Heritage Open Days at Pontefract and Sandal Castles

Are you new to Heritage Open Days, or a seasoned event goer?

Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture.

That means tons of ways to connect with your district’s heritage every September – for free!

Here’s a handy guide to everything happening at Pontefract Castle and Sandal Castle for 2024’s Heritage Open Days. There’s something for everyone!

Learning Officer Kelly loading a mini catapult made of sticks, string and a cup with a ball projectile

Catapult Challenge

Load, aim, release – it’s time to take on the Catapult Challenge at Pontefract Castle!

Learn about the siege engines that took on many medieval castles.

Test and experiment with angles and materials to make the best catapult design. Can you knock down our mini castle walls?

We’ll be using everyday materials including wooden dowels, rubber bands and cups to make our catapults.

This event is suitable for ages 7+.

📅 Saturday 7 September
⏰ Drop-in between 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm
📍 Pontefract Castle

The remains of Sandal Castle atop the grass bailey on a sunny day

Volunteer Tour: Sandal Castle – 500 Years of History

Discover the history and development of the great Yorkist castle at Sandal!

Learn about its beginnings under the De Warenne Earls of Surrey.

Find out about the Wars of the Roses and how Richard of York gave battle in vain at the Battle of Wakefield.

Wakefield Museums & Castles volunteers will take you on a fascinating journey through five hundred years of history on a guided walk and talk around the castle grounds.

This walk is suitable for ages 14+.

📅 Saturday 7 September
⏰ 11am to 12:15pm
📍 Sandal Castle
🎫 Book your free tickets.

An artist’s impression of various landmarks in Wakefield, including Sandal Castle, the Hepworth, the Cathedral and the Theatre Royal

Chronicles of Culture Launch

Step into Wakefield’s past with a series of live performances from the latest young short story writing talent!

Wakefield Literature Festival is proud to be hosting an enriching afternoon of unique historical fiction at Pontefract Castle (in the Activity Zone).

Be inspired by places we know and love across the Wakefield District.

Whether you’re a history lover or you are looking for your new favourite writer, travel back in time with Wakefield Literature Festival at 2.15pm and 3.15pm on Saturday 7 September.

Get lost in a literary world created by an incredible team of wonderful wordsmiths!

This event is suitable for ages 12+.

📅 Saturday 7 September
⏰ Drop-in at 2:15pm and 3:15pm
📍 Pontefract Castle

Part of the Medieval Herb Garden at Pontefract Castle, with a wide range of flowering plants and herbs in bloom

Talk: Making a Medieval Herb Garden

Discover how to create your own medieval herb garden!

Get lots of hints and tips as well as local plant suggestions that you can grow and use at home.

This talk is suitable for ages 16+.

📅 Wednesday 11 September
⏰ 2pm to 3:15pm
📍 Pontefract Castle
🎫 Book your free tickets.

Part of the remains of Pontefract Castle, showing the entrance to the sally port, with the keep towers looming in the distance

Castle Explorer Tours

Join us for a guided tour of Pontefract Castle – free for Heritage Open Days!

In years gone by, Pontefract Castle was one of Britain’s most important castles and was known as The Key to the North!

Discover who built and lived in the castle and listen to stories of unfaithful Queens, imprisoned Kings as well the castle’s role in the English Civil Wars.

Find out what the Castle looked like in its heyday and how it has changed over time.

Tour is suitable for wheelchair users and visitors with pushchairs. Suitable for all ages.

📅 Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September
⏰ Various times
📍 Pontefract Castle
🎫 Book your free tickets.

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