Wakefield
Properties and events in Wakefield
Before heading out for your Heritage Open Days visit, please check entries for last-minute changes.
1300 Years of Pontefract History
A walk around Pontefract town centre with local historian Eric Jackson, highlighting the history of Pontefract.
200 Years of St. Austin's Church, Wakefield
A chance to attend a fascinating display and illustrated talk on the history of St. Austin's church, Wakefield. This year we will focus on the processions and parades which have taken place in and around the church over its 200 year history .
Ackworth School
An external tour of school buildings/grounds with the school archivist, with an additional Q&A session and a chance to view items from the archives.
All Saints Parish Church, Pontefract open Day and Double Helix Staircase Tower Tours
Church Open Day to see our wonderful and Ancient Parish Church
Archbishop Holgate Hospital - legacy almshouses
Tour includes an opening talk in Ebor Hall about the history of Robert Holgate and his legacy.
Beyond Moore: A Town Centre Arts Trail
From street murals, stain glass, sculptures and our wonderful Library Art collection there is much more art in Castleford than you may first think.
Darrington Farming Walk
The theme of the walk is to describe how Darrington has changed over the last 70 years, especially with regard to farming.
Discover Wakefield Town Hall
Guided tour of Wakefield Town Hall - starting with an introductory talk about the history of the building.
Discover Wakefield's Architecture - talk
Join us for this free talk about some of Wakefield's more interesting architectural gems through time.
Exhibition and Talk - From Union Poorhouse to Union Leader - the story of Herbert Smith
Hear the story of Herbert Smith who started work aged 10 at Glasshoughton Pit and rose to be the leader of the Miners Federation of Great Britain at the time of the 1926 General Strike.
Explore Alverthorpe Parish Church
Climb the tower and ring the bells Descend into the crypt Engage with crafts and activities Hear the stories of local residents recalling changes in the area
Explore the 120-year-old, former Carnegie Library
To celebrate Heritage Open Days, we’ll be hosting two special open weekends at The Art House - opening parts of our building so visitors can explore the old 120-year-old, former Carnegie Library, now part of our Studio community.
Featherstone Rovers: 'Rugby Boots & Mining Roots' Design a Display Workshop
Design a “Rugby Boots & Mining Roots” heritage display using historic programmes, photos, tickets, and newspaper clippings to explore the connection between Rugby League and mining communities, in Featherstone.
Felkirk; The history and heritage of St Peter's church
The area known as Felkirk is small but its heritage is full of depth and character. From historic buildings to local stories passed down through generations. So much here deserves to be shared and remembered.
Friarwood Valley Gardens Liquorice Cultivation: Talk
A history of liquorice growing in Friarwood Valley Gardens by Dr Colin White.
Friarwood Valley Gardens Pinhole Camera
The giant pin-hole camera will be operational in the former summer house/aviary, giving the chance to see live images of the gardens, projected through the pin-hole.
From Bank Builder to Bankrupt
Come and hear the story of some of the the characters involved in developing Castleford in the Victorian period.
From Lighthouses to Lightbulbs - a history of Queen's Mill
See Queen's Mill waterwheel, designed by John Smeaton, and hear about the 2000 year history of milling in Castleford. The site will be open from 10am to 4pm, with children's activities and talks at 11am and 2pm.
Lady Diana Beaumont Walking Tour
Join YSP's heritage team on a guided tour of the Bretton Estate, learning more about renowned horticulturalist Lady Diana Beaumont and her lasting impact on the estate and all who knew her.
Lighting up the Past - Pontefract's hermitage and dispensary digitally rediscovered
Join us to launch a new digital interpretation of Pontefract's hermitage and dispensary, including virtual reality and film. Explore a unique heritage site hidden beneath the streets of Pontefract through digital technology and story telling.