Insider Guides

Highlighted Guides

A Book Lovers’ Guide To Wakefield

Explore the ultimate Book Lovers’ Guide To Wakefield, featuring charming shops and serene reading spots across the district.

Angela Harding, Blossomise. Image © the artist

Art and Sculpture Events in Wakefield

Explore the vibrant art and sculpture events happening in Wakefield. Discover exhibitions and events across the district!

Culture, Coffee and Creativity – How to spend 72 hours in the Wakefield district

Discover how to blend Culture Coffee and Creativity during a three-day getaway in the artistic Wakefield district.

Halloween for Grown Ups

From creepy craft workshops, to haunted houses, there’s plenty to keep you entertained this spooky season – no kids allowed!

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Art & Sculpture

Events & Festivals

Family Friendly

Food & Drink

Museums & Heritage

Music Theatre & Film

Nature & Outdoors

Shopping

Why the Wakefield District is Worth a Weekend Away

Plan your Wakefield weekend escape. Enjoy world-class art, local cuisine and beautiful walks in the heart of Yorkshire.

Fancy dress at Farmer Copleys Pumpkin Festival

Things to do this October Half-Term in Wakefield

Dive in and have a look – and keep the boredom at bay this October half term!

Halloween for Grown Ups

From creepy craft workshops, to haunted houses, there’s plenty to keep you entertained this spooky season – no kids allowed!

Top Pumpkin Picking Patches in Wakefield

Nothing says Halloween more than a carved pumpkin and there are plenty of perfect pumpkin picking patches for you to choose from in Wakefield.

Bonfire Night

Looking for somewhere to celebrate Bonfire Night in the Wakefield district? You’re in the right place!

5 surprising ways art and culture can improve your wellbeing

Discover five surprising ways art and culture can boost your wellbeing and help you escape everyday stress and pressures.

Outdoor Sculpture at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park

10 Ways to Explore the UK’s Capital of Sculpture

Experience the UK’s Capital of Sculpture with our guide to 10 ways to explore Wakefield’s artistic treasures and green spaces.

Culture, Coffee and Creativity – How to spend 72 hours in the Wakefield district

Discover how to blend Culture Coffee and Creativity during a three-day getaway in the artistic Wakefield district.

Beer Festivals in Wakefield

Explore Beer Festivals in Wakefield. Sample new beers, enjoy food and music, and celebrate the region’s vibrant craft brewery scene.

Pup Culture

Uncover Wakefield’s Pup Culture! Visit dog-friendly venues and enjoy cultural experiences with your furry friend by your side.

Art and Sculpture Events in Wakefield

Explore the vibrant art and sculpture events happening in Wakefield. Discover exhibitions and events across the district! ...

A woman practicing yoga beneath Helios at WX

Nature Season in Wakefield

Nature Season is here! Explore some of the best nature-themed cultural events taking place across Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

Celebrate Yorkshire Day in West Yorkshire

Celebrate Yorkshire Day in West Yorkshire with must-see events and attractions that showcase the spirit of the region.

Art Outdoors in Wakefield

Explore the beauty of Art Outdoors in Wakefield. Discover sculptures and murals hidden in green spaces and parks.

A Book Lovers’ Guide To Wakefield

Explore the ultimate Book Lovers’ Guide To Wakefield, featuring charming shops and serene reading spots across the district.

Beer Gardens in Wakefield

From quirky city centre bars to country classic pubs, we’ve rounded up some of the best beer gardens in the Wakefield district. Cheers! ...

Local Stories, National Growth

Discover the impactful Local Stories from Wakefield and wider West Yorkshire, sharing milestones that contribute to national growth.

Experience Wakefield Promo

Have you seen the new Experience Wakefield promo video? Our new guide takes you through all the venues, attractions and events in it one by one!

Plates of sushi, tonkatsu, gyoza and other Japanese foods at Mimik.

Top East Asian Restaurants in Wakefield

From tom yum to tempura, treat your taste buds to something special with our list of top East Asian restaurants in Wakefield.

A picture of Smoked Berbere Homous at Corarima

Vegan Restaurants in Wakefield

Looking for your next plant-based dine-out, or you just fancy trying some top quality vegan food? We’ve got you covered.

A child looking into a display case containing a diorama

50 Things To Do Ages Five to Eleven – Wakefield Museum

Wondering what to do at Wakefield Museum for 50 Things to Do Ages 5 to Eleven? This list will help you tick off a selection of activities!

A young child at play in Castleford Museum

50 Things To Do Before You’re Five – Castleford Museum

Wondering what to do at Wakefield Museum for 50 Things to Do Before You’re Five? This list will help you tick off a selection of activities!

Two young children in the play 1950s kitchen at Wakefield Museum

50 Things To Do Before You’re Five – Wakefield Museum

Wondering what to do at Wakefield Museum for 50 Things to Do Before You’re Five? This list will help you tick off a selection of activities!

