Wakefield Things to Do

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The Cathedral is a landmark in the heart of the city. It stands on a site that has had a place of worship since Saxon times. Parts of the Cathedral date back to the 1100's. At a height of 247 feet, the spire is the tallest in Yorkshire.

The Cathedral is free to enter & visitors can take the Discovery tour around the building.

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The castle is situated south of the city, near to the place where the Battle of Wakefield took place. This happened in 1460 during the Wars of the Roses in a battle where Richard, Duke of York was killed. The castle was later besieged twice during the English Civil War in the 1640's.

There are still remains of the 13th century stone castle as well as the motte & bailey. A climb to the top of the motte gives great views of Wakefield & the surrounding countryside.

The castle is easily reached from the city. There is a visitor centre & a car park. The grounds are free to enter & are open from dawn until dusk.

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I never set out to buy loads of fridge magnets to celebrate my travels. What happened was I bought a large, but used fridge a couple of years ago. I paid pennies for it so the few scratches and dents on the front (only) did not bother me – until I got into my new house. Then the idea of fridge magnets seemed like a great idea all of a sudden!

We do not have a ‘World Page’ for our travels here on VT – so consider this a tip on what I do and recommend. Please note: This can become very habit forming. I only needed 4-5 to cover the damage!!

update: Since I first wrote this tip 2 years ago the number of magnets has doubled. They go almost all the way round and down the side. Please note the close-up of my Ontario Canada magnet. Ontario is beautiful and I have been there twice visiting Fort Amherstburg and Niagra Falls.

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Come all the way to England and not leave London? You will miss all the good stuff! Come for a drink (or three) in Wakefield with me. Always guaranteed to be a good evening out – or your money back.

Make sure you print up the drink voucher and bring it with you (last photo)!

All across Wakefield are signs that follow what is called the City Trail. They tell you the history of Wakefield, describes architecture, relates historical events and helps you understand what you are looking at! Unfortunately many of the sites are in disrepair. Each site tells you where to go next. I will try and get the local Council (Government) to repair these little gems.

Sandal Castle is an attractive place to visit at any time of the year. The first castle was built in the 12th Century and was rebuilt in stone in the 13th Century. From 1361 it was in the hands of royal owners, and Richard III planned to make a permanent home here before his defeat at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. During the Wars of the Roses in 1460, Richard, Duke of York was killed at the Battle of Wakefield, which was fought on Wakefield Green, below the castle. The castle then fell into decay and was unoccupied until the Civil War. In 1646 the castle was stripped of its defences on the orders of Parliament. Excavation work in 1964-1973 uncovered the overgrown stonework, and Sandal is now the finest exacavated motte and bailey castle in northern Europe.

Wakefield Theatre Royal and Opera House was built in 1894 and has an imposing appearance on Westgate, one of the main roads through the city. It presents excellent live entertainment throughout the year which includes plays, musicals, comedy and concerts.

In the heart of Wakefield, opposite the Ridings shopping centre, stands the imposing building of Wakefield Cathedral. The present building is mainly 15th century perpendicular but with 19th century restorations. It is said to be the tallest spire in Yorkshire, at 247 feet. On busy shopping days its steps and outside are fullof young people, and on the second Saturday of each month the Farmers' market can be seen near the main entrance, in the Cathedral Precinct.