Group Travel - A day in Wakefield city centre

The Cathedral city of Wakefield has a great deal to offer different types of groups. If you only have a day to spend in the city, you will need to plan out your visit to make sure you don’t miss anything important. 

Here are a few ideas to help you spend a memorable day in Wakefield city centre. 

Morning

Begin your day with a visit to one of the UK’s most magnificent churches, Wakefield Cathedral. Towering above the skyline, you can see the 247 ft spire from miles around (it’s the tallest in Yorkshire!) The best way to make the most of your visit is to pre-book a special guided tour. Take in the peaceful atmosphere and awe-inspiring interior while your guide explains the history of the Cathedral. Discover fascinating historic artefacts, and a truly stunning collection of stained glass by Charles Kempe. If you’re lucky enough to get the rare opportunity to climb 170 steps to the top of the tower, you’ll be rewarded with glorious views of the city and surrounding countryside.

After a tour around the Cathedral, spend some free time exploring the city. You could make your way to through the Civic Quarter, taking in its beautiful architecture on the way to The Art House. The Art House is a creative space for artists and makers with a programme of inspiring exhibitions and workshops, and an excellent little coffee shop! A short walk away is Wakefield Museum, where you can discover a wealth of local treasures and learn surprising facts about the city.

If you’re after some retail therapy, you are spoilt for choice! The city has two shopping centres, The Ridings and Trinity Walk, filled with well-known high street brands and a superb selection of independent shops, selling anything from vinyl and handcrafted gifts to scented candles and skateboards. Whether you’re after the perfect present for loved ones, or something to treat yourself, you are guaranteed to find something lovely. Don’t forget your wallet!

Lunch

After a long morning you’ll need some refreshment. The city centre has a wealth of independent cafés, and restaurants offering anything from a mouth-watering Yorkshire afternoon tea to gluten-free Abyssinian cuisine, many with outdoor seating if you like to dine al fresco! If some good old pub grub is more your thing, or you fancy a cocktail or two, you’ll find an excellent range of bars and restaurants dotted around the city. Check out our food and drink pages for ideas.

Afternoon

After refuelling, your next stop is The Hepworth Wakefield, an award-winning art gallery on the city’s historic waterfront designed by the acclaimed David Chipperfield Architects. Named after Barbara Hepworth, the gallery presents major exhibitions of the best international modern and contemporary art. Pre-book a tour of the latest exhibition or the gallery’s permanent collection. A knowledgeable guide will accompany you through the gallery, providing insight into some of the remarkable works on display. Visit the Gallery Café for coffee and cake to refresh and don’t miss a quick stop at the gift shop. Before you leave, spend a little while exploring The Hepworth Wakefield Garden, a beautiful tranquil space which combines sculpture with nature.

Evening

If you have a little more time to spend before you head home, you could book dinner and a show. The city centre has a wealth of first-class restaurants offering a delectable range of freshly prepared international cuisine. After your pre-show dinner head over to Theatre Royal Wakefield.

The beautifully ornate theatre, designed by Victorian Architect Frank Matcham, promises a great night out. With every genre possible, creative director John Godber oversees a jammed-packed schedule of comedy, drama, music and more. The theatre is a champion of up-and-coming talent from around the region, as well as a draw for established stars of stage and screen. Visit their website for special deals for groups!