Cheap Hotels Wakefield
What to see by foot: Wakefield
    
As you look out over the City of Wakefield you will notice the splendour of
its architecture, a variety of well preserved buildings from medieval times
through to the Victorian and Georgian era.
The Cathedral Church of All Saints, dating from the 14th century dominates
the centre of the city with its 75 metre crocketed spire. Here you will find
magnificent wood carvings throughout the building and a comprehensive collection
of stained glass windows by Charles Kempe.
Standing on Wakefield's medieval bridge, is the Chantry Chapel of St Mary,
a rare survival from the Middle Ages (one of only four in England). The stone
bridge on which the chapel stands was built in the early 1340's and was of great
economic importance to the people of Wakefield because it provided a vital crossing
over the river for travellers, who paid tolls to use the bridge.
The ruins of Pontefract Castle have many stories to tell. This castle was one
of the country's most important fortresses during the Middle Ages. It now lies
in ruins, but was once the residence to royalty around 1399 and was where Richard
II died.
Prominent buildings such as Town Hall and County Hall, Wakefield's Theatre
Royal and Opera House - built in 1894 by eminent Victorian architect Frank Matcham
- can still be seen today. A visit to the National Coal Mining Museum for England
will allow you to travel underground and experience the conditions endured by
coal miners and their families in bygone years.
There are several other excellent museums and galleries spread throughout the
city, as well as the acclaimed Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
Just out of town is Sandal Castle, one of the most famous in Britain. It is
set high up on a fort overlooking the River Calder, and near the castle the
famous Battle of Wakefield (part of the War of the Roses) was fought in 1460,
during which Richard III was killed at Bosworth Field. During the civil war
this castle was again a royalist stronghold and besieged twice by parliamentary
troops. Its ruins are indeed a spectacular sight, with great views across the
Calder Valley.
Selection of hotels in this region:
Holiday Inn Wakefield M1, Junction 40 | | Days Inn Wakefield | |
Click below for a
full list of hotels and online booking
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