Wakefield Travel Guide

 
by alyf1961
 
  •   Wakefield
    by alyf1961
  •   Wakefield
    by alyf1961
  •   Things to Do
    by alyf1961
  •   Things to Do
    by alyf1961
  •   Things to Do
    by alyf1961
 

Explore Wakefield

Things to Do  

RICHARD PLANTAGENET MEMORIAL

RICHARD PLANTAGENET MEMORIAL, Wakefield

 alyf1961 Says:  A memorial to Richard Plantagenet was erected at Manygates in 1897. The stone memorial is said to be where he fell in the battle of Wakefield (A battle in the War of the Roses) on 30th December 1460. 

Nostell Priory - Power, Pleasure & Prestige!

Nostell Priory - Power, Pleasure & Prestige!, Wakefield

 spidermiss Says:  I recently visited Nostell Priory and Parklands and finally I was able to get ditigal pictures of both the house and the grounds! On this occasion, I visited the house and took a tour, walked to the Obelisk and took lakeside trails. On my way in, via the pedestrian entrance,... 

Wakefield Cathedral

Wakefield Cathedral, Wakefield

 tim07 Says:  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 &... 

Sandal Castle

Sandal Castle, Wakefield

 tim07 Says:  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... 

WAKEFIELD TOURIST INFORMATION

WAKEFIELD TOURIST INFORMATION, Wakefield

 DAO Says:  MORE SOON!Opening Hours: Monday to Friday* 9:00am - 4:30pm Saturday 10:00am to 3:00pm*Wednesday, early closing at 3.45pm Closed Sunday and Bank Holidays (Monday) 

MY FRIDGE !!!

MY FRIDGE !!!, Wakefield

 DAO Says:  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... 

GO FOR A DRINK WITH DAO

GO FOR A DRINK WITH DAO, Wakefield

 DAO Says:  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)! 

THE CITY TRAIL

THE CITY TRAIL, Wakefield

 DAO Says:  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... 

walk around a castle

walk around  a castle, Wakefield

 laney5 Says:  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... 

see a play!

see a play!, Wakefield

 laney5 Says:  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. 

Hotels  

Hotel St Pierre

 227 Opinions

Best Western Waterton Park Hotel

 2 Reviews and 293 Opinions  Park Hotel is Wakefield’s best kept secret. The hotel is actually a Georgian mansion called Walton... 

Restaurants  

THE COWSHED: BEST & OLDEST RESTAURANT IN WAKEFIELD
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4.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

DAO 3383 reviews
500 YEAR OLD CEILING WITH CRESTS
1 more image


For the more literary or artistic art critic you might want to know that Joanne Harris created the book Chocolat around this building (later a movie). For the history buff, the Grade II listed building was built in the 1500's and still has original ceiling crests, timbers and fireplace. For anyone wanting a fantastic meal, good portions and a romantic evening - just enjoy your meal. Your meal is created by 2-3 chefs just behind you and the staff are friendly and attentive.

Lunch can even be enjoyed outdoors in warmer months and you can always drop in for a romantic drink out of the ordinary.

Favorite Dish:
I have always enjoyed the Specials including a baked cod with cheese risotto. The menu has some yummy items like Char-grilled sea bass, 14oz T-Bone steak, roasted lamb and several vegetarian dishes. A la Carte and early bird specials are available. Definitely a must do restaurant for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, birthdays and Christmas Eve. Enjoy!

Updated Jan 6, 2013

Address: 53 Northgate, Wakefield, West Yorkshire WF1 3BP

Phone: +44 (0) 1924 291 044

Website: http://www.cowshed.uk.com/

Related to:
 Food and Dining
 Wine Tasting
 Romantic Travel and Honeymoons

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Nightlife  

the Westgate Run
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laney5 26 reviews
part of the 'Run'

Young people flock from far and wide to sample the pubs and nightclubs to be found on the Westgate Run. On Friday and Saturday nights the area is full of the young and young-at-heart searching for excitement. I'm now too old for this and resort to home comforts!

Written Jun 1, 2005

Address: Westgate, Wakefield

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Shopping  

the Ridings: indoor shopping
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2 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

laney5 26 reviews
the lift and food court

The Ridings shopping centre has more than 90 high street stores, a food court and ample parking. If you want M and S and W H Smith etc, this is your place!

Written Jun 1, 2005

Address: opposite the Cathedral

Related to:
 Architecture
 Women's Travel

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Local Customs  

rhubarb rhubarb!
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laney5 26 reviews
the rhubarb festival

Did you know that there is an annual rhubarb festival in Wakefield? ( January). Wakefield is the so called capital of the Rhubarb triangle (which consists of Wakefield- Rothwell - Morley) . It is intended as a celebration of forced rhubarb traditions, history and culinary delights. In its first year it lasted for 5 days, but has now been extended to 8 days. Events include gourmet meals cookery demonstrations and farm tours. We have a rhubarb corner in our garden-can't get rid of it!

Written Jun 1, 2005

Related to:
 Festivals

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Warnings and Dangers  

DO NOT SLOW DOWN FOR SCHOOLS
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4.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

DAO 3383 reviews
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Shocking? You don’t know the half of it! Yes. That is a picture of a School Sign you would find along the busy road. It does not tell you to slow down or stop. There are NO signs that tell you to slow down or stop or even caution around a school here. There are NO reduced speed zones in front of any school. There are no flashing lights – nothing. You can drive past the school at any time at the posted speed limit. The lowest is 30mph (48 kph). Many schools are in urbanised areas where cars are parked on both sides of the street making it very hard to see the kids about to cross here and there.

It may not say it, but please slow down when you see these signs!

Updated Jul 23, 2008

Related to:
 School Holidays
 Study Abroad

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Off The Beaten Path  

The Chantry Chapel of St Mary

The Chantry Chapel of St Mary, Wakefield

 tim07 Says:  Dating from the mid 14th century, the Chapel sits on its medieval foundations on a bridge on the River Calder. It is one of only four surviving Chantry Chapels in England today.The Chapel is open to visitors on selected dates during the year.See my Rotherham page for another... 

look at some famous sculptures

look at some famous sculptures, Wakefield

 laney5 Says:  Dame Barbara Hepworth, the artist, is one of Wakefield's famous daughters. Near the Town Hall, you can find some of her sculptures in the open air. 

find the old Grammar School

find the old Grammar School, Wakefield

 laney5 Says:  QEGS, Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, is distinct from most other schools in that it was founded by Royal Charter of Queen Elizabeth I in 1591 at the request of leading citizens in Wakefield, some of whom formed the first governing body. In 1854 QEGS moved to its present... 

Favorites  

A GOOD CAR SIGN

A GOOD CAR SIGN, Wakefield

 DAO Says:  I was driving one night and a small red car in rather poor condition went past me. I then realised it had the following sign in the back window:“Don’t laugh at my car! Your daughter may be inside”Yes that is Flat Erik in the fuzzy picture.. 

THE OLD POST OFFICE

THE OLD POST OFFICE, Wakefield

 DAO Says:  It is just a private house now, but this large building on Wentworth St. was once the Post Office. For some reason it seems to get painted a different colour every year. It is located on Wentworth St. opposite St. John’s Square. 

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Map of Wakefield