# Wakefield Museums and Castles [**Wakefield Museums and Castles**](https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/): Discover the extraordinary with Wakefield Museums and Castles. Visit Castleford Museum, Pontefract Castle, Pontefract Museum, Sandal Castle and Wakefield Museum. Free entry, for all, all year round. ## Sitemap [XML sitemap](https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/sitemap): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages. ## **Castleford Museum** - [**Castleford Museum**](https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/castleford-museum/): Travel through 15,000 years of history at Castleford Museum! Uncover our Roman roots and learn about local industry. Enjoy our free, family-friendly local museum. - [**Plan your visit to Castleford Museum**](https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/castleford-museum/plan-your-visit-to-castleford-museum/): Find Castleford Museum's opening hours and facilities here. Learn how to get to Castleford Museum. - [**Access information at Castleford Museum**](https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/castleford-museum/access-information-at-castleford-museum/): Find access information for Castleford Museum, including moving around our spaces, toilets and accessible parking. - [**Things to see at Castleford Museum**](https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/castleford-museum/things-to-see-at-castleford-museum/): There’s so much to see at Castleford Museum! From ancient Roman objects, to pit village photography, there's lots to explore. See an ancient Roman sandal, a Henry Moore sculpture, and local glassware. - [**Things to do at Castleford Museum**](https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/castleford-museum/things-to-do-at-castleford-museum/): There’s lots to do at Castleford Museum! Explore Castleford’s story in an interactive way here at the museum. ## **Pontefract Castle** - [**Pontefract Castle**](https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/pontefract-castle/): Visit Pontefract Castle, Key to the North! Built around 1086 by Ilbert de Lacy, it has many stories to tell. Which parts of its history will you discover? - [**Plan your visit to Pontefract Castle**](https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/pontefract-castle/plan-your-visit-to-pontefract-castle/): Find Pontefract Castle's opening times and facilities here. Learn how to get to Pontefract Castle. - [**Access information at Pontefract Castle**](https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/pontefract-castle/access-information-at-pontefract-castle/): Find access information for Pontefract Castle, including moving around our spaces, toilets and accessible parking. - [**The Keep Café**](https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/pontefract-castle/the-keep-cafe/): Find opening times and current menu for The Keep Café at Pontefract Castle. - [**Things to see at Pontefract Castle**](https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/pontefract-castle/things-to-see-at-pontefract-castle/): There’s so much to see at Pontefract Castle! From towering ruins to deep dungeons, what will you discover? Explore the Medieval Herb Garden. See real siege coins and cannonballs. Uncover Normal chapel ruins. - [**Things to do at Pontefract Castle**](https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/pontefract-castle/things-to-do-at-pontefract-castle/): There’s lots to do at Pontefract Castle. Discover Pontefract’s past in a family-friendly way here at the castle. Go on a Dungeon Tour. Play in the Castle Playground. Mint your own siege coin. - [**History of Pontefract Castle**](https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/pontefract-castle/history/): Pontefract Castle was built around 1086. Discover the history of Pontefract Castle through important people and events. Learn about the castle's link to Richard II, William the Conqueror, the English Civil Wars and Henry VIII. - [**Pontefract Castle site hire**](https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/pontefract-castle/site-hire/): The Pontefract Castle grounds can be now hired for commercial events and private functions. Find out how to hire Pontefract Castle for your event. ## **Pontefract Museum** - [**Pontefract Museum**](https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/pontefract-museum/): Learn all about Pontefract's eventful history at Pontefract Museum! Discover royal links, from the Domesday Book to the Civil Wars. - [**Plan your visit to Pontefract Museum**](https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/pontefract-museum/plan-your-visit-to-pontefract-museum/): Find Pontefract Museum's opening hours and facilities here. Learn how to get to Pontefract Museum by car or public transport. - [**Access information at Pontefract Museum**](https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/pontefract-museum/access-information-at-pontefract-museum/): Find access information for Pontefract Museum, including moving around our spaces, toilets and accessible parking. - [**Things to see at Pontefract Museum**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/pontefract-museum/things-to-see-at-pontefract-museum/): There’s so much to see at Pontefract Museum! From Civil War treasure hoards to a piece of political history, there's lots to explore. See a ballot box used in the first ever secret ballot in Britain. View the Ackworth