Location: Pontefract
Top Things to do in Pontefract
What to do and see in Pontefract, England: The Best Free Things to do
Pontefract is a historic market town in West Yorkshire, England, near the A1 (or Great North Road) and the M62 motorway. Historically part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, it is one of the five towns in the metropolitan borough of the City of Wakefield and has a population of 28,250, increasing to 30,881 at the 2011 Census. Pontefract's motto is Post mortem patris pro filio, Latin for "After the death of the father, support the son", a reference to English Civil War Royalist sympathies.
Restaurants in Pontefract
1. The Robin Hood, Pontefract
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By dwalton871 - Pontefract, United Kingdom
Great pub with excellent range of beers (including some brewed on site). Improving on a weekly basis with upgraded beer garden, new outside coffee shop and soon to be opened upstairs music venue. Landlord also runs excellent foreign bottled beer shop in the centre of town
2. Frickley Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By explorerjQ3705WY
Plenty of walks and a car park. The park run is one for people to challenge and attend! Very large area with lots to do and see so a must visit for any dog walker.
3. Brockadale Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Dazz2401 - Yorkshire, United Kingdom
I live about 5 miles away from this but had no idea it was there. A true hidden gem. Car park off Leys Lane near Little Smeaton. Plenty of doggy doo bins and signs around the beautiful site to help identity the abundance of its wildlife. River is shallow and clear and the dog loved having a cool down. From the car park follow the path to the great view of the valley. Turn left towards Little Smeaton and see numerous fairy doors!
4. Pontefract Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Sometimes when you walk through Pontefract town centre you can smell the delicious aroma of sweets being made. Yum! The museum also tells the story of Pontefract and the people who have lived, worked and played there. Discover the history of Pontefract Castle from the construction of a wooden fort after the Battle of Hastings to its demolition by public request after the last siege of the Civil War. You can also find out how the town of Pontefract grew, thanks to the barracks, coal mine and liquorice manufacture. Discover the world’s first secret ballot box, a golden lion and a Victorian range. Pontefract Museum was built in 1904 as a Carnegie public library in the art nouveau style; this building still has many of the original fittings. Beautiful tiles decorate the entrance and staircase, with intricate door handles and matching chairs. If you like the art nouveau style then this building is unmissable. Want to know more about Pontefract’s fascinating history? The reference room has the books, articles, maps and photographs you need. This much loved and well used resource is a must for all things Pontefract. Explore your family history or just browse fascinating facts, there’s information here you won’t find anywhere else. Knottingley became a centre of glass-making in Victorian Times and the area continues to produce glass today. Pontefract Museum is home to an incredible collection of Bagley’s glass
Reviewed By Millie024 - Llantwit Major, United Kingdom
Last week I telephoned the Pontefract museum to make an enquiry. First class telephone help, and the items I had asked to see available when I arrived. Thank you, David, and your very helpful colleagues. The archive library is a treasure chest of books and box files about this interesting town. On the track of my three times great grandfather, I found my visit to the museum very helpful. After my research, I enjoyed looking at the displays about the town history, a video about a hermitage , and a special exhibition about a local printing firm. The museum used to be the town library and was financed by Andrew Carnegie, the philanthropist. It is a building of great character, with some lovely glazed tiles . Open on a Bank Holiday Monday, we were absolutely thrilled with our visit.
5. Tap & Barrel Pontefract
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By Yorkshirepub75 - Castleford, United Kingdom
Excellent pub with a friendly and welcoming feel to it. Coal fire and welcoming locals would recommend going for a drink.
6. St. Giles Church of England
7. Magistrates Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
The old Magistrates court in Pontefract has been newly renovated as an exciting Indoor Antiques & Collectibles market in the town center. This historic building is filled with dealers selling antiques, home interiors, fine art, collectibles & vintage fashion. The market will also feature a rustic french style cafe for afternoon tea(coming end of February).
Reviewed By cookiesmum2019 - East Riding of Yorkshire, United Kingdom
This is a range of antique sellers housed in the former Magistrates Court building. The building has bee very tastefullty restored to house the antiques centre. Good range of antiques, vintage and shabby chic items. Worth a visit. Something to suit all tastes and budgets. Excellent coffee shop on second floor - cakes are amazing!
8. Pontefract Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 266 reviews
From its construction in 1070 to its destruction after the Civil Wars, this once-fearsome fortress dominated Yorkshire and beyond, earning the nickname, "Key to the North". From battles and sieges, starvation and destruction to royal infidelity and the cultivation of liquorice, you'll be surprised at what these walls have seen! Today, the castle is a place of family-friendly adventure, with wide open spaces to play and fascinating ruins to investigate. Stand in the remains of the bread ovens, and imagine a time when the castle held lavish banquets for some of England’s most famous kings and queens. Has your imagination been sparked? Then younger visitors can create their own adventures in our castle themed adventure playground. If all this exploring has made you hungry, the Liquorice Cafe is offering scrumptious food and drink to takeaway. Entrance to the castle is FREE, we look forward to seeing you soon!
Reviewed By tonyfromponty - Pontefract, United Kingdom
Lived here about 30 years and must be 10 years since we last went. Today..although dull and damp - we were most impressed ! The pathways and information boards were great and viewpoints impressive. Liked the new children's play area and the cafe & information centre is also well worth seeing . If you havnt been for a while - give it a whirl ! ( we will be back !)
9. Farmer Copleys
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 663 reviews
Reviewed By Sazrufc - Rotherham, United Kingdom
Had a great day here today, was recommended by a friend so thought we would book. We went in the corn maze which was great fun and got you looking for clues. We also did a bit of strawberry picking but they wasn’t many to choose but we had fun. My child is 13 and think if the children are older they would probably get a little bored. Definitely ideal for the younger children. Great place for a great day out.
10. Pontefract Town Hall
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