A host of attractions, particularly a choice of good ones for families with children, sit around Wakefield, most of which are easily accessed off main motorway networks. One of the UK's premier indoor real snow slopes is in the Castleford area. Xscape Castleford offers a 170m long main snow slope with smaller beginner lesson slope and entertainment centre also on-site. Great fun tobogganing and ice slide sessions are on the menu here.
Historic castles are also in the area including Pontefract Castle and Sandal Castle - both of which were royalist strongholds during the civil war and hence took quite a battering. Find out more on the castle sites and at Pontefract's informative museum housed in an attractive art nouveau building. A more family friendly racecourse you're unlikely to find than Pontefract Races which offers fun packed family days every Sunday.
Extreme sports and leisure activities are available all year round at Xscape Castleford. Main attraction is the 170m real snow slope, but also on-site are 2 rock climbing walls, an aerial assault course, Laserzone, a multiplex cinema, bowling, a choice of bars and restaurants and a selection of retail outlets. An all-in family leisure complex essentially, with free events running throughout the year. Check the Xscape webguide right for details. The venue is popular with corporate events too!
Xscape Castleford Snowslope, Located at Junction 32 off M62, Colorado Way, Glasshoughton, Castleford, West Yorkshire WF10 4TA. Tel. 0871 200 3221. (see Xscape Castleford webguide right for details).
Zip off the M62 motorway at Junction 32 Castleford and you'll arrive at the big Freeport shopping village, home to around 90 big name high street brands. The focus here is very much on retail, with a fine selection particularly of women's fashions including a Next Clearance and more. Checkout the Junction 32 webguide right for shop listings.
See also Castleford Museum Room, Castleford Library, Carlton Street, Castleford, WF10 1BB. Tel. 01977 722085.
The ruins of Pontefract Castle have many stories to tell. This castle was one of the country's most important fortresses during the Middle Ages. It now lies in ruins, but was once the residence to royalty around 1399 and Richard II died in it! Held as a royalist stronghold during the civil war it was besieged three times no less, and after the war was mostly destroyed. You can still go down into the 11th century cellars which were used during the civil war to store military equipment, as a magazine store and the ruins are well worth a look. Admission is FREE and it's open weekdays.
The fascinating history of Pontefract and its castle is duly explored in the superb Pontefract museum housed in an impressive art nouveau building. Much attention here is devoted to the castle, from its roots as Norman fort to royal palace. Kings have died here - famously Richard II.
Pontefract Castle, Castle Chain, Pontefract, WF8 1QH. Tel. 01977 723440.
Pontefract Museum, Salter Row, Pontefract WF8 1BA. Tel. 01977 722740. For more details on both Pontefract Castle and Pontefract Museum see the Wakefield Museums webguide right.
Situated just a half a mile off Junction 32 of the M62 motorway, the popular and historic Pontefract Races makes a superb family day out. Accompanied under 16s enter every enclosure and fixture throughout this family friendly racecourse free! Every Sunday is also Family Day at Pontefract Races with on-site kids rides, face painting and on some dates an operating creche (see the Pontefract Races webguide right for dates and details).
The first meet of the year (March/Easter) is usually a family day too. Checkout the Pontefract Races webguide right for fixture listings and information on conference and banqueting facilities on-site.
Pontefract Park Race Co. Ltd, 33 Ropergate, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF8 1LE. Tel. 01977 781307.
This castle near Wakefield must go on the map of one of the most famous in Britain. It is set high up on a fort overlooking the River Calder, and near the castle the famous Battle of Wakefield (part of the War of the Roses) was fought in 1460. For more details on the fascinating history of Sandal Castle see the Wakefield Museums' weblink right.
In the 1640s and the civil war this castle was again a royalist stronghold and besieged twice by parliamentary troops. Its ruins are indeed a spectacular sight, with its motte and bailey, with great views across the Calder Valley.
Sandal Castle
Manygates Lane (Off the A61)
Sandal, Wakefield WF2 7DG
Admission is free, with a visitor centre and limited parking on-site. See the Wakefield Museums' webguide right for more details.
