Welcome to PontefractWelcome to Pontefract

Historic Buildings & Sites

The names of Pontefract’s streets, yards and alley ways are a fascinating history lesson in the trade and industry that has thrived and gone over many centuries but they also provide today’s shopper with a great mix of traditional stores and independent shops located in an attractive and compact town centre.

The Market PlaceThe natural centre of the town featuring the indoor Market Hall whose 37 units offer a wide variety of quality goods. It is open for trading six days a week (not Sunday). On Wednesday and Saturday (8.30am-4pm) the indoor market is supplemented by the largest outdoor market in the Wakefield district with 116 stalls covering Market Place, Beastfair and some of Salter Row. Each Friday there is a small fresh produce market.

Salter RowLinked to the Market Place at one end by Wool Market this area features a range of trusted high street names, as well as independent businesses like The Jewel Box on Wool Market.

RopergateThis long street off Market Place could be called the ‘Fashion Quarter’ of Pontefract with a collection of quality independent boutiques, plus shops like The Shoe Room selling affordable designer shoes & accessories, complemented by a number of high class hair and beauty salons.

BeastfairLinked to the Market Place and leading onto Cornmarket, Liquorice Way and Front Street this area also has a mix of household names and unique independent businesses like Cocoon Kids with designer wear for children and Jolie Maison with its mix of affordable French chic home-wear and a French style café. The Pomfret Gallery on Liquorice Way sells a wide range of art & craft materials and houses a spacious gallery selling original artwork.

Because of the Town’s unique link to the production of liquorice, the aroma of warm liquorice still delicately wafts in the air at least a couple of times a week. Two companies are now left in the town producing liquorice sweets and many other famous confectionery products:

Hariboland Haribo Dunhills (Pontefract) Ltd, 26 Front Street, Pontefract WF8 1NJT: 01977 600266www.haribo.comCome and visit our Haribo shop to see our complete range of Haribo products. Haribo are proud of the fact that all of our UK bagged products are now free from artificial colours. Watch out in store for Haribo’s Vegetarian range.Open: Monday to Friday 9.30am-4.30pm

Tangerine Confectionery Factory ShopFerrybridge Road, Pontefract WF8 2JST: 01977 692575www.tangerineuk.netYour one-stop shop for all your favourite sweets at great prices. Big names include Butterkist Popcorn, Barratt Kids Sweets and Taverners including favourites like Barratt Sherbet Fountains and Liquorice Catherine Wheels, all lovingly made in our own factories for you to enjoy.Open: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm Saturday 9am-12 noon

For the best in local produce visit the award winning Farmer Copleys Farm ShopRavensknowle Farm, Pontefract Road, Purston, Pontefract WF7 5AFT: 01977 600200www.farmercopleys.co.ukFarmer Copleys Farm Shop is on the A645 about 2 miles from the centre of Pontefract and has an impressive range of local produce, deli & gourmet foods and an excellent Café.Open: Monday-Saturday 9am-5.30pm, Sunday 9am-4pm Most Bank Holidays 9am-4pm. Check ahead for details

Market HallMarket Place, Pontefract WF8 1AUT: 01977 722725www.wakefield.gov.uk/pontefractmarket

The impressive stone facade was built in 1859 and opened by Lord Palmerston in 1860.Open: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm FREE - One minute walk from the Buttercross

Town HallBridge Street, Pontefract WF8 1PGT: 01977 302999/305830

An 18th century architectural jewel, located in the heart of the town’s historic centre.Open: Although Pontefract Town Hall is open to the general public, prior appointments are required to view the venue and its facilities. Please call ahead. Two minutes walk from the Buttercross

CastleCastle Chain, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF8 1QHT: 01977 723440www.wakefield.gov.uk

Take a journey back in time to experience life as a Civil War prisoner in the dark depths of Pontefract Castle. Once a royal castle and one of the most important fortresses in the north of England during the Middle Ages, the castle remains and underground magazine chamber are open to visitors all year.Open: Please use the contact details above to check for opening times FREE - Ten minutes walk from the Buttercross

All Saints ChurchSouth Baileygate, Pontefract WF8 2JLT: 01977 600230www.allsaintspontefract.co.uk

The present church dates from 1300 and formed a background to events during the Pilgrimage of Grace in 1536.Open: Please use the contact details above to check for opening times. Twelve minutes walk from the Buttercross

Friarwood Valley GardensSouthgate, Pontefract WF8 1PLT: 01977 723491www.wakefield.gov.uk/parks

Situated on the site of the town’s former monastery gardens and set in a steeply graded valley, this park offers a sheltered green oasis in the town centre with a bowling green and many attractive trees.Open: Please use the contact details above to check for opening times Four minutes walk from the Buttercross

