Insider Guides

Highlighted Guides

Wakefield Heritage Open Days

Discover the charm and history of Wakefield during Heritage Open Days. Explore hidden places, hear new stories, and try new experiences.

Food Experiences in Wakefield this Autumn

Our guide to fabulous food experiences this autumn in Wakefield. From the Harvest Festival at The Hepworth Wakefield to Peddler’s award-winning st...

Current Art and Sculpture Events

There are loads of Art and Sculpture events and exhibitions happening throughout May and June, so to make it easier for you, we thought we’d pull them together in one place!

20 Things You Can Only Do in West Yorkshire

We’ve come up with the ultimate list of experiences, attractions and events you’ll only find in West Yorkshire; featuring top recommendations and insider tips.

All Guides

Art & Sculpture

Events & Festivals

Family Friendly

Food & Drink

Museums & Heritage

Music Theatre & Film

Nature & Outdoors

Our Year

Shopping

Halloween for Grown Ups

From pumpkin painting workshops, to haunted houses, there’s plenty to keep you entertained this spooky season – kids not allowed!

Food Experiences in Wakefield this Autumn

Our guide to fabulous food experiences this autumn in Wakefield. From the Harvest Festival at The Hepworth Wakefield ...

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

Heritage Open Days at Pontefract and Sandal Castles

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

Wakefield Heritage Open Days

Discover the charm and history of Wakefield during Heritage Open Days. Explore hidden places, hear new stories, and try new experiences.

20 Things You Can Only Do in West Yorkshire

We’ve come up with the ultimate list of experiences, attractions and events you’ll only find in West Yorkshire; featuring top recommendations and ins...

Current Art and Sculpture Events

There are loads of Art and Sculpture events and exhibitions happening throughout May and June, so to make it easier for you, we thought we’d pu...

Best Cocktail Bars in Wakefield

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

Foodie Experiences in Wakefield

There are loads of foodie experiences in Wakefield just waiting to be tried! From sublime street food events to have-a-go creative experiences like g...

Wakefield’s Textile Heritage

Wakefield is well known for its textile industries. It has proud heritage of wool selling, going back to medieval times. Isaak’s son and current chai...

$Pontefract Choral Society$

Our Year for Music

It’s Our Year…to enjoy live music! Explore the upcoming live music events taking place as part of Our Year 2024.

26 Reasons to Visit West Yorkshire in 2024

For English Tourism Week 2024, we’ve worked with our West Yorkshire partners to highlight the best things going on across the region this year!

Two people talking to a former miner at the National Coal Mining Museum

Mining Heritage Events in Wakefield

History lovers, take note: March 2024 marks 40 years since the start of the 1984/1985 Miners’ Strike and the district is hosting events and exhibitio...

West Yorkshire Trip to Wakefield

We had a cracking day playing host to our West Yorkshire friends Kirklees Council, Visit Bradford, Visit Calderdale and Visit Leeds on Friday 16 Febr...

Mining March: Pit village life by Jack Hulme

40th Anniversary of the Miners’ Strike

2024 marks the 40th Anniversary of the Miners’ Strike, and this guest guide by Lynn Dunning, CEO of the National Coal Mining Museum for England...

Dialect poet Yorkshire Prose captures the heart of Wakefield District

To mark the launch of its 366-day programme of celebrations, Our Year – Wakefield District 2024, Wakefield Council enlisted the help of Royal Navy Pe...

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.

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

If you’re looking for Mediterranean restaurants in Wakefield, we’ve got you covered! Turkish restaurants, Italian restaurants, even Greek...

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.

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!

10 Free Family Summer Days Out in Wakefield

There is something for the whole family to do and enjoy in the district – from going underground at England’s last deep coal mine or enjoying t...

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

There are some fantastic picnic opportunities in Wakefield! From concerts to stately homes, there are events and venues all over the district just wa...

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...

West Yorkshire’s Cultural Treasures

West Yorkshire is home to some of the UK’s most beloved cultural treasures. Wh...

Spotlight On Ossett

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

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.

A picture of Smoked Berbere Homous at Corarima

Vegan Restaurants in Wakefield

The Wakefield district has some delicious vegan restaurants! So if you fancy trying some top quality vegan food before you take the plunge and become...

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.

Queen’s Mill

There’s absolutely loads happening at historic Queen’s Mill, Castleford.

Enjoy West Yorkshire: 48-hour highlight Itinerary

This two-day itinerary will help you take full advantage of your time exploring West Yorkshire.

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.

$Pontefract Castle Yorkshire Day$

Ey-up! Top six things to do to celebrate Yorkshire

Yorkshire is called God’s Own County for a reason and we’ve rounded up our top six experiences which will give you a taste of what it means to be a t...

24 Hour Itinerary: Outdoor Explorers

With so many award-winning country parks to choose from in the district, it’s hard to know where to start, so we’ve pulled together an itinerary to h...

24 Hour Itinerary: Family Fun Day Out

If you’re looking for a fun day out with your family this summer, the Wakefield district has got everything you might need.

$Pontefract Castle, one of the Free and Low Cost Things to do in Wakefield$

24 Hour Itinerary: Cultural Day Out

Enjoy a jam-packed day out featuring award-winning art and sculpture, medieval history and of course, amazing food!

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.

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 W...

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...

Capturing the Crown

In a 30-minute walk from the Chantry Chapel to Sandal Castle, retrace the historic events that ended in the Battle of Wakefield – a brutal powe...

5 Buggy Walks in Wakefield

There is lots on offer for families, including families with pushchairs, all across the Wakefield district. Start planning your next trip to the grea...

Theatre Royal Wakefield

If you were born and/or raised in Wakefield, then Theatre Royal Wakefield is sure to be a familiar sight.

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...

Art & Sculpture

Wakefield’s reputation as a city of sculpture is headline news. We’re renowned for remarkable artists and...

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...

Insider Guides

Highlighted Guides

Wakefield Heritage Open Days

Food Experiences in Wakefield this Autumn

Current Art and Sculpture Events

20 Things You Can Only Do in West Yorkshire

PSST! WANT TO BE IN THE KNOW?