Wakefield

Properties and events in Wakefield

Before heading out for your Heritage Open Days visit, please check entries for last-minute changes.

Print selected events below

200 Years of St. Austin's Church, Wakefield

St. Austin's Catholic Church, Wentworth Terrace, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 3QN
In person
Pre-booking not required

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 .

Beyond Moore: A Town Centre Arts Trail

Castleford Library and Museum, Carlton Street, Castleford, West Yorkshire, WF10 1BB
In person
Pre-booking not required

From street murals, stain glass, sculptures and our wonderful Library Art collection there is much more art in Castleford than you may first think.

Featherstone Rovers: 'Rugby Boots & Mining Roots' Design a Display Workshop

Featherstone Rovers Rlfc Ltd, The Millennium Stadium, Post Office Road, Featherstone, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF7 5EN
In person
Pre-booking not required

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

St Peter's Parish Church, Church Lane, Felkirk, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S72 9DH
In person
Pre-booking not required

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 Pinhole Camera

Friarwood Valley Gardens, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF8 1PL
In person
Pre-booking not required

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. A brief outline will be given of liquorice growing in the Valley Gardens.

From Bank Builder to Bankrupt

HSBC 1 Bank Street, Carlton Street, Castleford, West Yorkshire, WF10 1EA
In person
Pre-booking preferred

Come and hear the story of some of the the characters involved in developing Castleford in the Victorian period.

Museum Store tours

Wakefield Museums and Castles Collections Store, Ossett, West Yorkshire, Confirmed ahead of event
In person
Pre-booking required

Go behind the scenes and discover some of the wonders of Wakefield Museums and Castles Collections.

Pontefract Castle Dungeon Tour

Pontefract Castle, Castle Chain, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF8 1QH
In person
Pre-booking required

Join us on our popular tours of the Pontefract Castle dungeon – free for Heritage Open Days!

Sandal Castle tour

Sandal Castle, Manygates Lane, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF2 7DS
In person
Pre-booking required

Discover the history of Sandal Castle on this tour around the castle grounds and ruins. Join our volunteers for a fascinating journey through 500 years of history.

St Peter the Apostle Church, Kirkthorpe

St Peter the Apostle Church, Kirkthorpe Lane, Kirkthorpe, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 5SZ
In person
Pre-booking not required

St Peter the Apostle is a Grade II listed medieval building and grounds situated in a semi-rural area 3 miles from the ancient city of Wakefield, West Yorkshire. Many interesting features, including a 6 bell tower, church hall, upper and lower church.

Stanley Ferry Workshop Open Day

Canal & River Trust, Stanley Ferry, Stanley, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF3 4LZ
In person
Pre-booking not required

Join us at the Stanley Ferry Workshop as part of this years Heritage Open Days. The workshop, found on the Aire and Calder Navigation, is one of only two places in the UK where lock gates are manufactured and refurbished by Canal & River Trust

Talk: Pontefract Castle - this is your life!

Pontefract Castle, Castle Chain, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF8 1QH
In person
Pre-booking required

Join us for a whistlestop tour through the castle’s history!

Talk: Pontefract hermitage and dispensary

Pontefract Museum, Salter Row, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF8 1BA
In person
Pre-booking required

Learn more about the dispensary, and the 14th century hermitage it’s built on top of. See virtual reality bring these spaces to life.

Theatre Royal Wakefield

Theatre Royal Wakefield, 12 Drury Lane, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 2TE
In person
Pre-booking not required

On Sunday 13th September, we are hosting our Heritage Open Day event. The event will be open from 10am to 15.30pm. We will be opening our doors for you to walk around the building, visit an exhibition and take part in family activities.

Wakefield Cathedral - Tower Tour

Northgate, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 1HG
In person
Pre-booking required

Climb the 170 steps up Wakefield Cathedral tower for magnificent views of the city and surrounding countryside! Find out about our fourteen bells.

West Yorkshire History Centre, Behind the Scenes Tour (Afternoon)

127 Kirkgate, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 1JG
In person
Pre-booking required

Ever wondered what goes on inside West Yorkshire History Centre in Wakefield? For Heritage open Days 2026 we will be offering behind the scenes into our conservation studio and strongrooms to explore the archives we care for.

West Yorkshire History Centre, Behind the Scenes Tour (Morning)

127 Kirkgate, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 1JG
In person
Pre-booking required

Ever wondered what goes on inside West Yorkshire History Centre in Wakefield? For Heritage open Days 2026 we will be offering behind the scenes into our conservation studio and strongrooms to explore the archives we care for.

Working by Lamplight with Matt Sayers

Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 4RH
In person
Pre-booking not required

Artist Matt Sayers will be in his exhibition Working by Lamplight, drawing under the same low, focused light that once illuminated the underground world of miners. Join Matt who will talk about his process, influences, and the stories behind his work