Once the home of Roman legions, today a hub of Rugby League, this market town has loads to offer. Uncover the town’s story from the Celtic Iron Age, through the growth of coal mining to the present day at Castleford Museum.

Enjoy a day browsing the colourful stalls of the local market or grab a bargain from Junction 32, then get yourself a cup of something hot from one of the town’s independent coffee shops, tearooms and cafes. Take a walk through nature at RSPB Fairburn Ings, or carve up the earth at Diggerland. Stroll along the waterfront by Queen’s Mill, and get your next adrenaline rush at Xscape.

There’s more than meets the eye at Castleford. So what are you waiting for?

Located in the heart of West Yorkshire, the historic market town of Pontefract is home to the picturesque ruins of one of England’s most important castles (once known as “The Key To The North”) as well as a brace of beautiful parks, some outstanding examples of Georgian architecture, and a whole host of independent boutiques and coffee shops.

The town has history galore – the site of the first secret ballot, this is a place where the country’s fate was decided more than once; uncover its story at Pontefract Museum.

Sports fans take note – the town is also home to Pontefract Racecourse, the longest continuous flat racing circuit in Europe.

Take in award-winning contemporary art and sculpture at The Hepworth Wakefield, then enjoy a change of pace and explore the peaceful interior of historic Wakefield Cathedral (with the tallest spire in Yorkshire).

Head out of the city and take a stroll around Yorkshire Sculpture Park, or cycle through the world’s first nature reserve at Haw Park Wood and nearby Anglers Country Park.

Uncover the district’s mining heritage at the National Coal Mining Museum, or travel back further in time at Sandal Castle.

Enjoy world-class cuisine in one of our many restaurants, or have a scrumptious lunch and a pint in a cosy country pub. We boast excellent transport links, and at the crossroads of the M62 and M1, we’re perfect for a weekend getaway.

Visit West Yorkshire and experience culture like never before from 2023-2025! Starting with Leeds 2023 and Music in Kirklees, before Wakefield’s Our Year and CultureDale in 2024. Finally, Bradford takes centre stage as the UK City of Culture 2025.