Welcome to Wakefield

Wakefield is at the forefront of exhibiting modern Sculpture in Britain today, unsurprising as the area is the birthplace of Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore, both major influences on Modern British Art. The Hepworth Wakefield, one of the largest gallery's outside London, showcases international artists alongside Wakefield's extensive collection of contemporary art. The gallery offers a changing programme of exhibitions and events along with permanent displays of major works and plasters by Barbara Hepworth, who was born less than a mile from the gallery. A short drive from The Hepworth Wakefield is Yorkshire Sculpture Park, a unique outdoor gallery where visitors can discover sculpture and natural installations in the landscape from both established and upcoming international artists. The park also boasts two cafes, underground galleries, lakeside walks and a chapel that with its own exhibition programme.

Introducing Hepworth Wakefield

The Hepworth Wakefield is Yorkshire's inspiring new art gallery, celebrating the area's unique artistic legacy and exploring the work of major contemporary artists.  Firmly puting Yorkshire on the map as the sculptural hub of the UK if not Europe, The Hepworth brings together work from Wakefield's art collection, exhibitions by contemporary artists and rarely seen works by Barbara Hepworth.

Wakefield rhubarb, you'd be a fool to miss it!

Wakefield's famous forced rhubarb has recently joined the hallowed ranks of protected foods, including Champagne and Parma Ham. Pretty impressive for a sour stalk! The vegetable's popularity is celebrated annually at the Wakefield Festival of Food, Drink and Rhubarb, where you can sample tasty local produce and watch talented local chefs at work. Don't forget to stock up with a visit to the Rhubarb Triangle before you leave - a famous 9-square-mile (23 km2) triangle where the tastiest authentic produce is grown and sold. Delicious!

Contemporary culture

Perhaps one of the most well loved attractions in Yorkshire, Yorkshire Sculpture Park covers 500 acres of rolling countryside, graced by superb sculptures from the likes of Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore and other renowned artists. Arrive armed with a picnic and explore the rambling and impressively well designed park in the morning, then bed down next to your favourite sculpture and enjoy your picnic lunch in style. The indoor gallery and gift shop are also well worth a visit, offering good value prints and crafts from some of the UK's best loved artists.

Country parks

If you're looking for outdoor attractions, the Wakefield district boasts some of the most beautiful parkland and woodland in West Yorkshire. In fact, Anglers Country Park and Haw Park Wood both hold prestigious Green Flag Awards for their clean, open spaces. Across the region, you can explore over 350 miles of footpaths and bridleways, including parts of the challenging Trans Pennine Trail and two National Cycle Routes suitable for the whole family.

Nostell Priory

Nostell Priory is one of the National Trust's finest Yorkshire properties. Situated just a few miles from Wakefield, this eighteenth century mansion boasts an Adams' interior, Chippendale furniture and over 300 acres of beautiful parkland to explore. Also a short distance from the city centre, Clarke Hall is a working 17th century household that's open to the public at certain times of the year.

Cathedrals and museums

Discover the National Coal Mining Museum for England, where you can take a trip 140m underground and get a feel for the conditions of a working mine. This includes the chance to pose any questions to ex-miners, and also stand very still as the whole mine is plunged into darkness for a few moments. Not for the faint hearted!

If you're looking for a more relaxing (and above ground!) attraction, Wakefield Cathedral is a must visit. Beautifully well preserved inside and featuring the tallest spire in Yorkshire, it's a truly breathtaking spectacle.

From green parks to themed parks

Pugneys Country Park is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, featuring two lakes which are popular for canoeing, sailing and windsurfing. Fun-loving families will also enjoy a visit to Diggerland Theme Park - a unique adventure park where adults and children can drive real diggers!

If you're looking for outdoor attractions, the Wakefield district boasts some of the most beautiful parkland and woodland in West Yorkshire. In fact, Anglers Country Park and Haw Park Wood both hold prestigious Green Flag Awards. Herons, swans, geese and ducks make themselves at home here on what is considered to be the world's first nature reserve, established by the eccentric Charles Waterton. 

Culture Galore

Wakefield holds an Art Walk, organised by The Art House every other month which takes in 17 diverse venues including a chapel, an orangery and the city museum. Along the way, seek out modern green spaces to relax and people watch. Try Jubilee Gardens, a small city park featuring one of the award winning Welcome to Yorkshire Chelsea Flower Show gardens and a sculpture by Yorkshire artist David Appleyard. Nearby, Crown Court Yard is home to Oliver Barrett's Seams, a work which celebrates Yorkshires mining heritage. Look down at the sandstone pavers and read a line from Wakefield born Victorian novelist George Gissing "There is no such thing as bad weather; every sky has its beauty".

Foodie festivals

Wakefield Festival of Food, Drink and Rhubarb is a major event in the foodie calendar, celebrating the region's famous Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb and showcasing the finest regional produce with cookery displays and entertainment. If you thought that was unusual, how about visiting the Pontefract Liquorice Festival? Now in its 16th year, you can expect plenty of fun and sweet surprises!

