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A hub of art and heritage, Wakefield is a country town with a metropolitan spirit.

Perched on the River Calder, the West Yorkshire town is home to a grand 11th century cathedral and wealth of cultural riches. It proudly stands as one of the points of the Yorkshire sculpture triangle and hosts a series of lively music and liquorice festivals that will make your senses spin.

Just south of Leeds, Wakefield is the perfect place to start your northern road trip. Drive out the city and discover the mysterious ruins of Pontefract Castle, once the Key of the North, or to any of Yorkshire’s three wild national parks.

Wakefield is a pleasant and friendly cathedral city in the beautiful county of Yorkshire. With a rich heritage and lively modern centre, Wakefield offers a range of attractions for all tastes.

Things to do in Wakefield

An enchanting mix of urban bustle and rural charm, Wakefield is one of Yorkshire’s most attractive cities. The centre itself is an appealing combination of Georgian, Victorian and even medieval era architecture. The Chantry Chapel of St Mary stands on Wakefield’s wonderful ancient bridge built in the 1340s. It used to be the main toll road for travellers into Wakefield. Wakefield’s 14th Century Cathedral Church of All Saints towers above the centre of the city and is filled with fascinating woodcarvings and stained glass windows by Charles Kempe. The city’s importance in the industrial revolution is immortalized in the superb National Coal Mining Museum for England. Here you can experience what it was like to delve deep underground and work in the cramped and dangerous conditions of Victorian coalmines. Another place well worth a visit is the stunning 12th Century Motte and Bailey Castle at Sandal.

Wakefield: Discover more

There are plenty of things to see and do in the surrounding Yorkshire countryside. Rent a car in Wakefield and you can enjoy them at your own pace. One of the most striking attractions is the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Set in over 500 acres of serene parkland, this 18th century garden includes many sculptures by English and international artists, including pieces by the fantastic Henry Moore.