Tourist information on Wakefield by Ms Leisha Greenfield

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.