24 Hour Itinerary: Cultural Day Out

$Pontefract Castle, one of the Free and Low Cost Things to do in Wakefield$

If you’re a bit of a culture vulture, the Wakefield district has plenty to keep you occupied. Enjoy a jam-packed day out featuring award-winning art and sculpture, medieval history and of course, amazing food! There are so many cultural attractions on offer, it’s difficult to know where to begin, so we’ve pulled together an itinerary to make your life easier.

Morning

Start your day off exploring the ancient ruins of Pontefract Castle, once one of England’s most fearsome fortresses and the site of famous sieges during the English Civil War. Make a quick pit-stop at Farmer Copleys, where you can enjoy a delicious brunch at the Moo Café and pick up some locally sourced goodies at the farm shop.

Pontefract Castle

Farmer Copleys © Tatiana Hepplewhite

Afternoon

Take a scenic half-hour drive to Yorkshire Sculpture Park where you can wander round the historic 500 acre estate, soaking up world-class art and sculpture from both local and international artists, including Damien Hirst and Joana Vasconcelos.

If you’re not cultured out by that point, park up at The Hepworth Wakefield to take in the Barbara Hepworth: Art and Life exhibition, a unique opportunity to see all of the famed sculptors’ major works all in one place.

Joana Vasconcelos: Beyond

Installation image of Barbara Hepworth: Art & Life at The Hepworth Wakefield, 2021. Photograph by Lewis Ronald (Plastiques)

Evening

Finally, have a five-minute wander across the river and take in the Chantry Chapel, one of just three surviving bridge chantries left in England. All that sightseeing is sure to have worked up an appetite, so stroll through the city-centre on your way to enjoy some modern-day African culture at Corarima, home of the best Ethiopian food in Yorkshire!

Accommodation suggestion: The aptly named King’s Croft Hotel in Pontefract is ideally located for a visit to the castle. It’s also just a stone’s throw away from Farmer Copleys! Alternatively, check out the Darrington Hotel by Greene King, conveniently located just off the A1.