Wake up to Wakefield: time to discover the Sculpture Capital of the UK, right here in Yorkshire
Home to two internationally renowned art galleries and outstanding heritage venues, Wakefield is the cultural gateway to the North, and the ideal staycation destination for the discerning traveller.
Here in the Sculpture Capital of the UK, two world‑class titans set the tone. The Hepworth Wakefield explores Barbara Hepworth’s modernist legacy from a David Chipperfield‑designed space on the city’s waterfront, with dynamic exhibitions and a permanent collection spanning Hepworth, Hockney, Lowry and more.
This year, don’t miss Mrinalini Mukherjee (23 May-1 Nov 2026): a major UK retrospective in celebration of Mukherjee’s remarkable 40‑year career.
A short journey from the centre, Yorkshire Sculpture Park is an outdoor gallery carved from rolling countryside, where monumental works by international icons redefine 500 acres of splendid Yorkshire landscape.
This summer, Hold to this Earth: Works by Contemporary Indigenous North American Artists from Tia Collection (13 Jun 2026-18 Apr 2027) is a superb exhibition that carries stories, memory and tradition into the present.
Back in the city, call in at The Art House. Part gallery, part studios, it’s a beacon of grassroots creativity where audiences can engage with the creative process. Their regular Crafted Makers Markets are a must for anyone wanting to take home unique, artisan products.
Take a trip back in time
Wakefield has a thousand years of history. Step into Palladian elegance at National Trust Nostell, with an unrivalled collection of Chippendale furniture, masterpiece paintings, and sumptuous fabrics throughout the house. Outside, discover well‑kept gardens and wild woodland.
In the city, Wakefield Cathedral stands tall with Yorkshire’s highest spire; inside, beautiful medieval and Victorian detail offers an oasis of calm amidst the city centre hubbub.
Just along the river, the tiny Chantry Chapel of St Mary - one of England’s last surviving bridge chapels - opens on select days for a glimpse of fourteenth‑century devotion.
Theatre Royal Wakefield is a Frank Matcham gem, celebrating 40 years since its grand re‑opening in 2026. But the play’s the thing, and the packed programme provides opportunity for creativity to take centre stage.
Get set for a culinary journey
From ancient half‑timbered inns to industrial‑chic dining rooms, you’ll find your new favourite place at Wakefield’s independent eateries. Enjoy field‑to‑fork freshness at Farmer Copleys and Blacker Hall Farm; sip something special at The Distillery (and get hands on at the Gin School), or go behind the scenes on brewery tours at Ossett Brewery and Jolly Boys’ Exchange Tap.
If you’re looking for a night out, the city has a bevy of cool bars for those in the know – and a warm Yorkshire welcome at our cosy country pubs, for those lazy Sundays.
In July, Pontefract Liquorice Festival sweetens the deal with a speciality market and the Food and Drink Trail, with liquorice or sweet‑themed specials in local cafés, bars and restaurants, is a delicious nod to this quintessential market town’s homegrown hero.
And don’t miss this live events…
Proms at Pontefract Castle on 20 June brings classical sparkle and a fireworks finale to the atmospheric ruins of a castle once so mighty it was known as the Key to the North.
In the city centre, WX - Wakefield Exchange continues to prove itself a cultural powerhouse with an eclectic live programme - this summer including Heaven 17 (8 July) alongside comedy, club nights and more, all in orbit around Luke Jerram’s Helios sun sculpture (12 June - 6 September).
Across the city at waterfront former mill Tileyard North, expect a run of open‑air gigs and big‑name energy this summer: The Vaccines, The Stranglers and Sophie Ellis‑Bextor are already announced, with more to come.
Get help with where to stay
With so much to see, you’ll need accommodation that does it all justice. For opulence, check into Waterton Park on its own island, or Wentbridge House for fine dining paired with stunning views.
Heritage aficionados can fall asleep amidst history at Rogerthorpe Manor, or for leafy calm, try Hotel St Pierre at Newmillerdam.
Prefer the city? Holmfield Arms and Holiday Inn Express are right in the heart of the action.
Self‑caterers can cosy up at Farmer Copleys’ The Farmhouse, go canalside at The Moorings, or bed down beside sculpture at Smithy Ridge Mews - right next door to YSP.
And this is only the beginning: there’s so much more to discover here. Plan your visit at ExperienceWakefield.co.uk