Church/ Cathedral/ Monastery

Wakefield Cathedral

The Cathedral Church of All Saints Wakefield also functions as a parish church and is sometimes referred to as the All Saints Parish Church. Located on the site of a Saxon church which was later replaced by a Norman edifice, the current cathedral dates mainly from the 14th century and has undergone various alterations and extensions during the past century. The cathedral features the tallest spire in Yorkshire. Normal opening hours are from 08h00 to 17h00 on weekdays with closure at 16h00 on [more]The Cathedral Church of All Saints Wakefield also functions as a parish church and is sometimes referred to as the All Saints Parish Church. Located on the site of a Saxon church which was later replaced by a Norman edifice, the current cathedral dates mainly from the 14th century and has undergone various alterations and extensions during the past century. The cathedral features the tallest spire in Yorkshire. Normal opening hours are from 08h00 to 17h00 on weekdays with closure at 16h00 on weekends. There is a bookshop at the cathedral and details of special events and concerts are available at the website.

Museum/ Exhibition/ Gallery

Wakefield Museum

Wakefield Museum houses artefacts that tell the history of the area from the Romans through to modern times. Displays include information on nearby Sandal Castle, one of the most thoroughly excavated castles in England and there is also an exhibit on the local naturalist Charles Waterton who is credited as creating the worlds first nature reserve.

It is open daily from 10am until 4.30pm (Monday to Saturday) and from 2pm until 4.30pm on Sundays and bank Holidays. Admission is free.

Museum/ Exhibition/ Gallery

National Coal Mining Museum

The National Coal Mining Museum opened in 1988 and is located at the former Caphouse Colliery, where coal had been mined since the 18th century. The museum shows the working conditions that the miners endured and there are also the different tools that they used on display. The tour takes visitors 140 metres underground into the original mine shafts where the coal seams are still visible. All visitors are provided with a hat, belt and battery for authenticity during the tour. The National [more]The National Coal Mining Museum opened in 1988 and is located at the former Caphouse Colliery, where coal had been mined since the 18th century. The museum shows the working conditions that the miners endured and there are also the different tools that they used on display. The tour takes visitors 140 metres underground into the original mine shafts where the coal seams are still visible. All visitors are provided with a hat, belt and battery for authenticity during the tour. The National Coal Mining Museum is open daily from 10am until 5pm, although the last underground tour takes place at 3.15pm. The Museum is closed on December 24th, 25th, 26th and January 1st. Admission is free. Children under 5 years old are not allowed on the underground tour.

Other places of interest

Wakefield Jazz

The Wakefield Jazz Club offers regular performances of Big Band and contemporary Jazz music at the venue of the Wakefield Sports Club. There is seating for 180 visitors and a fully licensed bar is provided, as well as the option to have hot meals which are served prior to the performances which normally start at 20h30. Entrance fees are in the £10 to £15 range and free for guests aged 14 and younger. Details of scheduled performances and events are available at the website.

Church/ Cathedral/ Monastery

The Chantry Chapel of St Mary the Virgin

This is one of only four remaining medieval Chantry Chapels in England. Dating from the 1340s this chapel was used by travellers to pray for a safe journey and stagecoaches would make a detour of many miles to visit the chapel.

Services are still here on the first day of every month at 3pm. It is open for visiting on a few selected days throughout the year. Admission is free.