Hoard. Discover medieval stonework. - [**Things to do at Pontefract Museum**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/pontefract-museum/things-to-do-at-pontefract-museum/): There’s lots to do at Pontefract Museum for kids and adults! Discover Pontefract’s history in a family-friendly way here at the museum. Be a mini market trader. Have a go on our rocking horse. Make an impression of a Civil War coin. ## **Sandal Castle** - [**Sandal Castle**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/sandal-castle/): Visit Sandal Castle, scene of the Battle of Wakefield in 1460! Sandal was a favourite castle of Richard III and played its part in the Wars of the Roses. - [**Plan your visit to Sandal Castle**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/sandal-castle/plan-your-visit-to-sandal-castle/): Find Sandal Castle's opening hours and facilities here. Learn how to get to Sandal Castle by car or public transport. - [**Access information at Sandal Castle**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/sandal-castle/access-information-at-sandal-castle/): Find access information for Sandal Castle, including moving around our spaces and parking. - [**Things to see at Sandal Castle**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/sandal-castle/things-to-see-at-sandal-castle/): Find out what you can see and discover at Sandal Castle. Explore medieval castle ruins. Take in the views over Pugney's and Wakefield. See the site of the Battle of Wakefield. - [**Things to do at Sandal Castle**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/sandal-castle/things-to-do-at-sandal-castle/): Wondering how to spend your time at Sandal Castle? Walk the dogs around the amazing castle ruins. Go birdwatching over Wakefield. Watch the spectacular sunset at Sandal Castle. - [**History of Sandal Castle**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/sandal-castle/history/): Discover the history of Sandal Castle through important people and events. Learn about the Battle of Wakefield. Discover how and when the castle was built. Explore why Sandal Castle is a ruin today. ## **Wakefield Museum** - [**Wakefield Museum**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/wakefield-museum/): Explore the history of Wakefield at work and play at Wakefield Museum. Discover surprising stories from the Merrie City. Enjoy our free, family-friendly museum in Wakefield city centre. - [**Plan your visit to Wakefield Museum**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/wakefield-museum/plan-your-visit-to-wakefield-museum/): Find Wakefield Museum's opening hours and facilities here. Learn how to get to Wakefield Museum by car or public transport. - [**Access information at Wakefield Museum**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/wakefield-museum/access-information-at-wakefield-museum/): Find access information for Wakefield Museum, including moving around our spaces, toilets and accessible parking. - [**Things to see at Wakefield Museum**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/wakefield-museum/things-to-see-at-wakefield-museum/): There’s so much to see at Wakefield Museum! From medieval jewellery to World Cup footballs, we’ve got it all. See archaeological finds from Sandal Castle. Discover Charles Waterton's nature reserve recreated in paper sculpture. Explore Wakefield's sporting heritage. See a guitar from local rock band The Cribs. - [**Things to do at Wakefield Museum**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/visit/wakefield-museum/things-to-do-at-wakefield-museum/): There’s lots to do at Wakefield Museum for kids and adults! Discover the extraordinary at our family-friendly museum. Play the video game Worms. Get dressed up. Enjoy family friendly crafts. ## **What’s on** - [**What’s on**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/whats-on/): Browse the exciting range of activities, events and exhibitions at Pontefract Castle, Pontefract Museum, Wakefield Museum, Castleford Museum and Sandal Castle. Find out what's on in Wakefield, Castleford and Pontefract. - [**Picturing Pontefract**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/whats-on/picturing-pontefract/): Picture Pontefract in a new perspective in a new art exhibition at Pontefract Museum. Explore the town through the eyes of artists, craftspeople and map makers. Free exhibition at Pontefract Museum. - [**Proms at the Castle**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/whats-on/proms-at-the-castle/): Proms at the Castle is back for 2026! Enjoy a magnificent evening of music and light as Pontefract Castle proudly presents the West Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra. - [**Tributes at the Castle**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/whats-on/tributes-at-the-castle/): Get ready to step back in time for an unforgettable evening of music and nostalgia at Pontefract Castle! Enjoy an awesome 80s tribute act at the castle. - [**Cynthia Kenny: a city framed**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/whats-on/cynthia-kenny/): Celebrate the life and work of local artist Cynthia Kenny (1929-2021) at Wakefield Museum. Explore our changing city through her eyes. - [**Pontefract Castle Dungeon Tours**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/whats-on/dungeon-tours/): Join us for a tour of the Pontefract Castle dungeon! Soak in the atmosphere of this eerie underground space. Enjoy a unique family experience in