The Best Family Day Out in Wakefield

12th October 2021

Our original Yorkshire guide has proven to be a huge success and we’ve loved hearing about and seeing the trips that it has helped to inspire (And a big shout out to the lovely couple I overheard in our Harrogate Tipi the other night who were working their way through it…all!) this past few months.

Therefore friends, we have drafted a list packed with ideas and several new attractions below for you to suit all; we truly hope that, in some small way, we can help you and your families make the most of your time together.

(And… if you do go out and about, let us know friends! here is our Instagram account! ❤️)

 

wakefield coal mining museum

The National Coal Mining Museum, Wakefield

Explore Caphouse Colliery, a mine which experienced more than 200 years of coal production. Its charismatic guides are former miners, who will help you to understand more about the people and communities at the heart of the industry. After you’ve finished your tour, take a trip to the stables to meet the horses and ponies. There are acres of beautiful woodland to explore, as well as an Adventure Playground for the kids to enjoy. What’s more from now until mid December the resident Blacksmiths will be demonstrating their skills in the workshop every weekend at 11.30am and 2.30pm.

Cost: Free

Link: https://www.ncm.org.uk/

 

diggerland yorkshire

Diggerland, Castleford 

Diggerland is must visit adventure UK theme park experience where children and adults alike can ride, drive and operate real diggers, dumpers and other full-size construction machinery. There are 20 different rides and drives offering fun for all ages (subject to height restrictions). Younger visitors can enjoy indoor and outdoor play areas, sandpits, coin operated rides and much more.

Cost: £11.40 – £22.80, children under 90cm go free

Link: https://www.diggerland.com/

 

wakefield museum

Wakefield Museum, Wakefield

Bring friends and family to Wakefield Museum and discover the extraordinary, the oldest, the first, and the one and only. Explore the history of Wakefield and hear stories told through the eyes of the people involved in shaping our fine city.

Discover the extraordinary Charles Waterton, the Wakefield-born Victorian eco-warrior and explorer. You can even stand on the back of our fierce caiman crocodile, captured on one of his trips to South America. The Waterton Collection is on loan from Stonyhurst College.

A special exhibition – A World of Good takes place now until July 2022 A World of Good is a new multi-sensory exhibition at Wakefield Museum. It highlights the biggest threat to humanity we face: the climate crisis.

Cost: Free

Link: https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/museums-and-castles/wakefield-museum

 

Beauty & The Beast, Wakefield

Theatre Royal Wakefield’s magical family pantomime returns in 2021 with a tale that’s as old as time itself. Brought to you by the same fantastic team behind jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella and Aladdin, and with world famous Dame, Chris Hannon once more returning to the Wakefield stage. Come and see this magical tale. It could be beautiful; it may get beastly – but one thing is for sure, it will have the cheesiest jokes in town!

Cost: £14-£30

Link: www.theatreroyalwakefield.co.uk

 

 

sandal castle

Pugney’s Country Park & Sandal Castle, Wakefield 

Explore Pugney’s Country Park by rail on its 7¼” gauge passenger-carrying miniature railway. Once you’ve got your bearings, take part in the park’s Blown Away Adventure trail. Based on the charming children’s book by local author Conrad Burdekin, there’s loads of activities to do, including puzzles, counting, a zipline, and lots more. You can even do your best impression of the Grand Old Duke of York, marching up to the top the hill, arriving at Sandal Castle. Learn about the rich local history as you glance over the once famous battle fields. The place is also popular for kite flying in autumn and sledging in winter. If you have any energy left, why not finish off with a visit to the awesome pirate adventure playground!

Cost: Free, train tickets cost £1-£2

Link: https://experiencewakefield.co.uk/venue/pugneys-country-park/

 

Xscape yorkshire

Xscape Yorkshire, Castleford 

Xscape Yorkshire is the ultimate, fun-fuelled day out destination. Activities include skiing, snowboarding and sledging on real snow at Snozone, wall-to-wall trampolining and urban climbing at Gravity, 70ft skycoaster and bungee experience, LaserZone laser tag, Volcano Falls adventure golf, Tenpin bowling and 4DX at Cineworld. Plus, there’s a free outdoor play area for little visitors aged 6 years and under.

Cost: Variable depending on attraction

Link: https://xscapeyorkshire.co.uk/

 

pontefract castle

Pontefract Castle, Pontefract 

A place of family-friendly adventure, Pontefract Castle is free to enter with no need to book. With historic ruins to explore and bags of open green space to run and play in, it’s the perfect place to create your own castle adventure. Climb to the top of the keep and see the surrounding Yorkshire countryside. Younger visitors can also test out their soldier skills with fun civil war training activities. Browse the gift shop or enjoy a tasty treat in the Liquorice Café while the children let off some steam in the new castle-themed playground.

Cost: Free

Link: https://experiencewakefield.co.uk/venue/pontefract-castle/

 

kids playing in woodland

The Nostell, Wakefield

Nostell is a place full of adventures just waiting to be experienced by little explorers and big kids alike. Reconnect, relax and discover new things at every turn amid 300 acres of beautiful Yorkshire landscape that never fails to fire imaginations young and old. Immerse yourself in a woodland play and learning, go on a Great Mouse House Hunt or join in family games fit for mini Victorians. With outdoor and indoor places to explore, we wish you a grand day out at Nostell this season, whatever the weather.

Cost: Car park £5, variable depending on range of access

Link: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nostell

 

That’s all for now, as ever, thank you so much for reading and engaging with us, we appreciate it and every time someone new subscribes…we smile.

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