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Ai Weiwei, and more.
Activities: Walks, workshops, and seasonal exhibitions.
Website: Yorkshire Sculpture Park
3. Wakefield Cathedral
Why Visit: Known for its stunning spire (the tallest in Yorkshire) and beautiful stained glass windows.
Free Entry: Donations welcome.
Website: Wakefield Cathedral
4. Sandal Castle
Overview: The ruins of a medieval castle with panoramic views over Pugneys Country Park.
Significance: Site of the Battle of Wakefield during the Wars of the Roses.
Free to Visit: Perfect for history buffs and families.
5. National Coal Mining Museum for England
Overview: Dive into the history of coal mining with interactive exhibits and an underground tour.
Family-Friendly: Educational and fun for kids and adults alike.
Website: National Coal Mining Museum
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1. Chantry Chapel of St Mary
What It Is: One of only three surviving bridge chapels in England, dating back to the 14th century.
Location: On the medieval Wakefield Bridge.
Interesting Fact: A testament to Wakefield’s historical importance.
2. Newmillerdam Country Park
Why Visit: A picturesque park with a lake, walking trails, and woodland.
Great For: Picnics, photography, and relaxing strolls.
3. Pugneys Country Park
What It Offers: A large lake for watersports, walking paths, and a playground.
Perfect For: Outdoor enthusiasts and families.
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Shopping: Visit Trinity Walk and The Ridings shopping centers for a mix of high-street stores and independent shops.
Live Performances: Catch a show at Theatre Royal Wakefield, known for its diverse performances and historic charm.
Walking Trails: Explore the Wakefield Way, a circular walk that takes you through the city and surrounding countryside.
Food Markets: Visit Wakefield Market for fresh produce and local delicacies.
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Cafes
Create Café: A social enterprise café serving delicious homemade food.
Marmalade on the Square: Cozy café known for its cakes and afternoon tea.
Pubs and Bars
The Hop: Great for craft beer and live music.
The Black Rock: A traditional pub with a warm atmosphere.
Restaurants
Iris Restaurant: Modern British cuisine using locally sourced ingredients.
The Cow Shed: A steakhouse offering a relaxed dining experience.
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Hotels
Hotel St. Pierre: Comfortable accommodations near Newmillerdam.
Holiday Inn Express Wakefield: Convenient city center location.
B&Bs and Guesthouses
The Grange: A charming guesthouse with excellent reviews.
Foxwood Guest House: Located just outside the city, offering a peaceful retreat.
Budget Options
Premier Inn Wakefield Central: Affordable and family-friendly.
Campanile Hotel Wakefield: Basic accommodations with easy access to the city.
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Tourism and General Information
Experience Wakefield
Official tourism site with guides to attractions, events, and accommodations.Welcome to Yorkshire - Wakefield
Comprehensive information about the city and surrounding areas.
Top Attractions
The Hepworth Wakefield
World-class art gallery featuring modern and contemporary works.Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Open-air gallery showcasing sculptures in a stunning natural setting.Wakefield Cathedral
Details about visiting this historic and spiritual landmark.Sandal Castle
Explore the ruins of this medieval castle and learn about its history.National Coal Mining Museum
Interactive exhibits and underground tours celebrating mining heritage.
Parks and Outdoor Activities
Pugneys Country Park
Details on watersports, walking trails, and family activities.Newmillerdam Country Park
Information about walking routes and scenic lake views.Anglers Country Park
Perfect for birdwatching, cycling, and exploring the Room on the Broom trail.
Shopping and Markets
Trinity Walk Shopping Centre
Directory of shops, dining options, and events.The Ridings Shopping Centre
A mix of high-street stores and independent shops.Wakefield Market
Details on market days and offerings.
Events and Festivals
Wakefield Rhubarb Festival
Official page for this unique annual food and drink event.Long Division Festival
Information on the city’s celebrated independent music and arts festival.
Transportation
Wakefield Westgate Station - National Rail
Train schedules and station facilities.Wakefield Kirkgate Station - National Rail
Details about train services and connections.West Yorkshire Metro
Information about buses and public transport in the region.
Accommodation
Premier Inn Wakefield
Affordable and family-friendly hotel options.The Grange Guesthouse
Charming local B&B with excellent reviews.Hotel St. Pierre
Comfortable accommodations near Newmillerdam.
Local Resources
Wakefield Council
Official local government website with news, events, and services.Wakefield BID (Business Improvement District)
Updates on city center developments and events.
Overview
With its blend of cultural landmarks, outdoor attractions, and family-friendly activities, Wakefield is a destination that caters to all interests. Whether you're visiting for a day or staying longer, you're sure to enjoy your time in this dynamic city.
Explore the Great Yorkshire Day Out
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Our Visits
We visit some of the popular locations and report back to you what we find with photos and video.
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Visitor Locations
To help you plan your Yorkshire break away we have researched the most popular locations.
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Printable Guides
We have produced some guides that are easy to copy/print for top attractions in Yorkshire.