Wakefield tourist information

The Wakefield district comprises more than forty towns and villages, including forests and fields, with the main town having a population of nearly 80,000 people.

The city’s history dates back to the Middle Ages, and much time and care has been devoted to preserving and excavating the city’s archaeological treasures. But the many museums, heritage centers and historic sites don’t detract from the city’s vibrant and modern atmosphere. Thriving nightlife, cultural facilities and top-quality restaurants make the city a popular place to visit, and the £100m regeneration plans are sure to further boost tourism to the area. History
Wakefield has been around since medieval times and gained industrial importance from its cloth trading industry. Coal mining provided much employment in the area, and Wakefield was greatly affected by the closure of the pits in the mid to late 20th century. Caphouse Colliery, the oldest operating mine in the country, has since become the National Coal Mining Museum, offering tours several times a day, exhibits and educational events.

Sandal Castle, immortalized by the rhyme ‘The Great Old Duke of York’, is the ruin of the castle in which the Duke of York was defeated during the War of the Roses, and is open to the public today.

Art Galeries

The Wakefield Art Gallery houses a vast collection of paintings and sculpture, dating from the 16th to the 20th century. Local sculptors, Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth, are well reflected in the gallery’s collections. The gallery is close to the city center and located in a 19th century town house.

The Hepworth will replace this gallery in 2008 as it is believed that The Wakefield Art Gallery cannot display the works in the best possible way.

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is based in 200-year-old landscaped gardens and consists of four exhibition areas showcasing a variety of sculptures and art installations. theaters
The Wakefield Theater Royal and Opera House consisted of three levels and seats 500 people. The building is Grade II listed Victorian and retains much of its original spectacular ambience and acoustics. The theater is incredibly successful, with an annual turnover of £1 million, and hosts a packed program of theatre, comedy, musicals and lectures. As with many theaters, its most popular production is the annual Christmas pantomime.

The Wakefield Cycle is the performance of 32 plays, based on the Bible and popular stories, in various locations around the city for 32 days. The ‘cycle’ is an old British tradition, but Wakefield’s is one of only four remaining. Dates for 2007 have not yet been set.
The Stagecoach School of Theater Arts performs twice a year.

Restaurants

The Cow Shed is the 16th century Grade II listed building that inspired Joanne Harris’s novel, ‘Chocolate’. The restaurant serves contemporary grilled food and offers a choice of indoor and outdoor seating. Catering service is offered for up to 60 people.

The Kaye Arms serves contemporary British food and snacks, with an extensive international wine list. The restaurant is family-run and has been in business for forty years.
Rinaldi Ristorante Italiano is a fine dining Italian restaurant serving traditional Italian cuisine and a wide selection of specialties. Other fine dining Italian restaurants include Valentinos and Bella Roma.

Spice Cottage and Aggrah are popular Indian restaurants serving quality food at reasonable prices. Thai Kitchen’s prices are higher, but its dishes are authentic Thai that have been praised by critics and customers.

Pubs/Bars

Westgate Run is a 500-yard stretch, which forms a popular (and notorious) pub crawl.
Harry’s Bar is one of twenty in The Westgate Run, voted ‘Pub of the Season’ in Spring 2006 by CAMRA, and is listed in the Good Beer Guide.

The Redoubt is another authentic beer bar and is considered to be the beginning of ‘The Run’. The pub is divided into snugs, lounges and a games room, and the staff are said to be friendly and welcoming. The Union is another place to start, serving a wide selection of beers, wines, and cocktails.

Escobar is a more exclusive establishment, with higher prices and hosting live music events and DJs in the evenings. Mex is a reasonably priced cocktail bar, and Pink Lizard is an upscale cafe bar.

night clubs

Club Ikon is one of the hottest clubs in town, offering trance and hard house, including a Ministry of Sound night. There are separate nights for under 18s and over 21s, but most nights are 18+.

Mustang Sally’s is a popular student club featuring cheesy pop music and commercial dancing. The ICE nightclub is also loved by students and offers techno, tech-trance, hardstyle and house music on most nights, and r’n’b, hip-hop and funk on others.

With a capacity of 1,400, Club Havana is the largest of the city’s club, bar and lounge complexes. The club is open every night and features retro, soul and funk music from the 70s and 80s.
Zeus is the most popular gay club in the city and offers hit music and classics to sing along to.

Shopping

Wakefield markets have been around since 1204 and there are currently eight. Regular markets trade in food, electrical goods, new and second-hand clothing, and much more. Specialty markets held at various times throughout the year include a Farmers Market and a Victorian Market. There is a flea market on Tuesdays and a Car Boot Sale on Sundays.

The Ridings Shopping Center comprises 90 stores, including major retailers such as Miss Selfridge and Marks and Spencer. There is a multi-kiosk food court with family entertainment and seating for 300 people, secure parking, and valet and hand-washing services.

Carlton Lanes shopping center includes 50 stores, a food court with several kiosks, and secure parking.
Sports

The Wakefield Superbowl includes 28 bowling alleys, an entertainment area, a licensed cafe and bar; and offers different special offers every day. F1 Indoor Karting is another option for a family day out and is open seven days a week.

Knottingley Sports Center is one of five leisure centers in the town and includes a large swimming pool and licensed snack bar. There are athletics and martial arts classes, and a gym. Lightwaves Leisure Center is larger and comprises a leisure pool with wave machine and slides, and facilities for badminton, squash and five-a-side football.

Pontefract Golf Center is an ideal course for beginners and those looking for a more relaxed game. Spring Mill Golf Course offers classes for children and the more experienced.