Shopping
The names of Pontefract’s streets, yards and alley ways are a
fascinating history lesson in the trade and industry that has thrived
and gone over many centuries but they also provide today’s shopper
with a great mix of traditional stores and independent shops located
in an attractive and compact town centre.
Welcome to Pontefract
The Market Place
The natural centre of the town featuring the indoor
Market Hall whose 37 units offer a wide variety of
quality goods. It is open for trading six days a week
(not Sunday). On Wednesday and Saturday (8.30am4pm) the indoor market is supplemented by the largest
outdoor market in the Wakefield district with 116 stalls
covering Market Place, Beastfair and some of Salter
Row. Each Friday there is a small fresh produce market.
Salter Row
Linked to the Market Place at one end by Wool Market
this area features a range of trusted high street names,
as well as independent businesses like The Jewel Box
on Wool Market.
Ropergate
This long street off Market Place could be called the
‘Fashion Quarter’ of Pontefract with a collection of
quality independent boutiques, plus shops like The Shoe
Room selling affordable designer shoes & accessories,
complemented by a number of high class hair and
beauty salons.
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Beastfair
Linked to the Market Place and leading onto
Cornmarket, Liquorice Way and Front Street this
area also has a mix of household names and unique
independent businesses like Cocoon Kids with designer
wear for children and Jolie Maison with its mix of
affordable French chic home-wear and a French style
café. The Pomfret Gallery on Liquorice Way sells a wide
range of art & craft materials and houses a spacious
gallery selling original artwork.
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Tangerine Confectionery Factory Shop
Ferrybridge Road, Pontefract WF8 2JS
T: 01977 692575
www.tangerineuk.net
Your one-stop shop for all your favourite sweets at
great prices. Big names include Butterkist Popcorn,
Barratt Kids Sweets and Taverners including favourites
like Barratt Sherbet Fountains and Liquorice Catherine
Wheels, all lovingly made in our own factories for you
to enjoy.
Open: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Saturday 9am-12 noon
For the best in local produce visit the award
winning Farmer Copleys Farm Shop
Ravensknowle Farm, Pontefract Road, Purston, Pontefract WF7 5AF
T: 01977 600200
www.farmercopleys.co.uk
Farmer Copleys Farm Shop is on the A645 about
2 miles from the centre of Pontefract and has an
impressive range of local produce, deli & gourmet foods
and an excellent Café.
Open: Monday-Saturday 9am-5.30pm, Sunday 9am-4pm
Most Bank Holidays 9am-4pm. Check ahead for details
T
he town and people of Pontefract are delighted to welcome all
visitors to their historic and attractive town.
From the building of its impressive Norman castle and its
prominence as a medieval market town, over the centuries
Pontefract has been home to monks, knights and Kings and at
times, like during the English Civil War, right at the heart of affairs
of State.
The town is also rightly proud of its association with the unusual
plant Liquorice. Originally from the Middle East, it may have
been brought to Pontefract during the Crusades by a member
of the De Lacy family who built Pontefract Castle or perhaps
by the Benedictine monks that came to the town in 1090. Its
initial importance was as a medicine whose benefits had been
known for thousands of years, but during the 19th century it was
turned into a sweet and the famous Pomfret (Pontefract Cake) or
Yorkshire Penny was born and is still famous around the world
today.
We hope you have time to discover all that Pontefract has to offer
from its stunning buildings, remarkable history and heritage,
unique shopping and friendly local eateries.
Further afield the surrounding Wakefield district has many unique
and high quality attractions which would appeal to the whole
family, combined with a good range of accommodation making it
an ideal location for a weekend or mini-break.
May your visit be enjoyable and we look forward to welcoming
you back again soon.
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Trails and Tours
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Because of the Town’s unique link to the production of liquorice,
the aroma of warm liquorice still delicately wafts in the air at least
a couple of times a week. Two companies are now left in the town
producing liquorice sweets and many other famous confectionery
products:
Hariboland
Haribo Dunhills (Pontefract) Ltd, 26 Front Street,
Pontefract WF8 1NJ
T: 01977 600266
www.haribo.com
Come and visit our Haribo shop to see our complete
range of Haribo products. Haribo are proud of the
fact that all of our UK bagged products are now free
from artificial colours. Watch out in store for Haribo’s
Vegetarian range.