Sample Yorkshire's finest

Wakefield has a great selection of restaurants, delis and farm shops sprinkled throughout the city, as well as plenty of tea rooms, coffee shops, pubs and diners. Excellent culinary choices include fine dining at Iris in the attractive Bull Ring - complete with fountains - or cool cafe culture at Create Cafe in Wakefield One, not far from the rail station and theatre.

From field to plate

Farmer Copley's award winning farm shop, just outside of Pontefract is a must visit for those who like to know just where their food is from! As well as a huge choice of local produce, you can also visit the Moo Café, which was the farms former dairy.

Blacker Hall Farm Shop is an impressive farm shop with a mix of local produce, breads, meats and much more including a stunning wine loft (champagne, port, chardonnay anyone?). New for this year is the barn restaurant and café.

Plenty for the little ones to do

For families, Wakefield offers plenty of activities. RSPB Fairburn Ings provide visitors the opportunity to catch a glimpse of wildlife in the natural habitat via a network of wooden walkways through the reserve. Anglers Country Park and Haw Park Woods burst with wildlife all year round and rangers provide family activities for explorers to enjoy. For adrenaline junkies head to Xscape Castleford, home to SnoZone, one of only three venues in the UK where you can ski, snowboard and toboggan on a real snow slope and FlowHouse, which offers visitors a chance to learn to surf indoors.

Pit ponies and nature trails

The National Coal Mining Museum is a fantastic snapshot of Yorkshire's mining heritage. You can descend over 140metres underground escorted by a real life miner to discover the foundations of Yorkshire! The free museum hosts many events and exhibitions during the year including a traditional Miners Gala and there is also a mine style cafeteria on site. There is plenty to do for families, see the pit ponies, take a walk along the mines nature trail or visit Hope Pit, a restored Victorian Mine.

Spin dizzy rides and JCBs!

If you are lucky enough to get down the mine at the National Coal Mining Museum, then why not dig for black gold at nearby Diggerland? Definitely a great place for Dad and the kids; you can drive JCBs, go on a Landover Safari or just play in the giant ball pool in the play centre next door.

Scramble round the Sculpture Park

Kids of all ages (and adults too) will love an afternoon exploring the sculptures and playing in the scenic green fields of the Sculpture Park. With plenty of large and fascinating art works, the park is a great place to give younger children their first taste of sculpture in relaxed, spacious surroundings.

Extreme sports action

If you're looking for action and excitement then head to Xscape - a thrilling extreme activities destination where you can experience snowboarding and skiing on an indoor snow slope, try your hand at rock climbing or play adventure golf. Afterwards, relax with shopping, a meal at one of the many restaurants or a night out at the Cineworld Cinema - the choice is yours. If you prefer your snow melted, Pugneys Country Park is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, featuring two lakes which are popular for canoeing, sailing and windsurfing.

The War of the Roses

The remains of medieval Sandal Castle, a Yorkist stronghold, overlook the site of the Battle of Wakefield, which was the inspiration for the children's nursery rhyme The Grand ole Duke of York. Richard of York, died close by to the castle and a memorial is located nearby. Today the castle bailey provides stunning views over Pugneys Country Park and Wakefield, where the Cathedral spire is visible.

Pontefract Castle, once one of the most important royal strongholds in England, is still under the ownership of the Duchy of Lancaster. Visitors can take in the castle remains and tour the underground magazine or enjoy many of the events that take place each year, including longbow demonstrations, outdoor theatre and heritage days.

The tallest spire to a tiny chapels

Wakefield Cathedral can be spotted from most vantage points in the city thanks to the spire which towers over the skyline. Nearby, on the medieval Wakefield Bridge, the Chantry Chapel of St Mary sits by the River Calder. The chapel, which was painted by JMW Turner on one of his tours of Yorkshire, is one of only four chantries left in England.

Wakefield Museum

Explore this history of Wakefield and its people, including the Romans and Victorians and the world's first nature reserve. You could also visit theStephen Beaumont Museum - an unusual Museum of Mental Health depicting the story of the West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum built in 1818.

Markets galore

The Wakefield district boasts not one but eight fantastic markets, each one with their own character yet all of them offering a warm welcome, friendly traders and competitive prices. No matter what you're shopping for, you'll find something to delight you. The city centre boasts plenty of high street shops and ample parking - not to mention the new Trinity Walk shopping development and the well established Ridings shopping centre, making the district a shoppers' paradise.

High Street and Independent Gems

The city centre boasts plenty of high street shops and ample parking - not to mention Trinity Walk shopping centre which included Debenhams and the well established Ridings shopping centre, making the district a shoppers' paradise. Cross Square, Cross Street and Northgate in Wakefield and Ropergate in Pontefract offer a wealth of independent clothes stores and boutiques including Frank Bird, Monkey, Jolie Maison and many more.

Urban & Street Stores

Xscape offers the very best in boarding and surf gear if you want to get into the spirit of Yorkshires top thrillseaking attraction. Pop down to THE Castleford extreme sports mecca and check out stores like Billabong and Quicksilver while next door at Junction 32 Shopping Village, you can find high street favorites like Monsoon, M&S and GAP.