The Rookeries
📍 Pontefract WF8 3NP, UK
About The Rookeries
The Rookeries is a cherished open space located in Pontefract, providing a wonderful natural retreat for locals and visitors alike. Boasting a commendable Google rating of 4.2/5 stars, it's highly regarded for its expansive grounds and the variety of tracks available for exploration. On clear days, visitors can even enjoy distant views of Emley Moor Tower from its higher points.
Primarily a walking area, The Rookeries is particularly popular with dog walkers, many of whom are noted for their friendly interactions. It offers a tranquil environment, allowing visitors to enjoy the sounds of nature, from blackbirds and wood pigeons to pheasants, making it an ideal spot for a quiet escape from urban life. It's a fantastic place for a leisurely stroll or a more energetic walk, providing a natural habitat that feels surprisingly remote despite its proximity to the town.
Visiting Information
The Rookeries is open 24 hours, seven days a week, offering flexible access for all. Please note that wheelchair accessible parking is not available. While entry is free, the area does not operate as a cash-only venue, reflecting its public access nature.
Location
Interactive Map
View accommodation, attractions, restaurants, and events on the map
1 location
📍 Pontefract WF8 3NP, UK
from 13 reviews
Google Reviews
Reviews from Google Maps.
Showing 5 of 13 reviews from Google Maps.Last updated 6 February 2026.
Lovely open space to walk, several tracks to follow, can see emerly Moor Tower on a clear day from the top. Just a word of caution, my dog has been attacked twice here in the last 6 months. Most dog walkers here are friendly and nice, just be careful as we've had some scary experiences.
Beautiful walking area I'd been up it before but not far as I'd only just moved here and was wary of getting lost but today had a lovely walk up there hard to believe the town is so close heard blackbirds wood pigeons stock doves heard a pheasent there were bees the dog walkers are very friendly one man told me it's about a 5 mile walk all around edge of fields it fetches you near to Ferrybridge power station the moterways within hearing distance to get to Darrington goes near there how accessible from fields I'm not sure till I look but you can see moterways in distance and power station and a wind turbine its a great meditative walk nice for practicing mindfulness for your mental health use your senses when out walking there count the thinks you can hear and see I don't recommend taste that could be dangerous but the tree barks feel really rough good views of pontefract you won't be short of meeting people up there but take your dog poop away with you it's lovely and tidy nice to have somewhere to walk where you feel safe in daytime as where I used to live before there was nothing like that once up on flat bit it could do with Wakefield Council putting a bench for a sit down to contemplate view found some logs to sit on a bit steep at start but nothing to right home about trainers I'd got ordinary boots on are fine not sandals for the slope but it's beautiful come on a walk there if you are in pontefract it's near one shop about 1000metres further on only four minutes walk from shop get a drink and snacks from shop to take with you
Nice place to take your dog for a walk or just a nice quiet walk away from traffic
It's a lovely walk with great views you can say over to the Pennines looking Ackworth way
I like the scenery but I find it hard walking along the rookeries