Wakefield Museums and Castles

Discover the extraordinary at our museums and castles

Fireworks bursting from the keep at Pontefract Castle as the sun goes down

What's on

Exciting events. No-cost and low-cost activities and workshops. Expert talks and tours. Find out what's on at our sites.
A toddler in a red tunic grinning in front of Roman displays at Castleford Museum

Castleford Museum

Explore 15,000 years of local history at Castleford Museum! Uncover our Roman roots and learn about local industry.
The remains of the keep at Pontefract Castle on a sunny day

Pontefract Castle

The Key to the North! Built around 1086 by Ilbert de Lacy, Pontefract Castle has many stories to tell.
A family doing dressing up in front of the Keirincx oil painting of Pontefract Castle in the 1640s

Pontefract Museum

Learn all about Pontefract's eventful history! From the Civil Wars to the success of liquorice - Pontefract has seen it all.
The remains of Sandal Castle on a bright cloudy day

Sandal Castle

Visit Sandal Castle, scene of the Battle of Wakefield in 1460! Sandal was a favourite castle of Richard III.
Three adults looking at a display case containing items relating to love and marriage

Wakefield Museum

Explore the history of Wakefield at work and play. Discover surprising stories from the Merrie City.
Three adults looking at museum objects on ceiling-high shelves in the museum store

Explore our collections

We have over 110,000 amazing objects in our collections. From Rugby League to rhubarb, liquorice to LGBTQ+ stories. Explore them online. Enjoy expert articles and curated content.

Collections and stories

Latest news and articles

An abstract oil painting of an older gentleman, resting his head against his hand, looking a bit displeased. The painting is in shades of green, blue and grey. 7 Aug

Discover the life and artistic legacy of Wakefield-based Hungarian-British painter, György Gordon (1924-2005). By Arpad Bak.

Painting Budapest in Wakefield: György Gordon
Ilbert the Dragon waving and leading a parade of children and adults around Pontefract Castle 4 Aug

Pontefract Castle has been recognised in Tripadvisor’s® Travellers’ Choice® Awards for 2025!

Pontefract Castle recognised as top destination
Three adults sat on outdoors-inspired seating in the centre of the Cynthia Kenny gallery, with landscape and architectural buildings framed against deep blue walls 11 July

Wakefield Museum has opened a new exhibition celebrating the life and work of local artist, Cynthia Kenny (1929-2021).

Cynthia Kenny: a city framed

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