Castleford - Market town with history

Discover Castleford

Welcome to historic Castleford. Once the home of Roman legions, today a hub of Rugby League (through the iconic Castleford Tigers), this market town has loads to offer.

Uncover the town’s story from the Celtic Iron Age, through the growth of coal mining to the present day at Castleford Museum.

The town is home to the award-winning Castleford Forum Museum, where you can explore the local history, and Xscape Yorkshire, the ultimate entertainment destination with activities ranging from skiing to golfing. With its friendly community, beautiful parks, and a variety of shopping and dining options, Castleford provides an engaging experience for all visitors.

So what are you waiting for?

Places to Stay

The proximity to major arterial roads and motorways means major hotel chains are nearby for convenience and good availability. Also see our page on apartments in Castleford, and B&Bs in Castleford.

The Hay Loft in Wakefield

The Hay Loft

Doncaster Road, WF4 1QX Wakefield, United Kingdom

11, St John’s North Apartments

Wakefield, WF1 3QA, United Kingdom

1 St Johns North Apartments

Wakefield, WF1 3QA, United Kingdom

The Coach House, 4, St John’s North Apartments

Wakefield, WF1 3QA, United Kingdom

Kilby Coach House

Wakefield, WF1 2RB, United Kingdom

Kilby Lodge

Wakefield, WF1 2RB, United Kingdom
12316 Next

Being close to a number of towns and cities, you’ll find many more accommodation options in the local area too.


Things to Do

Castleford is conveniently located for a number of nearby attractions including Lotherton Hall, Diggerland and Xscape. There are also some little gems nestled in the West Yorkshire countryside for local produce and coffees after a walk.

Enjoy a day browsing the colourful stalls of the local market, and then get yourself a cup of something hot from one of the town’s independent coffee shops, tearooms and cafes.

Take a walk through nature at RSPB Fairburn Ings, or carve up the earth at Diggerland.

Stroll along the waterfront by Queen’s Mill, and get your next adrenaline rush at Xscape.

There’s more than meets the eye at Castleford.


Castleford Essentials

There’s more than meets the eye in historic Castleford. Discover the town’s 2,500-year-old story at Castleford Museum, from an Iron Age chariot to a Roman fortified town, the birth of Rugby League and a snapshot of the vanished way of life of the pit villages. 

Head to the waterfront and visit Queen’s Mill, thought to have been the largest stone grinding mill in the world with twenty pairs of grinding stones. Explore the fascinating 900-year old history of the mill on special open days throughout the year. Then take a well-earned break at Queen’s Mill Tearooms and enjoy a coffee, or treat yourself to afternoon tea!

Love to shop? Browse a range of independent boutiques and the town centre’s colourful market to find those perfect gifts, then head to Junction 32 Outlet Shopping Village to explore over 80 high street favourites. Just across the road you’ll find your next adrenaline rush at Xscape: will it be the climbing wall? Or will you take on the real snow slope at Snozone? Then round off your adventure with a movie and a game of tenpin bowling – lovely stuff. 

Head to the outskirts of town and be a kid again at Diggerland – this ode to diggers, dumpertrucks and other earth-movers lets you get hands on and have a go yourself – be honest: where else in Yorkshire are you going to drive a massive digger?

Want a quieter day? Head out of town to RSPB Fairburn Ings nature reserve for a spot of birdwatching and an invigorating walk around the lakes.


Images of Castleford


Fact Pack – Castleford, West Yorkshire

  1. Castleford is a town in the metropolitan borough of Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England.
  2. It is located near the M62 motorway, Aire and Calder Navigation.
  3. The town’s history dates back to Roman times, with the remains of a Roman fort discovered in the area.
  4. Castleford’s population was estimated to be around 40,210 in 2011.
  5. The town is known for its rich industrial heritage, particularly in coal mining and glassmaking.
  6. Castleford is home to the Castleford Tigers, a professional rugby league club.
  7. The town has a number of educational institutions, including Castleford Academy and Airedale Academy.
  8. Castleford has a shopping park called Junction 32, which is a popular retail destination.
  9. The town is served by Castleford railway station, providing connections to Leeds, Wakefield and Sheffield.
  10. Castleford is also known for the Xscape leisure complex, which features a real snow indoor ski slope, a cinema, restaurants, and other entertainment facilities.

Castleford on the Map

Castleford is just to the South East of Leeds, within the wider Wakefield region. It’s closest towns are Normanton, Featherstone, Pontefract and Knottingley.

Being placed right next to the junction of the M1 and M62, the town is very accessible by road, and having a train station at Glasshoughton, you can also get the Castleford by rail easily, too.


Castleford FAQs

What is Castleford best known for?

Castleford is a rugby league town. The local club, Castleford Tigers was formed in 1926, and Castleford was one of the twelve founder members of the Super League when the new format was introduced in 1996.

The town was also the birthplace of sculptor Henry Moore.

Which attractions are best known in Castleford?

The purple Xscape building is famous with many visitors, and is something of a mecca for the skiing and snowboarding fraternity, as there is an indoor ski slope with real snow! Diggerland is also a big hit with children and grown ups.

How can I get to Castleford, West Yorkshire?

Castleford is well connected by road and rail. It’s easily accessible via the M62 motorway and has a railway station with regular services to Leeds, Wakefield, and other surrounding areas.

What are some historical sites to visit in Castleford, West Yorkshire?

Some historical sites to visit in Castleford include the Castleford Bridge which is a historical landmark, the Queen’s Mill which is the world’s largest stone grinding flour mill, and the Roman Bathhouse, a site that showcases Castleford’s Roman history.

Where Next?

Pontefract is right next door, or head up the road to Leeds and explore the capital of West Yorkshire.


Where Next after Castleford?

Having visited Castleford in West Yorkshire, your next destination should definitely be the historic city of York. It’s just a short drive away and offers a wealth of attractions such as the iconic York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, and the Shambles, a well-preserved medieval street. You can also explore the York Castle Museum and the Jorvik Viking Centre for a deep dive into the city’s rich history. If you’re a nature lover, the Yorkshire Dales National Park is not too far away, offering stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and quaint villages. Alternatively, you could head to the coastal town of Scarborough for a day at the beach, or visit the bustling city of Leeds for its vibrant nightlife and shopping scene.

Discover More: Castleford & West Yorkshire.