Spotlight on Horbury

Horbury is a charming town close to Wakefield city centre, known for its rich history and picturesque surroundings. With roots dating back to medieval times, Horbury showcases a blend of traditional and modern influences. The town is distinguished by its well-preserved architecture, including beautiful stone buildings, churches, and quaint cottages that offer a glimpse into its past.

Horbury is an ideal destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil retreat. The town’s vibrant community spirit is reflected in local events, markets, and festivals that celebrate its heritage. The nearby countryside provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, from scenic walks to exploring nature trails.

With a fantastic selection of places to eat and drink, great independent shops and quirky things to do, we’ve pulled everything together in another of our Spotlight guides.

Things To Do In Horbury

So you’ve arrived in Horbury and you’re eager to get going and find all the things to do in the town. You could check out one of the world’s smallest art galleries, the Redbox Gallery on Queen Street, which features a rotating selection of exhibitions inside a repurposed telephone box, or try your hand at forging your own axe at Highfield Forge.

Or maybe you want to experience more of the great outdoors? Enjoy a relaxing walk around Horbury Lagoon, a 5-acre fishing water, and let the dog dive in to the surrounding river, or give the kids the chance to go on a dinosaur safari in Carr Lodge Park with the free Love Exploring app. If you’d like something with a bit more structure, why not try Walk 3 or 4 of the Wakefield Way, give Nordic walking a go or walk the circular Horbury Town Trail:

• Walk 3: Bretton to Horbury Bridge, 10.9 miles
• Walk 4: Horbury Bridge to Kirkhamgate, 5.47 miles
• Horbury Town Trail, 6 miles
• Nordic Walking: Meet at The Cluntergate Centre (WF4 5DA) on a Monday at 10am

Places To Eat & Drink In Horbury

Horbury has got to be one of the best places in the Wakefield district to eat and drink. With a plethora of pubs and bars, cafes and restaurants, you can’t stay hungry or thirsty for long in this town. Looking for some top quality real ale? You can’t go wrong with The Calder Vale Hotel (home of the Luddite Brewing Co Ltd), the newly refurbished Bingley, or multi-award winning CAMRA beerhouse The Cricketers Arms.

Maybe you fancy something with a bit more caffeine? Horbury’s selection of cafes will not disappoint. From the picture-perfect afternoon tea at Rich & Fancy to the home cooked meals at quirky 70s-themed Retro Roadhouse, there’s something for everyone in Horbury!

And for those who are in need of a good meal, you’re in luck! Horbury spans the globe when it to comes to their cuisine. Enjoy traditional Italian food at Capri Horbury, take a trip around the Mediterranean at Ego at the Bull’s Head or journey to India with Shans Restaurant.

Shopping In Horbury

If you enjoy shopping at independent retailers, you will LOVE shopping in Horbury. For book lovers, Darling Reads is your kind of place, with a wide range of adult and children’s fiction and non-fiction books, second-hand and local history books. Looking for the perfect gift for someone? Check out Blackburn Florists of Wakefield, who have been serving the Horbury community flowers and gifts for over 40 years! Those in need of something extra special (and sparkly!) will be spoilt for choice at Portman Jewellers.

Getting Here

Want to know how to get to Horbury?

Horbury is located to the east of the M1, take junction 40 and drive through Ossett, or come off at junction 39 at Durkar. If you’re visiting from the west, the A642 goes through Horbury on its way to Wakefield city centre.

Car parks can be found here and there are electric vehicle charging points on Horbury High Street, WF4 5LE, and at Horbury Junction, WF4 5FH.

If you’d rather take the bus, Horbury is well served by Arriva. Buses run around the town and regularly to Wakefield, Leeds and Huddersfield.