English Tourism Week 2024: The best tourism attractions in Wakefield, Pontefract and Castleford
By Kara McKune
Published 18th Mar 2024, 19:00 BST
From the Coal Mining Museum to Nostell Priory – here are 12 of the best tourism attractions across Wakefield and the Five Towns
English Tourism Week takes places this week (March 15 to March 24) which is an annual celebration of the tourism industry, showcasing its importance to local communities and economies.
Ran by VisitEngland, this year’s theme is ‘Supporting tourism, the heart of our communities’, highlighting the visitor economy’s social, cultural and economic impact.
In honour of the national celebration, here are 12 of the best tourist attractions across Wakefield, Pontefract and Castleford - according to Tripadvisor.
In honour of the national celebration, here are 12 of the best tourist attractions across Wakefield, Pontefract and Castleford - according to Tripadvisor.
5. The Hepworth Wakefield
The Hepworth Wakefield is an award-winning art gallery in the heart of Yorkshire, set within Wakefield’s historic waterfront overlooking the River Calder. Designed by the acclaimed David Chipperfield Architects, the gallery opened in May 2011. The Hepworth hosts regular fairs and markets , support artists and makers throughout the year, plus their award winning learning programme engages and inspires families, communities and educational institutions. Photo: Steve Turner
Opened in 1894, the theatrical masterpiece that is Theatre Royal Wakefield was designed by Victorian architect Frank Matcham. Now, the theatre is a Wakefield hotspot with hundreds of shows being performed at the historic venue annually. Upcoming shows include Grease, Evita and Alice in Wonderland. Photo: Scott Merrylees
For over 1,000 years people have gathered in Wakefield Cathedral to offer their prayers and praise. Not only is the Cathedral one of the UK’s most magnificent churches, it also has the tallest spire in Yorkshire – stretching up some 247ft. The tower below the spire is also home to a pair of peregrine falcons and their young, who have nested there since 2015 Photo: Scott Merrylees
Located 4 miles south-east of Wakefield, Anglers Country Park is a perfect place to explore for nature lovers, walkers, dog walkers, cyclists, picnickers – and not forgetting those little adventurers! Once known as one of the deepest open cast coal mines in the country reaching a depth of 250 feet, Anglers Country Park has since flourished into a beautiful haven for wildlife including many migratory birds. Photo: Google Maps