19 March 2021
Yorkshire Living: Wakefield
With museums, parks, shopping centres and even a historic cathedral to visit, you’ll never be stuck for things to do in Wakefield. Sound like the kind of place you’d like to call home? Keep reading to find out what’s on offer in Wakefield, and how you could make a home in Wakefield yours this year.
Your guide to Wakefield
One of Wakefield’s biggest attractions is Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Situated 7 miles outside of Wakefield centre, the park is an open-air gallery covering 500 acres of beautiful landscape with contemporary sculpture.
The sculpture park hosts various exhibitions throughout the year, so there’s always something new to see. The sculpture park also has a café on site where you can grab fresh food and drink, sourced from local suppliers.
Pugneys Country Park
For the perfect family day out, Pugneys is your place. Pugneys has a huge central 100-acre lake, playgrounds, leafy woodlands and an infamous miniature train that circulates around the lake.
If you’re into walking, jogging or cycling, there are well maintained paths around the lake to make use of. Hire a bike on site or take your own!
Looking for something a little more adventurous? In spring and summer you can even take part in water sports, such as wind surfing, canoeing and sailing. You can also enjoy a tasty treat from the café afterwards.
So whether you’re after a perfect picnic spot, fancy mixing up your cycling route, or you want fun day out with the kids, Pugney’s offers an expansive range of activities for all the family to enjoy.
Sandal Castle
Overlooking Pugneys Country park is Sandal Castle, a popular visitor attraction within walking distance from Pugneys. Originally famous for the Battle of Wakefield, fought nearby in 1460, Sandal Castle is a great place to walk for scenic views of the Calder Valley. Whether you fancy extending your trip to Pugneys or you want to drive there directly, Sandal Castle is a must see on your Wakefield to do list.
The Hepworth Gallery
Open since 2011, The Hepworth Wakefield is an award winning art gallery situated in the heart of Yorkshire. Home to an impressive selection of modern British art and various exhibitions, The Hepworth also features one of the UK’s largest free public gardens; The Hepworth Wakefield Garden.
With free entry, The Hepworth is a great day out for all creatives.
Newmillerdam Country Park
You can’t fully experience Wakefield if you haven’t visited Newmillerdam. Situated 3.5 miles south of Wakefield, Newmillerdam is surrounded by woodland and features a central lake, where you can find swans and ducks!
Walkers and runners can enjoy a paved footpath covering 1.5 miles around the lake. Or if you’d prefer a shorter walk with a cuppa, you can stop for coffee and cake at The Boathouse and choose a shorter route around the lake.
Around the country park is a number of pubs, serving food and drink, perfect for a day out all year round.
Wakefield museum
In the heart of Wakefield is on the lower level of Wakefield One is Wakefield museum, where you can explore the history of Wakefield. With free entry available, the museum is an insightful day out for all the family.
Visit the museum via the free city bus which stops right outside, or take the train to Wakefield Westgate station and walk 2 minutes to the museum.
Anglers Country Park
Similarly to Pugneys country park, Anglers is another popular visitor attraction located 4 miles south-east of Wakefield. It’s the perfect place for dog walkers and nature lovers having been awarded Green Flag status, recognising it as one of the best parks in the country.
Walkers can enjoy a 2 mile lakeside path, and even extend the walk a little further by taking the woodland route towards Barnsley Canal towpath.
The Woodland café is open on site, serving up teas, coffees and fresh food to enjoy.
Wakefield Cathedral
It’s not just country parks you’ll find in Wakefield, there is also a historic cathedral right in the city centre. Originally the parish church, Wakefield Cathedral features the tallest spire in Yorkshire!
For a moment of calm, you can escape the bustling city and take a moment to admire this spiritual landmark.
Space Homes at City Fields
Discover Space Homes at City Fields. Our brand new collection of 2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes are available with Shared Ownership, situated on Neil Fox Way, Wakefield, WF1 4FU.
Shared Ownership is a great way to get on to the property ladder when you can’t quite afford to buy a home on the open market. Based upon your affordability, you can buy an initial share of your home between 25%* and 75% and make a small monthly rent payment for the remaining share that we retain. Find out more on the scheme here.