People having a great night out at the Black Horse beer garden

A Great Night Out in Wakefield

Looking to have a great night out? Wakefield might surprise you – we’re not known as the “Merrie City” for nothing!

Arty Nights Out in Wakefield

Explore Arty Nights Out in Wakefield, from late-night galleries to craft workshops for a vibrant experience.

Two children taking part in a craft workshop at WX - Wakefield exchange.

Art and Sculpture for Kids in Wakefield

Explore art and sculpture for kids in Wakefield. Discover events that spark creativity and imagination for young artists.

Overhead shot of afternoon tea at Waterton Park Hotel

Best Afternoon Tea in Wakefield

Explore the best afternoon tea in Wakefield, with charming spots serving delightful treats and local flavours for every occasion.

Real Ale and Craft Beer in the Merrie City

Wakefield’s reputation as the “Merrie City” can be traced back to the Middle Ages. Today the thirst for good times can still be thoroughly quenched.

$Two women in vibrant costumes performing at the Pontefract Liquorice Festival.$

Pontefract For Families

Find some great ideas for things to do in Pontefract for families!

Wakefield’s Top Attractions… In Their Own Words!

To celebrate English Tourism Week, some of Wakefield’s top attractions teamed up for their take on the Passing the Phone challenge!

Room on the Broom at Anglers Country Park, one of the Free and Low Cost Things to do in Wakefield

Story Trails in Wakefield

From Room on the Broom to Gnome Roam, get outdoors and explore the exciting family story trails around the Wakefield district.

Filmed in West Yorkshire

Discover the magic of West Yorkshire as we delve into places filmed across the region that have captivated audiences worldwide.

Starring Wakefield

Explore Starring Wakefield and discover the stunning filming locations of iconic movies and shows filmed in the Wakefield district.

Non-Alcoholic Nights Out in Wakefield

Explore non-alcoholic nights out in Wakefield city centre and discover the best spots for mocktails and delicious desserts.

Watch the District

Watch Wakefield on the silver screen with our guide to some of the best TV shows and films that have been filmed in the area.

Best Cocktail Bars in Wakefield

The Wakefield district promises to shake, stir and satisfy with its outstanding cocktail bars.

Uncover the Charms of Wakefield: A Captivating Road Trip Through History, Art and Nature

Uncover the charms of Wakefield with this road trip itinerary from guest writers Uncover Britain, taking in art, heritage, outdoor spaces and food.

Prego pizzeria, an Italian restaurant on Westgate, Wakefield

Mediterranean Restaurants in Wakefield

Enjoy our list of Mediterranean restaurants in Wakefield. Find the best spots for Turkish, Italian, Spanish, Greek restaurants and more.

Dog Walks in Wakefield

Looking for dogs walks in Wakefield? We’ve got you covered with our list covering the whole district, so grab the lead and get out there!

Spotlight on Horbury

With a fantastic selection of places to eat and drink, great independent shops and quirky things to do, discover more about Horbury here.

50 Things To Do Before You’re Five – Pontefract Castle

Tick off a selection of 50 Things activities at this once-mighty fortress!

Sunday Lunch in Wakefield

Looking to find the best Sunday lunch in Wakefield? You’re in t...

Spotlight On Normanton

Discover all there is to do in the market town of Normanton, and its neighbouring village Altofts. Plus, find out top places to eat and drink and mor...

Top History Things to do in Wakefield

Heritage buffs big and small will love this list of the top history things to do in Wakefield! From castles to coal mining, museums to mills, and Lag...

Top Craft Venues in Wakefield

Whether you’re looking to learn a new craft skill – or develop your existing ones – our list of top craft venues in Wakefield will ...

@its_jamielong at Throwback Coffee House

Wagfield! Your Guide to Dog Friendly Wakefield

Looking for somewhere to eat or drink in the Wakefield district that won’t turn your dog away? This tail-wagging guide is for you!

$Pontefract Castle, one of the picnic opportunities in Wakefield$

Top Picnic Spots in Wakefield

Wakefield has some great picnic spots on offer for you explore this summer. We’ve pulled together some of our favourites.

Top 8 Bike Routes in Wakefield

There are some great bike routes in Wakefield and we have pulled together some of our favourites. Read on to find out more!

Spotlight On SESKU

Discover more about South Elmsall, South Kirkby and Upton, collectively known as SESKU!

A Weekend in Wakefield For Groups

Wakefield has a broad range of attractions and experiences for groups. If you have a weekend to spend in the district, there are a whole host of thin...

Spend A Day in Wakefield For Groups

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 pl...

Spotlight On Ossett

Discover all the historic market town of Ossett has to offer.

