This charming Georgian town is host to a range of major annual events, and they’re a great opportunity to celebrate! See exciting military displays, historic vehicles, live entertainment, parachute displays and more as well as saying a big thank you to military personnel and their families for Wakefield Armed Forces Day. Enjoy enchanting classical melodies in the beautiful surroundings of Pontefract Castle before a stirring fireworks finale at Proms at the Castle. Revel in the town’s historic links with liquorice at Pontefract Liquorice Festival – sample tasty treats at the food and drink market, enjoy live entertainment, fringe activities and loads more. And finally, kick off the festive season with Light Up, where stunning light installations combine with seasonal street food, a Christmas market and more.
Things to do in Pontefract
There are loads of things to do in Pontefract. Check out our list of top picks!Want to know about things to do in Pontefract? You’re in the right place! There’s loads happening in this quintessential West Yorkshire market town, and we’ve pulled together some suggestions so that visitors can plan their stay – and locals might just discover a few things they didn’t know about, too…

LIVE IT UP AT ONE OF THE TOWN'S RED-LETTER DAYS

TAKE IN HISTORY AT PONTEFRACT CASTLE
This once-fearsome fortress earned itself the name “Key to the North” thanks to its strategic position and importance in the power balance of Yorkshire and beyond. Today, Pontefract Castle boasts captivating ruins, panoramic views and fascinating stories to discover. Take a Dungeon Tour, and explore the turmoil of the Civil War.

GO ANTIQUING AT THE MAGISTRATES MARKET
Pontefract’s Georgian Magistrate’s court is now a treasure trove for antique and vintage aficionados. From mid-century modern furniture to vintage clothes, local Bagley’s glassware and classic Americana, there’s something for everyone.

ENJOY THE TOWN'S GREEN SPACES
Pontefract has an abundance of outdoor escapes, with Pontefract Park, Pontefract Racecourse and Friarwood Valley Gardens all offering individual charms for nature lovers. With wide, flat paths, the parks are accessible for all, and make a great place to go cycling or visit with children.

GO STARGAZING AT ROSSE OBSERVATORY
Rosse Observatory is situated right on the edge of town to maximise sky viewing. The observatory, home of the West Yorkshire Astronomical Society, holds regular members’ nights, alongside special Open Nights for the public on dates throughout the year (including on special nights in the astronomical calendar). So make like Patrick Moore and get stargazing!

PICK YOUR OWN AT FARMER COPLEYS
Farmer Copleys is a Pontefract stalwart. If you love farm-to-fork freshness and the very best locally sourced produce, then this award-winning farm shop and cafe is well worth a visit. In spring, go Dutch and pick your own tulips in the Flower Fields, summer offers the Strawberry Experience and the Sunflower Field, and autumn sees pumpkins take over the fields for spooky season’s Pumpkin Festival.

ENJOY THE EXCITEMENT OF RACEDAY AT PONTEFRACT RACECOURSE
Pontefract Racecourse is Europe’s longest continuous flat racing circuit, and a fantastic place for a day out, with a wide range of fixtures and theme days from April-October. Theme days include In the Zone Family Day, Music Nights, and (big hats at the ready) the ever-popular Ladies Day. The fixtures promise some brilliant action on the track – perhaps a little flutter is in order?

GO GHOST HUNTING AT 30 EAST DRIVE
Perhaps not surprising, given its extensive history, but Pontefract is (allegedly) home to one of Britain’s most haunted houses. From the outside, 30 East Drive looks like any other 1950s council house, but it is supposedly home to a violent poltergeist who has been terrorising residents and visitors alike since the 1970s. Dare you stay the night with the “Black Monk”?

SAMPLE A GLASS OF REAL ALE
Pontefract has a strong commitment to real ale, with plenty of venues giving the chance to sample this amber nectar. The Robin Hood is a good place to start, though. Not only is it right next to its own brewery, it’s also a hub of live music, with performances in their several event spaces: Brewers Yard, The Pigeon Loft and Del’s Attic.
And if all of this tickles your fancy, there’s plenty more where that came from: Pontefract is just full of quirky, historical charm.
To explore more things to do, as well as places to eat and drink, and where to stay, check out our Pontefract page now.