Pontefract For Families

Pontefract Castle is located on Castle Garth in Pontefract, and they are open every day of the week. On weekdays, they are open 8:30am till 4:30pm and on the weekend their opening hours are from 9:30am till 4:30pm.

The castle dates back to 1067 when its initial construction began, and it is very important in history because it is thought that Richard II died at the castle. Pontefract castle is a fun way to incorporate education and history for children with their interactive tours and events.

They offer Dungeon Tours for a small fee of £2.15 to £4.50 which gives you an insight to the reality of what life was like for prisoners underneath the castle.

This attraction is free to enter, and it is very popular with families. They host special events throughout the year such as the Proms music event, on Saturday 28 June. Tickets are on sale now, so don’t miss out!

Also, they have a free Dragon Egg hunt event which runs from Saturday 12 April until Monday 21 April from 10am until 4pm.

Pontefract Museum is an incredible way for families with young children to understand the history of Pontefract by using toys and fun little activities.

Pontefract museum is located on Salter Row in Pontefract and all ages are free to enter. Pontefract museum is open every day other than Sunday. On the weekday it is open from 10am till 4:30pm and on Saturday it is open from 10:30am till 4:30pm.

They have fun colouring activities, a rocking horse and a play-pretend market stall. There is also a room all about the history of glass making. Pontefract’s Museum also focuses on the Ackworth Hoard – gold and silver coins/rings which date back to the civil war – and the incredible history of liquorice.

Pontefract Park is a perfect place for families to go as it is a large green space which is ideal for picnics, sports and there is a lake where you can feed the ducks. Also, they have a recently updated play park which is extremely popular amongst families.

Pontefract park is on Park Side road in Pontefract, and it is a free attraction which is open every day of the week. Pontefract Park is a great way to introduce exercise into fun activities such as going on walks alongside the lake whilst feeding the ducks or going on a bike ride around the racecourse track which is a two-mile circuit.

At the park, there is a café called ‘Huggamug’ which is dog-friendly and serves breakfasts, waffles, club sandwiches and brownies. It is located behind the racecourse stands and this is a nice spot for families to enjoy lunch after a day at the park.

Pontefract is known for its incredible history of liquorice, and it is still celebrated to this day with the Pontefract Liquorice Festival, which is hosted annually.

This year it is on Sunday 13 July from 10am to 4pm. It is a free event, and it is located in Pontefract’s town centre. The liquorice festival has been going on every year since the 1990s, and this year it includes a Haribo-themed parade – which is also another important factor in Pontefract’s history.

There are a series of food and drink stalls to look at and this event is perfect for families because it is a fun, jam-packed day celebrating the culture and history of Pontefract.

Wakefield Armed Forces Day is an amazing family event and day out in Pontefract.

This year Armed Forces Day is on Sunday 6 July, and it is being held at Pontefract Racecourse on Park Side road. It is open from 10am until 4:30pm.

This event is important because it gives everyone time to recognise and celebrate all the serving members of the armed forces, along with reservists, cadets and veterans. Also, this gives younger children the opportunity to educate themselves on the history of past events whilst involving themselves in activities such as the free fall parachute display, veterans parade, military bands, children’s entertainment and historic military vehicles. There is also a food court.

Blondies Brewhouse and Bakes is a modern-themed shop with beautifully decorated seating areas and dressed-up drinks!

Blondies is located on Beastfair in Pontefract, and it is open every day other than Thursdays and Sundays. Their opening hours are 9am till 4pm during the week and 9am till 3pm on Saturdays.

The café is very dog friendly, and they provide dog treats and puppaccions for your furry friends!

Blondies have freshly baked treats for everyone to enjoy and a range of drinks from fancy coffees to hot chocolates to iced drinks. This café is perfect for families due to its friendly and modern nature.

Cromwells is a historic hidden spot in Pontefract with the building brickwork/sandstone thought to be apart of the castle ruins.

Cromwells is located on Mauds Yard in Pontefract, and it is open every day other than Sundays. From Monday to Saturday, their opening hours are from 8am till 3:30pm. There are two floors of the restaurant and assistance dogs are welcome.

At Cromwells café they offer breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Some breakfast items include full English breakfasts, omelets and eggs Benedict. Lunch and mains include pie of the day, fish finger sandwich, jacket potatoes and paninis. Prices range from £4.50 to £11.95. This café is ideal for families due to its affordability and cosy setting.

Mamma Mia is an Italian themed restaurant which is a family-run business, and they offer a range of iconic Italian dishes. Mamma Mia is located on Northgate, Pontefract and they are open every day other than Sundays and Mondays. From Tuesday to Thursday their opening hours are 5pm till 8:30pm. On Friday, they are open from 5pm till 9pm. And on Saturday they are open from 4pm till 9pm.

The main menu includes food such as meatballs, steaks, pizza and pasta. This restaurant is perfect for families due to its peaceful and family-like atmosphere. They also offer a takeaway service alongside their main restaurant menu.