Wakefield Day Trips

If you’re looking to dip your toes into all the things the Wakefield district has to offer this summer, these Wakefie...

Go Outdoors in West Yorkshire

What better way to celebrate God’s own Country, than heading outdoors and taking in some of the beautiful landscapes ...

$Things To Do Pontefract Museum$

Top 5 Family-Friendly Things To Do at Pontefract Museum

Haven’t explored Pontefract Museum yet, or not been for a while? Here’s why you should visit us on your next family day out!

Welcome to Westgate, Wakefield

Visitors to the city absolutely must experience Westgate, Wakefield’s well-known nightlife hotspot. We’ve put togethe...

Brunch Spots in Wakefield

Brunch has never been more popular. There are loads of great locations to get your best-ever brunch all over the Wakefield district, so read on to di...

$Things to do in Pontefract$

Things To Do In Pontefract

There are loads of things to do in Pontefract, from exploring ancient castle ruins to scanning the night skies. Check out our list of top picks!

24 Hours in the City

There’s loads to do in Wakefield! This one-day itinerary will inspire you with some ideas.

A Weekend in Wakefield

Staying in Wakefield a little longer than a day? Let’s get out of the city and into the countryside.

Top 11 Attractions in the Wakefield District

Discover, or rediscover, what makes Wakefield such an incredible destination with our top 11 best attractions.

20 Things You Didn’t Know About West Yorkshire

Think you know all there is to know about West Yorkshire? See if you knew all these tantalising titbits.

Heritage Walks around Wakefield

Enjoy a series of self-led walks around Wakefield illustrating some of our fascinating and rich heritage.

Five reasons why Wakefield’s food scene is set to be the next big thing

While Wakefield is famed for liquorice, rhubarb and real ale, we’ve also got a fantastic up-and-coming food and drink scene.

Essential Pontefract

Nestled in the heart of West Yorkshire, Pontefract is a charming market town and a hidden gem just waiting to be disc...

The Wheels of Fortunes: The Rebirth of One Mine as The National Coal Mining Museum

For one mine in the Wakefield district, closure as a coal producing mine was the beginning of a new chapter.

The Wheels of Fortunes: Remembering the Coal Industry

Coal has been mined in Wakefield since time immemorial. Find out more about the places that were shaped by coal mining.

72 Hours in the Wakefield District

Extend your trip and experience everything the Wakefield district has to offer!

Best Restaurants In Wakefield City Centre

After a long day of exploring and taking in the sights, there’s nothing better than a mouth-watering meal with friends and family!

24 Hours in The Merrie City

There’s so much to do in Wakefield that it’s not easy to see it all in a day! So to help you make the most of our wonderful city, here’s a handy itin...

Indulge in a weekend away at one of Wakefield’s luxury hotels and spas

We all deserve a bit of a treat sometimes and if you’re looking for that special place for you and your loved ones, then look no further!

Sporting Activities You Can Enjoy Across Wakefield District

If you want to unleash your inner Joe Wicks, then there are plenty of opportunities to take up a sporting activity across Wakefield.

Walking the Wakefield Way

Undulating countryside, charming historical villages and industrial heritage… What better way to explore the Wakefield district than on foot!

The Women Who Shaped Wakefield in Five Historic Hotspots

Discover more about the women who helped shape the direction of the district by perusing five spots within easy reach of the city centre.

How to Enjoy Rainy Day Fun in the Wakefield District

Full disclosure: it is not always beautifully sunny with azure blue skies in the Wakefield district. With this in mind, it is always good to bear a f...

Wakefield City Safari: Birds, Bees and Beasties

Take a stroll through Wakefield and discover the animals that have called Wakefield home – including some mythical ones!

Great Independent Farm Shops in Wakefield

The Wakefield district has much to offer to the ethical consumer, with thriving farm shops delivering fresh local produce, both in store and online.

Brilliant Breakfast Spots in Wakefield

There are plenty of places in the Wakefield district where you can get your fix of a delicious breakfast, a freshly ground coffee and that all-import...

Wakefield’s Independent Retail

From clothing to candles, and boutiques to barbershops, there’s a wealth of independent retail to be found in Wakefield.

5 Free Family Days Out In Wakefield

There’s lots of fun and free family days out across the Wakefield District! From museums to mining and castles ...

Essential Castleford

Romans, Burberry and the rugby Super League – Castleford is a market town full of intrigue.

Public Service Broadcasting playing at Wakefield Festival of the Moon

Wakefield’s Top Music Venues

Your guide to some of Wakefield’s top music spots and som...

History & Heritage

From Romans to rhubarb and refined treasures at National Trust Nostell to the toil for “coyl” at the National Coal Mining Museum, uncover...

Essential Wakefield

Award-winning art and sculpture, fascinating history and heritage, innovative food and drink venues, a vibrant live music scene, breathtaking green s...

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