Access Information Please note that the map above is not to scale. The walking distances on the map are approximate only and reflect an average walking pace for an adult. For more information on disabled access in Pontefract visit: www.disabledgo.com

Museum5 Salter Row, Pontefract, West Yorkshire WF8 1BAT: 01977 722740www.wakefield.gov.uk

Visit Pontefract Museum to discover the fascinating story behind the historic market town of Pontefract. Explore the history of Pontefract Castle and the town’s industrial coal mining heritage. Those with a sweet tooth may prefer to find out about the origins of the famous Pontefract cake.Open: Please use the contact details above to check for opening times FREE - One minute walk from the Buttercross

St Giles Parish ChurchMarket Place, Pontefract WF8 1ATT: 01977 790448www.stgilesonline.org.uk

St Giles Church is a Grade ll* listed building situated within Pontefract Town Centre Conservation area. Its unique octagonal tower is visible from miles around. Open: Monday to Friday 8.30am-3pm Saturday 8.30am-1pm Sunday 8am-12.30pm FREE - Next to the Buttercross

ButtercrossMarket Place, Pontefract WF8 1ATT: 01977 727692 (Pontefract Library Reception)

Built in 1734 the Buttercross is an historic landmark in the centre of Pontefract which best captures the town’s market trading heritage. Open: The Buttercross is open on all sides.

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Shopping

The town and people of Pontefract are delighted to welcome all visitors to their historic and attractive town.

From the building of its impressive Norman castle and its prominence as a medieval market town, over the centuries Pontefract has been home to monks, knights and Kings and at times, like during the English Civil War, right at the heart of affairs of State.

The town is also rightly proud of its association with the unusual plant Liquorice. Originally from the Middle East, it may have been brought to Pontefract during the Crusades by a member of the De Lacy family who built Pontefract Castle or perhaps by the Benedictine monks that came to the town in 1090. Its initial importance was as a medicine whose benefits had been known for thousands of years, but during the 19th century it was turned into a sweet and the famous Pomfret (Pontefract Cake) or Yorkshire Penny was born and is still famous around the world today.

We hope you have time to discover all that Pontefract has to offer from its stunning buildings, remarkable history and heritage, unique shopping and friendly local eateries.

Further afield the surrounding Wakefield district has many unique and high quality attractions which would appeal to the whole family, combined with a good range of accommodation making it an ideal location for a weekend or mini-break.

May your visit be enjoyable and we look forward to welcoming you back again soon.1

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Trails and Tours

Pontefract LibraryShoemarket, Pontefract, WF8 1BDT: 01977 727692www.wakefield.gov.uk/libraries

For more information on local history, local trails, tours and events contact Pontefract Library.Open: Please use the contact details above to check opening times

Blue Plaque GuidePontefract Blue Plaque Guide has been produced by Pontefract Civic Society and is available from the Library and the Museum. Well over 20 plaques located across the town centre and castle conservation areas can be viewed at your leisure, and in any sequence of your choice. A short history of Pontefract’s strategic importance through the ages is included in the guide.

Pontefract Civic Society can be contacted by emailat pontecivicsocietysecretary@gmail.comor by calling 01977 708658

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Best Western Rogerthorpe ManorFrom £55.00 B&B01977 643839Thorpe Lane, Pontefract WF9 1ABwww.bw-rogerthorpemanor.co.uk

Kings Croft Hotel Not InspectedFrom £45 B&B01977 600550Wakefield Road, Pontefract WF8 4HAwww.kingscrofthotel.com

Premier Inn M62 (J32) XscapeFrom £56.00 Room Only0870 4236458Colorado Way, Glasshoughton,Castleford WF10 4TAwww.premierinn.com

Premier Inn Pontefract NorthFrom £29.00 Room Only online0870 179 7209A1 Business Park, Pontefract Road, Pontefract WF11 0BUwww.premierinn.com

Premier Inn Pontefract SouthFrom £29.00 Room Only online0870 990 6386Darrington, Pontefract WF8 3BLwww.premierinn.com

Tower House Executive Guest HouseFrom £60.00 B&B01977 69998821 Bondgate, Pontefract WF8 2JPwww.towerhouseguesthouse.comGold Award

Wentbridge House HotelFrom £95.00 B&B01977 620444The Great North Road, Wentbridge,Pontefract WF8 3JJ www.wentbridgehouse.co.ukSilver Award 2AA Rosette Restaurant

Wentvale CourtFrom £58.00 B&B01977 676714Great North Road, Knottingley, Pontefract WF11 8PFwww.wentvalecourt.co.uk

