The Wakefield borough comprises more than forty towns and villages, including woodlands and countryside, and the principle city has a population of almost 80,000 people.
Tourist information on Wakefield
The Wakefield borough comprises more than forty towns and villages,
including woodlands and countryside, and the principle city has a
population of almost 80,000 people.
The history of the city dates back to the Middle Ages, and much time
and care has been devoted to preserving and excavating the city's
archaeological treasures. But the numerous museums, heritage centres
and historical sites do not detract from the city's vibrant, modern
atmosphere.
The thriving nightlife, cultural facilities and top quality restaurants
make the city a popular place to visit, and the £100million
regeneration plans are sure to further increase tourism to the area.
History
Wakefield has existed since the medieval era,
and gained industrial importance from its cloth-dealing industry. Coal
mining provided much employment in the area, and Wakefield was hit hard
by the closure of the pits during the mid- to late twentieth century.
Caphouse Colliery, the oldest working mine in the country, has since
been converted into the National Coal Mining Museum, providing tours
several times a day, exhibitions and educational events.
Sandal Castle, immortalised by the rhyme 'The Grand Old Duke of York',
is the ruin of the castle at which the Duke of York was defeated during
The War of the Roses, and is open to the public today.
Art Galleries
The Wakefield Art Gallery
is home to a vast collection of paintings and sculptures, dating from
the sixteenth to the twentieth century. Local sculptors, Henry Moore
and Barbara Hepworth, are well reflected in the gallery's collections.
The gallery is close to the city centre and located in a nineteenth
century town house.
The Hepworth will replace this gallery in 2008, as it is believed The
Wakefield Art Gallery is not able to display the works to their best
advantage.
The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is based in 200-year old landscaped
gardens, and comprises four exhibition areas, showcasing a variety of
sculptures and art installations.
Theatres
The Wakefield Theatre Royal
and Opera House comprises three levels and seating for 500 people. The
building is Grade II listed Victorian, and retains much of its original
dramatic ambience and acoustics. The theatre is incredibly successful,
with an annual turnover of £1million, and presents a busy programme of
drama, comedy, musicals and lectures. As with many theatres, its most
popular production is that of the annual Christmas pantomime.
The Wakefield Cycle is the performance of 32 plays, based on Bible and
folk stories, in various locations around the city over 32 days. The
'cycle' is an ancient British tradition, but Wakefield’s is one of only
four remaining. No dates have yet been set for 2007.
The Stagecoach Theatre Arts School stage performances twice a year.
Restaurants
The Cow Shed is the sixteenth century, Grade II listed building that
inspired Joanne Harris's novel, 'Chocolat'. The restaurant serves
contemporary grilled food and offers a choice of indoor and outdoor
seating. Catering for up to 60 people is available.
The Kaye Arms serves contemporary British cuisine and snacks, with an
extensive, international wine list. The restaurant is family-run and
has been trading for forty years.
Rinaldi Ristorante Italiano is an Italian fine dining restaurant,
serving traditional Italian cuisine and an extensive choice of
specials. Other Italian fine dining restaurants include Valentinos and
Bella Roma.
Spice Cottage and Aggrah are popular Indian restaurants that serve
quality food at reasonable rates. Thai Kitchen's prices are higher, but
its dishes are authentic Thai that have been praised by critics and
customers.
Pubs/Bars
The Westgate Run is a 500-yard stretch, that forms a popular (and notorious) pub-crawl.
Harry's Bar is one of twenty on The Westgate Run, voted 'Pub of the
Season' in Spring 2006 by CAMRA, and listed in Good Beer Guide.
The Redoubt is another real ale bar, and regarded as the start of 'The
Run'. The pub is separated into snugs, lounges and games room, and
staff are said to be friendly and welcoming. The Union is another place
to start, and serves a wide selection of beers, wines and cocktails.
Escobar is a more upmarket establishment, with higher prices and
playing host to live music events and DJs in the evenings. Mex is a
reasonably priced cocktail bar, and Pink Lizard is an upmarket
cafe-bar.
Nightclubs
Club Ikon is one of the most popular clubs in the city, and offers
trance and hard house, including a Ministry of Sound night. There are
separate nights for under-18s and over-21s, but the majority of nights
are for the 18+ crowd.
Mustang Sally's is a popular student club, presenting cheesy pop and
commercial dance. ICE nightclub is also loved by students, and offers
techno, tech-trance, hardstyle and house music most nights, and r'n'b,
hip-hop and funk on others.
With a capacity of 1400, Club Havana is the largest of the club, bar
and lounge complexes in the city. The club is open every night, and
presents 70s and 80s retro, soul and funk.
Zeus is the city's most popular gay club, offering chart music and sing-along classics.
Shopping
Wakefield’s markets
have been in existence since 1204, and there are currently eight of
them. Regular markets trade in food, electricals, new and second-hand
clothing, and much more. Specialist markets held at various times
throughout the year include a Farmers Market and a Victorian Market.
There is a second-hand market on Tuesdays and a Car Boot Sale on
Sundays.
The Ridings Shopping Centre comprises 90 stores, including major
retailers such as Miss Selfridge and Marks and Spencer. There is a
multi-kiosk food court with family entertainment and seating for 300
people, secure parking, and a car hand wash and valet service.
Carlton Lanes Shopping Centre includes 50 stores, a multi-kiosk food court and secure parking.
Sports
The Wakefield Superbowl
comprises 28 ten-pin bowling lanes, an amusements area, a cafe and
licensed bar; and provides different special offers every day. F1
Indoor Karting is another choice for a family day out, and is open
seven days a week.
Knottingley Sports Centre is one of five leisure centres in the city,
and comprises a large pool and licensed snack bar. There are athletics
and martial arts classes, and fitness facilities. Lightwaves Leisure
Centre is larger, and comprises a leisure pool with wave machine and
slides, and facilities for badminton, squash and five-a-side football.
Pontefract Golf Centre is an ideal course for beginners and those
seeking a more relaxed game. Spring Mill Golf Course offers tuition for
children and the more experienced.
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