Wakefield is a great place, not just for business but also for lifestyle with access to some of the country’s best cultural assets like The Hepworth, Yorkshire Sculpture Park and the National Coal Mining Museum. A city of sculpture and heritage where modern architecture sit alongside historic characterful buildings and castles, the District is the only place outside London to have two art fund Museums of the year.
Wakefield is a cathedral city surrounded by 10 towns and this mix of vibrant urban centres and rural Yorkshire landscapes provides residents with a choice of locations to meet their needs. Housing stock ranges from trendy apartments to new build family homes, to quaint country cottages bursting with character. Homes across the Wakefield district are often described as good value for money and affordable, especially when compared to neighbouring cities such as Leeds where buyers will often face a premium cost. Over the next 10 years, Wakefield Council is committed to the building of 14,000 new homes across the district.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN THE WAKEFIELD DISTRICT
The Wakefield district is an ideal destination for culture and nature lovers alike. With a rich history spanning thousands of years, visitors can enjoy two medieval castles, a flurry of fascinating museums, a vibrant restaurant scene and so much more.
No trip to the district would be complete without a visit to The Hepworth Wakefield. The gallery, with its striking gardens overlooking the River Calder takes its name from artist and sculptor Barbara Hepworth who was born and educated in the city. For those who prefer their art in the great outdoors, Yorkshire Sculpture Park is the leading international centre for modern and contemporary sculpture. Situated in the 500-acre, 18th-century Bretton Hall estate, it was the first sculpture park in the UK. Both museums are recipients of the Art Fund Museum of the Year Award, making Wakefield the only city outside of London to be home to two winners!
For those seeking heritage, Pontefract Castle is a must-see destination. Since its construction in 1070 until its destruction nearly six centuries later, this once-fearsome fortress dominated the politics and power balance of the entire Yorkshire region and beyond, earning the nickname, “Key to the North”. Other highlights include Nostell Priory, one of the great houses of northern England and the National Coal Mining Museum. A hive of vibrant activity, it keeps the stories of the district’s mining community alive through an authentic, enjoyable, and very accessible range of exhibits and activities.
In Wakefield city centre, the Cathedral and its 247 feet spire (the tallest in Yorkshire!), and the gorgeous architecture of the Civic Quarter are worth exploring. Around the corner, Wakefield Museum showcases the region’s history, while The Art House is home to local creatives, workshops, and fantastic exhibitions. Opened in 1894, the theatrical masterpiece that is Theatre Royal Wakefield was designed by Victorian architect Frank Matcham and always promises a great night out!
The district is also home to the charming market towns of Castleford and Pontefract as well as incredible outdoor spaces including Pugneys Country Park or the lakeside path of Newmillerdam, which is accessible to all including wheelchairs. For the thrill seekers out there, or those looking to entertain kids, both Diggerland and Xscape are great options for an active and exhilarating day out. You can find out more about what the Wakefield district has to offer at: www.experiencewakefield.co.uk