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Attractions Nearbyl Pontefract Race CoursePontefract Park, Park Road, PontefractWF8 4QDT: 01977 781307www.pontefract-races.co.uk

l Rosse Observatory (Astronomical)Carleton Community Centre, Carleton Road, Pontefract WF8 3RJT: 0777 352 6375secretary@wyas.org.ukwww.wyas.org.uk

l Junction 32 Outlet Shopping VillageCarrwood Road, Glasshoughton, Castleford WF10 4SBT: 01977 520153www.junction32.com

l Xscape CastlefordColorado Way, Glasshoughton, Castleford WF10 4TAT: 0871 222 5671www.xscape.co.uk

l DiggerlandWillowbridge Lane, Whitwood, Castleford WF10 5NWT: 0871 227 7007www.diggerland.com

l Kinsley Greyhound Stadium96 Wakefield Road, Kinsley, Pontefract WF9 5EHT: 01977 610946www.kinsleydogs.co.uk

l National Trust Nostell Priory and ParklandDoncaster Road, Nostell, Wakefield WF4 1QET: 01924 863892www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Attractions Further Afieldl Sandal CastleManygates Lane, Sandal, Wakefield WF2 7DGT: 01924 249779 www.wakefield.gov.ukFREE

l The Hepworth WakefieldTootal Street, Wakefield WF1 5JNT: 01924 305899www.hepworthwakefield.orgOpening Spring 2011See website for full detailsFREE

l National Coal Mining Museum for EnglandCaphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton WF4 4RHT: 01924 848806www.ncm.org.ukFREE

l Yorkshire Sculpture ParkWest Bretton, Wakefield WF4 4LGT: 01924 832631www.ysp.co.ukFREE admissionCar Park fee

Outdoors

l Pontefract ParkPark Side, Pontefract WF8 4RDT: 01977 723491www.wakefield.gov.uk/pontefractpark FREE

l Anglers Country ParkHaw Park Lane, Wintersett, Wakefield WF4 2EBT: 01924 303980www.wakefield.gov.uk/anglers FREE

l RSPB Fairburn IngsNewton Lane, Ledston, Castleford WF10 2BHT: 01977 628191www.rspb.org.ukFREE

l Pugneys Country ParkAsdale Road,off Denby Dale Road, Wakefield WF2 7EQT: 01924 302360 www.wakefield.gov.ukFREE admissionCar park fee

l Hemsworth Water ParkHoyle Mill Road, Kinsley, Pontefract WF9 5JBT: 01977 617617www.hemsworthcouncil.co.ukFREE admissionCar park fee

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Whether you are planning to visit for a break away or just the day, the award winning team are on hand to help you make the most of your visit.

Wakefield Tourist Information Centre is fully accessible for wheelchair users and is fitted with a hearing loop with trained staff on hand to offer help if needed. Assistance dogs are welcome. For further information about accessibility in Wakefield visit www.disabled.go.info

Wakefield Tourist Information Centre9 The Bullring, Wakefield WF1 1HB Tel: 0845 601 8353 Email: tic@wakefield.gov.uk

www.experiencewakefield.co.uk

l Accommodation bookingsl Travel advice & itinerary planning

l Theatre & event ticketsl Unique gifts & souvenirs

Wakefield District Where to stay

Food and Drink

AA HOTEL

AA GUEST HOUSE

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Visit Wakefield Tourist Information Centre

This information has been produced by Wakefield Council. We would like to thank Tangerine Confectionery for their generous sponsorship and all of the Pontefract venues and businesses that have assisted in the production of this information.

While every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information provided here, Wakefield Council cannot accept any responsibility for errors, omissions or any other consequence arising from utilising this publication. Therefore it is advisable to check all times, dates, requirements and offers before hand. Inclusion on this publication does not imply an official recommendation from Wakefield Council.

l Maud’s Yard

An historic yard off Market Place whichfeatures three high quality eateries.

Maud’s Café Bar01977 790658Cromwell’s Tea Rooms01977 702702DJ’s American Style DinerTelephone number not available

l Ropergate

Thai restaurant- Ruan Kum Rai01977 600659Asian restaurant- Pabna01977 798881 www.the-pabna.co.uk

Café Bar- Alleyc’Zam01977 701177 (off Ropergate down the side of Yorkshire Bank)

l Beastfair, Cornmarket & Front Street area

French style café - Jolie Maison Beastfair01977 799300Asian cuisine - Al Jamil Balti Restaurant Front Street01977 797002Asian cuisine - Shahban Front Street01977 700007

l Northgate

Italian - Mamma Mia Pizzeria & Restaurant01977 706825

In addition Pontefract has a large number of public houses, many of which serve food throughout the day.

Inclusion on this list does not imply an official recommendation from Wakefield Council.