In Wakefield, modern and contemporary art meet buildings with medieval roots. A museum with a regular holiday programme, a Victorian theatre and activities ranging from guided tours to train rides round out the picture. When planning your trip, you can choose between art, history and other visitor experiences.
Art by the River Calder
The Hepworth Wakefield presents major exhibitions of international modern and contemporary art. Dedicated galleries also explore Barbara Hepworth’s art and working process. This brings international perspectives together with a closer look at the artist’s work and practice. The gallery is situated on Wakefield’s historic riverside and offers views of the River Calder.
The Art House also focuses on the present day, with a year-round programme of exhibitions and events. Alongside the major exhibitions and the Hepworth galleries, it offers another perspective on art in Wakefield, so a visit need not be limited to a single approach to exhibitions.
Historical traces in Wakefield
The Chantry Chapel of St Mary stands on medieval foundations on Wakefield Bridge. The chapel, including the bridge, is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade I listed building. A carved stone cross is considered the earliest evidence of a settlement in Wakefield. These features place the city’s history in a different period from the visible remains of Sandal Castle.
Sandal Castle overlooks the River Calder south of Wakefield city centre. Visible remains include the stone castle dating from the 12th century and the motte-and-bailey earthworks. Visitors can walk around the site. Those interested in historic sites can take in the structural remains along with the views from its position above the river.
Tours and planning your visit
No booking or ticket is required to visit Wakefield Museum. The museum regularly runs family activities and workshops during school holidays. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these activities, check the latest event dates in advance; visitor arrangements may also change.
Wakefield Cathedral is on The St Sigfrid’s Way and offers recurring free guided tours that do not require booking. Check the specific tour dates before you travel. Theatre Royal Wakefield is a Grade II* listed Victorian theatre. The venue offers general tours of its building at least once a year; here, too, individual dates may change. The two offerings therefore differ from the museum programme: one is a tour of the cathedral, the other of the theatre building.
More experiences and local offerings
Pugneys Light Railway is a 7¼-inch-gauge miniature railway offering train rides for the whole family. A ride is a different way to spend a day out from visiting a museum or gallery. As timetables may change, it is advisable to check the latest train times in advance.
Wakefield Market has a wide variety of stalls, including street-food stalls. The specific selection may change. Alongside the area’s historical and artistic attractions, visitors considering a trip there can also find a market offering that may vary over time.
When choosing what to focus on during your visit, it helps to distinguish between the different offerings: The Hepworth Wakefield combines international modern and contemporary art with galleries dedicated to Barbara Hepworth; the chapel, bridge and castle remains lead to different chapters in local history. Tours, holiday activities and the miniature railway each offer their own experience.
Discover more destinations: Darrington, Castleford, Hessle
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