Wakefield Museums and Castles - discover the extraordinary

Exciting events. No-cost and low-cost activities and workshops. Expert talks and tours. Find out what's on at our sites.

Explore 15,000 years of local history at Castleford Museum! Uncover our Roman roots and learn about local industry.

$The remains of the keep and curtain wall at Pontefract Castle with a tree overhanging in the foreground$

The Key to the North! Built around 1086 by Ilbert de Lacy, Pontefract Castle has many stories to tell.

Learn all about Pontefract's eventful history! From the Civil Wars to the success of liquorice - Pontefract has seen it all.

Visit Sandal Castle, scene of the Battle of Wakefield in 1460! Sandal was a favourite castle of Richard III.

Explore the history of Wakefield at work and play. Discover surprising stories from the Merrie City.

$A child in medieval knight dress up at Pontefract Castle$

Summer holidays guide

There's loads happening across our sites these summer holidays! Most of our activities and events are low-cost or free.

Plan your family adventures with our handy summer holidays guide.

We're asking for your support to help us bring a rare Roman brooch into Wakefield's collection.

The ornate brooch was discovered in Hemsworth.

Your donations will also support its display, interpretation and community engagement.

17 Jul

New digital trail launched at Wakefield Museum designed by teens, for teens!

Wakefield Wanderer trail launched

$The view down the steps into the Pontefract Castle dungeon$ 16 Jul

Ella from Pontefract Young Archaeologists Club writes about the day they took over Pontefract Castle!

Ella: Young Archaeologists Club Takeover Day

14 Jul

Discover facts and folklore about common knapweed. It's our Medieval Herb Garden volunteers' plant of the week.

Medieval herb garden blog: Common knapweed