Welcome to Pontefract.
Located in the heart of West Yorkshire, this historic market town 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.
Pontefract’s got 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.
Pontefract Liquorice Festival

Pontefract's annual Liquorice Festival

Civil Wars re-enactment at Pontefract Castle's "Siege!" event

Where to stay

Food & Drink

Bar or Pub

Cross Keys

A lovely family run traditional pub, serving quality food and a great selection of drinks. Families and dogs welcome. Fantastic beer garden....
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Bar or Pub

The Robin Hood

The Robin Hood is an award winning pub in Pontefract, with a dedication of 12 rotating pumps. Run by Henry Smith Brewery, who brew in Castleford, ...
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Places to visit

Park

Pontefract Park

Pontefract Park has a large and enclosed playground full of exciting activities for the children, a lake for boating and fishing and wide open spaces to r...
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Finding your way around

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Visitors love...

Pontefract Castle

Located in the historic market town of Pontefract, from its construction in 1070 to its demise following the Civil Wars, this once-fearsome fortress dominated Yorkshire and beyond, bea...

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Pontefract Racecourse

If it’s an equine experience you’re after then Pontefract Racecourse will not disappoint! The racing season which begins in April and ends in October is crammed full of themed days so ...

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Pontefract Museum

Step inside the beautiful Art Nouveau building to discover a world where liquorice and voting collide, where we celebrate the captivating stories of Pontefract, its people, and the his...

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Farmer Copleys

Farmer Copleys is a family run farm shop, Moo Café, function space and events centre based between Pontefract and Featherstone. The Copley family has been farming for over 140 ...

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