Experience Wakefield Again – Home of iconic art and sculpture, captivating history and heritage and mouth-watering food and drink
Picturesque vales, secluded woods and vibrant towns and cities, the vivid, varied landscapes of Wakefield have inspired artists for centuries. The birthplace of world-renowned sculptors Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth is home to a thriving artist community today. Be wowed at multi-award-winning venues Yorkshire Sculpture Park and The Hepworth Wakefield as you discover magnificent works of art, and use their settings as space for personal reflection.
And there’s so much more, too. Defying gravity or whizzing down real snow slopes at Xscape. Taking in the panto in the splendid surrounds of Theatre Royal Wakefield . Exploring the nature trail at Newmillerdam Country Park and so much more. Also checkout the range of shops in Wakefield for both locals and tourists.
So what the ‘eck are you waiting for? Come and visit! You never know what you’ll discover when you experience Wakefield. Don’t forget to check out the Wakefield weather forecast before you visit.
Accommodation in Wakefield
See also our hotels in Wakefield page and Wakefield bed and breakfast page.
Cheerful 2-bed townhouse in Wakefield with parking
Finchdale Close, Wakefield, WF1 2GB, United Kingdom
Wakefield Holiday Home – By Duplex Relocations
Westfield Terrace, Wakefield, WF1 3RD, United Kingdom
Valee Place, One Bedroom, Heart of wakefield, apartment 2
48 Kirkgate, Wakefield, WF1 1TJ, United Kingdom
Valee Place, Wakefield city centre, leeds, One Bedroom
48 Kirkgate 1, Wakefield, WF1 1TJ, United Kingdom
The Pavilion – Stunning, 4 Bedroom House with Free Parking
27 Wicket Drive, Wakefield, WF1 3AL, United Kingdom
The Gallery – Vibrant, 4-bed Townhouse by The Hepworth
25 Chancel Road, Wakefield, WF1 5JH, United Kingdom
The Exclusive House in Yorkshire – Garden -Parking
3 South Parade, Wakefield, WF1 1LR, United Kingdom
Swanky 10 guest house in the heart of Wakefield – free wifi !
21 Berners Street, Wakefield, WF1 4EA, United Kingdom
Sunnydale Serviced Apartments – Central location, with allocated parking
49 Delamere Gardens, Wakefield, WF1 4LJ, United Kingdom
St Johns, Wakefield – Self check in & free parking
3 Saint John’s North, Wakefield, WF1 3PZ, United Kingdom
Spacious one bedroom family apartment -non smoker
22 Monk Street, Wakefield, WF1 4EP, United Kingdom
Sandal Park View – Duplex Relocations
Agbrigg Road Sandal Park View, Wakefield, WF1 5AP, United Kingdom
Things to do in Wakefield
Wakefield Food
Wakefield loves good food. Whether you’re after afternoon tea in cosy cafes, exciting fusion and innovative city center cuisine, or the wholesome flavours of field to fork, we’ve got it in spades. The city also hosts the legendary Rhubarb Festival each February. A tribute to Wakefield’s history in the Rhubarb Triangle, it’s packed full of delicious local produce, cooking workshops and demos, as well as a full programme of live entertainment.
Beer lovers rejoice: we’re proud to have a commitment to real ale, with small, local breweries producing show-stopping flavours to suit every palate.
Wakefield on the Map
You will find Wakefield is very centrally located for travel from North, South, East or West. Both the A1 and the M1 pass close by, as does the M62 Manchester to Hull motorway.
Wakefield lies just south of Leeds and north of Barnsley. Immediately to the west you’ll find Dewsbury and to the east, Pontefract.
Wakefield History
The Wakefield district has a history stretching back thousands of years. From the Roman settlement of Lagentium – present-day Castleford – to the story of medieval might at Pontefract Castle, the Palladian grandeur of National Trust Nostell, the world’s first nature reserve (thanks to Victorian conservationist Charles Waterton) at Anglers Country Park and Haw Park Woods and above all, coal mining.