Pontefract. - [**Pontefract Castle Explorer Tours**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/whats-on/pontefract-castle-explorer-tour/): Learn about history where it happened on a Pontefract Castle Explorer Tour! Walk in the footsteps of royalty and Civil War soldiers. Family-friendly and accessible castle tour. - [**Dragon Egg Week at Pontefract Castle**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/whats-on/dragon-egg-week/): The Easter Dragon Egg Hunt at Pontefract Castle is back for another year, and better than ever! Join in with different dragon activities between 28 March and 6 April. Enjoy crafts, interactive storytelling and games. ## **Collections and Stories** - [**Collections and Stories**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/discover/collections/): Wakefield Museums and Castles' collections are a treasure trove of 110,000 fascinating objects and stories. Discover some of our highlights and explore the story of the Wakefield district. - [**Alice Gostick**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/discover/collections/people/alice-gostick/): Alice Gostick was an inspirational art teacher. She worked at Castleford Grammar School from 1911 to 1930. She taught the famous sculptor Henry Moore. - [**Jack Hulme**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/discover/collections/people/jack-hulme/): Meet Fryston’s much-loved village photographer Jack Hulme. Admire his fascinating photos of life in industrial Yorkshire. - [**The Cribs**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/discover/collections/people/the-cribs/): The Cribs are a rock band from Wakefield. They formed in 2002. - [**Elizabeth Moxon**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/discover/collections/people/elizabeth-moxon/): Pontefract’s Elizabeth Moxon was a pioneer in English cookery writing. Her recipe book 'English Housewifery' paved the way for other famous cook books of the period. - [**Wakefield Pageant**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/discover/collections/social-history/wakefield-pageant/): The Pageant of Wakefield and the West Riding took place on 17 to 28 June 1933 in Thornes Park. It celebrated Wakefield's past and imagined the city's future. - [**Black history**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/discover/collections/social-history/black-history/): Our Black History section pays tribute to Black lives and stories from the Wakefield district. - [**Charlie Williams**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/discover/collections/social-history/black-history/charlie-williams/): Charlie Williams was one of the first post-war Black British professional footballers. He also went on to be the first famous Black British TV comedian. - [**LGBTQ+**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/discover/collections/social-history/lgbtqplus/): LGBTQ+ stories and histories are an important part of the Wakefield district. Discover drag superstars and inspirational artists. Explore the history of Wakefield Pride told by the people who made it happen. - [**South Asian Heritage**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/discover/collections/social-history/south-asian-heritage/): Our South Asian communities make an important contribution to life in the Wakefield district. These objects and stories in our collection relate to South Asian cultures. - [**BaBi Wakefield**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/discover/collections/social-history/babi/): Meet the mums and babies taking part in the Born and Bred in Wakefield project. Find out what it’s like to have a baby, raise a child, and grow up in Wakefield in the 2020s. - [**The first secret ballot**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/discover/collections/social-history/secret-ballot/): Britain's first ever by-election by secret ballot took place in Pontefract on 15 August 1872. Explore this selection of objects and stories to find out how we got there. ## **News and blog** - [**News and blog**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/discover/news-and-blog/): Read the latest news and blog articles from Wakefield Museums and Castles. ## **Learn** - [**Schools information**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/learn/schools-information/): Explore Wakefield Museums and Castles' range of school workshops and loan box resources. Find out how to book a school trip to our sites. Discover our workshops for Early Years, KS1, KS2, KS3 and KS4. - [**Teaching resources**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/learn/teaching-resources/): Bring the past to life with a range of museum objects, photographs and historical documents from Wakefield Museums and Castles. ## **Get involved** - [**Donate**](https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/get-involved/donate/): Donate to support the work of Wakefield Museums and Castles. Every donation makes a difference - no matter its size. - [**Jobs**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/get-involved/jobs/): Find out about job vacancies with Wakefield Museums and Castles. - [**Volunteering**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/get-involved/volunteering/): Find out about volunteering with Wakefield Museums and Castles. - [**Youth Forum**]( https://museumsandcastles.wakefield.gov.uk/get-involved/youth-forum/): Find out about the Wakefield Museums and Castles Youth Forum. Discover their work and latest projects.