We're lucky in Wakefield - there's lots to do right on our doorstep. And it doesn't
have to cost a fortune to have a great day out. See the list below for some ideas.
Many of these activities are free, and most of them are suitable for the whole family...
Heath Village
Conservation village, made up of various historic buildings grouped around a large
common. Many houses are impressive 18th century mansions built for the wealthy merchants
of Wakefield. The King's Arms Inn nearby provides snacks, meals and real ale.
Price: FREE
Enquiries: 01924 306090
Address: Town Hall, Wood Street, Wakefield WF1 2HQ
Website: www.ukattraction.com...
Hemsworth Water Park and Playworld
Water park with two lakes, one with pedalos available. Fishing is encouraged and
there are many great picnic areas. There's also an outdoor adventure playground
with slide, climbing frames and sandpit area. A miniature railway operates in Playworld.
Café and pub available.
Price: Car parking: £1, Playworld: £1.50 per child (free
entry for accompanying adults). Small charges for railway, fishing and pedalos.
Enquiries: 01977 617617
Address: Hemsworth Water Park and Playworld Hoyle Mill
Road Kinsley Pontefract West Yorkshire WF9 5JB
Website: www.hemsworthcouncil.co.uk...
National Coal Mining Museum
A guide, who is an ex-miner, takes you into a real mine, 140m underground. Find
out how coal was mined and moved to the surface by men, women, children, ponies
and machinery. Hard hat and lamp provided.
Price: FREE
Enquiries: 01924 848806
Address: Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton, Wakefield
WF4 4RH
Website: www.ncm.org.uk
Nostell Priory
Beautiful 18th century priory set in 300 acres of landscaped parkland. Impressive
collection of Chippendale furniture, extensive library and an adventure playground
featuring an unusual dolls house.
Price: Adult £6.50, child £3.25, family £15.90. Garden
only: Adult £4, family: FREE.
Enquiries: 01924 863892
Address: Doncaster Road, Nostell, nr Wakefield WF4 1QE
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk...
Pontefract Castle
Pontefract Castle is a royal fortress associated with the murder of Richard II,
and was an important administrative centre during the middle ages. Visitors can
tour the ruins, including an underground military store. Contact them to find out
about other activities sometimes on offer, like ghost walks.
Price: FREE
Enquiries: 01977 723 440
Address: Castle Chain, Pontefract WF8 1QH
Website: www.castleuk.net...
Pugney's Country Park
A 250-acre park with lakes, nature reserves, water sports centre and a miniature
railway. At the water sports centre you can canoe, sail and windsurf. Coaching courses
are available for beginners. There is a cafeteria serving hot and cold food.
Price: FREE entry, though there may be a charge for equipment
hire or coaching
Enquiries: 01924 302 360
Address: Ashdale Road, Off Denby Dale Road, Wakefield
WF2 7EQ
Website: www.wakefield.gov.uk...
Sandal Castle
An eerie ruined castle overlooking the River Calder. Sandal Castle is best known
for the famous Battle of Wakefield which was fought nearby in 1460 during the Wars
of the Roses. Interesting historical finds from the castle site can be seen in the
Visitor Centre and at nearby Wakefield Museum (see Wakefield Museum entry).
Price: FREE
Enquiries: 01924 249779
Address: Manygates Lane, Sandal, Wakefield WF2 7DG
Website: www.wakefield.gov.uk...
Wacky Warehouse - the Walnut Tree
A big indoor play centre -let the kids run themselves ragged for a couple of hours
while you have a nice cup of tea and read the paper!
Price: Playtime: £2.50, Tots time: £2.50 per child (including
refreshments)
Enquiries: 01924 250480
Address: The Walnut Tree, Barnsley Road, Wakefield WF2
6BH
Website: www.pub-explorer.com...
Wakefield Art Gallery
Has a reputation for showing many works by local artists, including the likes of
Dame Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore, who both came from the locality. Also displays
more traditional works. The gallery hosts a variety of talks, workshops and activities.
Includes a well-stocked shop with books, cards and prints.
Price: FREE
Enquiries: 01924 305 796
Address: Wentworth Terrace, Wakefield WF1 3QW
Website: www.wakefield.gov.uk...
Wakefield Museum
Huge variety of artefacts on display. Local history, archaeology and natural science
figure prominently, with a whole gallery devoted to the work of conservationist
Charles Waterton, who established the world's first nature reserve at nearby Walton
Park. Regular programme of temporary exhibitions. Children's activities during the
school holidays.
Price: FREE
Enquiries: 01924 305356
Address: Wood Street, Wakefield WF1 2EW
Website: www.wakefield.gov.uk...
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
An amazing place that sets out to inspire and challenge. Set on 500 acres of parkland,
so lots of room for picnics, or for the kids to run around.
Price: FREE (£4 a day car park fee)
Enquiries: 01924 832642
Address: West Bretton, Wakefield WF4 4LG
Website: www.ysp.co.uk