The toil for “coyl” is in the very fabric of the district. Come and experience the fascinating stories of the work which became a way of life at The National Coal Mining Museum. But that’s not the only legacy of the many mines across the district. Spend a long, lazy day at RSPB Fairburn Ings or Pugneys Country Park and experience the beauty of these man-made lakes, carved out of the earth by local mining activity and now home to myriad plants, insects and birds.
Wakefield News
Wakefield FAQs
What is Wakefield best known for?
Wakefield was the birthplace of world-renowned sculptors Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. Wakefield is also famous for its coal mining heritage, cathedral, and rhubarb.
The city of Wakefield is also home to the largest high security prison in Western Europe.
Where Next?
Wakefield is home to many attractions in West Yorkshire, but also nearby and well worth a visit are the towns of Pontefract and Castleford. You’ve also got Leeds just 9 miles to the north, and Barnsley a little further away, to the south.
What are some notable attractions in Wakefield, West Yorkshire?
Some notable attractions in Wakefield include the Hepworth Wakefield art gallery, Wakefield Cathedral, Sandal Castle, and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
What is the population of Wakefield, West Yorkshire?
As of the last census in 2011, the population of Wakefield was approximately 325,000 people.
Does Wakefield Have A Parkrun?
It sure does. YOu can see more information here about the Wakefield parkrun.
Wakefield Fact Pack
- Wakefield is a city located in the county of West Yorkshire, in the north of England.
- Wakefield Cathedral, with its 247-foot (75 m) spire, is the tallest church in Yorkshire and has been a place of worship for more than 1,000 years.
- The city played a key role during the Wars of the Roses, with the Battle of Wakefield taking place in 1460 near Sandal Castle.
- Wakefield is situated on the River Calder and the River Aire.
- The city was originally a Saxon settlement, and has a rich history dating back to the medieval period.
- Wakefield was granted its city status in 1888 due to its historic importance and its significant contributions to arts and culture.
- Wakefield is known for its historic buildings, including Wakefield Cathedral, Wakefield Museum and Chantry Chapel.
- The city is home to a number of parks and green spaces, including Thornes Park and Clarence Park.
- Wakefield is famous for its rhubarb, and hosts an annual Rhubarb Festival.
- The city is also known for its sculpture park, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, which is located just outside Wakefield.
- The city is home to Wakefield Trinity Rugby League Club, which was founded in 1873 and is one of the oldest rugby league clubs in the world.
- Wakefield is also home to Wakefield AFC, a football club that was founded in 2019 and plays in the Northern Premier League.
- The city has a number of historic markets, including Wakefield Market and Kirkgate Market.
- Wakefield is located near to the M1 and M62 motorways, making it easy to travel to other parts of the country.
- The city has a number of excellent schools, including Queen Elizabeth Grammar School and Wakefield Girls’ High School.
- Wakefield is known for its beautiful countryside, including the Wakefield Country Way, a 70-mile circular walk that takes in some of the area’s most stunning scenery.
- The city is home to the Hepworth Wakefield, a gallery dedicated to the work of Barbara Hepworth and other modern and contemporary artists.
- Wakefield is served by two railway stations, Wakefield Westgate and Wakefield Kirkgate, which provide connections to other major cities including Leeds and London.
- Wakefield has a strong economy, with a number of major employers in sectors such as retail, healthcare, and manufacturing.
- The city has a number of historic pubs, including the Black Horse and the Old Halfway House.
- The city is a vibrant and dynamic place to live, with a strong sense of community and a rich cultural heritage.
Where Next after Wakefield?
Having visited the charming city of Wakefield in West Yorkshire, there are several other key locations nearby that are worth exploring. Leeds, a vibrant city known for its shopping and nightlife, is just a short drive away. You can also visit the historic town of York, with its stunning cathedral, the York Minster, and the well-preserved medieval streets. Don’t miss out on the beautiful countryside of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, perfect for hiking and exploring the great outdoors. If you’re a fan of literature, the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth, where the famous Brontë sisters lived and wrote, is a must-visit. Lastly, the coastal town of Scarborough offers a lovely seaside experience with its sandy beaches and old castle. All these places offer a diverse taste of what Yorkshire has to offer.
