Places to Visit

Pontefract Town Hall  tel  01977 723420
Visit the "Old Town Hall" in Market Place, dating from 17 85.  This Grade 1 building has many historic features, one being the Nelson Room with it's rare example of a late 18th century Magistrates Court. It houses the principal original plaster cast, by sculptor I E Carew, of the Death of Nelson, from which the bronze panel was made at the base of Nelson Column in Trafalgar Square. Enter through the "New Town Hall" a Grade 2  building on Bridge Street, dating from 1881; See the imposing newly refurbished Assembly Room on the first floor.

All Saints Church   tel  01977 794912
Visit the 13th century All Saints Church in South Baileygate. It houses one of only three Double Helix staircases in Europe.

Pontefract Museum   tel  01977 722741
Pontefract Museum must be visited. Housed in this beautiful Art Nouveau building, though only small to look at, it can be likened unto Pandora's box. It will captivate you and your family, as you walk through our rich history from 947 through to medieval times, life in the Workhouse, the Coal Mines and Liquorice Factories.

The Butter Cross  
The 18th century Butter Cross in the middle of Market Place. It is said, along with dairy produce, wives were occasionally sold here. Whilst we celebrate our history, this is one custom we will not be reviving.  

Pontefract Castle   tel   01977 723440  
Pontefract Castle cannot be missed, a listed Ancient Monument, built in the 11th Century and all but demolished by the people of Pontefract in 1649. Take a picnic and soak up the history in this very evocative and beautiful location.

Pontefract Markets   tel  01977 792530
Pontefract Indoor Market opens 6 days a week. Have a day at Pontefract's Outdoor Markets on Wednesday & Saturday.

Have an exciting day at Pontefract Races
Europe's longest flat race course, located in Pontefract Park, where Henry the VIII once hunted.  
tel    01977 781307
www.pontefract-races.co.uk   

Swimming Pool
Take the children swimming at the pool in Stuart Road.
tel    01977 722755

www.pontefract-online.co.uk
www.wakefield.gov.uk        
www.pontefractandcastlefordtoday.co.uk
www.stgilespanto.co.uk

Above all, visit the Pontefract Liquorice Festival. This is another jewel of national importance in the making.

St. Giles Church    tel  01977 706803    
St. Giles Church in Market Place is not to be missed. Having played a central role in the town's religious life since 1649, when the All Saints Church was virtually destroyed in the siege, it became Pontefract's Parish Church in 1789.

The Counting House    tel  01977 600388   
Visit this 15th century Wattle & Daub Pub, off Cornmarket. Authentically restored by Malcolm Lister in the 1990s.