Open: Monday to Friday 9.30am-4.30pm
Welcome to Pontefract
Pontefract Library
Shoemarket, Pontefract, WF8 1BD
T: 01977 727692
www.wakefield.gov.uk/libraries
For more information on local history, local trails, tours and events contact Pontefract Library.
Open:Please use the contact details above to check opening times
Blue Plaque Guide
Pontefract Blue Plaque Guide has been produced
by Pontefract Civic Society and is available
from the Library and the Museum. Well over 20
plaques located across the town centre and castle
conservation areas can be viewed at your leisure,
and in any sequence of your choice. A short history of
Pontefract’s strategic importance through the ages is
included in the guide.
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Historic Buildings & Sites
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Museum
5 Salter Row, Pontefract, West Yorkshire WF8 1BA
T: 01977 722740
www.wakefield.gov.uk
Visit Pontefract Museum to discover the fascinating story behind the historic market
town of Pontefract. Explore the history of Pontefract Castle and the town’s industrial
coal mining heritage. Those with a sweet tooth may prefer to find out about the
origins of the famous Pontefract cake.
Open: Please use the contact details above to check for opening times
FREE - One minute walk from the Buttercross
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Buttercross
Market Place, Pontefract WF8 1AT
T: 01977 727692 (Pontefract Library Reception)
Built in 1734 the Buttercross is an historic landmark in the centre of Pontefract
which best captures the town’s market trading heritage.
Open: The Buttercross is open on all sides.
Market Hall
Market Place, Pontefract WF8 1AU
T: 01977 722725
www.wakefield.gov.uk/pontefractmarket
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The impressive stone facade was built in 1859 and opened by Lord Palmerston in
1860.
Open: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm
FREE - One minute walk from the Buttercross
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St Giles Parish Church
Market Place, Pontefract WF8 1AT
T: 01977 790448
www.stgilesonline.org.uk
St Giles Church is a Grade ll* listed building situated within Pontefract Town Centre
Conservation area. Its unique octagonal tower is visible from miles around.
Open: Monday to Friday 8.30am-3pm
Saturday 8.30am-1pm
Sunday 8am-12.30pm
FREE - Next to the Buttercross
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Town Hall
Bridge Street, Pontefract WF8 1PG
T: 01977 302999/305830
An 18th century architectural jewel, located in the heart of the town’s historic centre.
Open: Although Pontefract Town Hall is open to the general public, prior appointments are required to view the venue and its facilities. Please call ahead.
Two minutes walk from the Buttercross
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All Saints Church
South Baileygate, Pontefract WF8 2JL
T: 01977 600230
www.allsaintspontefract.co.uk
The present church dates from 1300 and formed a background to events during the
Pilgrimage of Grace in 1536.
Open: Please use the contact details above to check for opening times.
Twelve minutes walk from the Buttercross
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Friarwood Valley Gardens
Southgate, Pontefract WF8 1PL
T: 01977 723491
www.wakefield.gov.uk/parks
Situated on the site of the town’s former monastery gardens and set in a steeply
graded valley, this park offers a sheltered green oasis in the town centre with a
bowling green and many attractive trees.
Open: Please use the contact details above to check for opening times
Four minutes walk from the Buttercross
Castle
Castle Chain, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF8 1QH
T: 01977 723440
www.wakefield.gov.uk
Take a journey back in time to experience life as a Civil War prisoner in the dark
depths of Pontefract Castle. Once a royal castle and one of the most important
fortresses in the north of England during the Middle Ages, the castle remains and
underground magazine chamber are open to visitors all year.
Open: Please use the contact details above to check for opening times
FREE - Ten minutes walk from the Buttercross
Access Information
Please note that the map above is not to scale. The walking
distances on the map are approximate only and reflect an
average walking pace for an adult. For more information on
disabled access in Pontefract visit: www.disabledgo.com
Pontefract Civic Society can be contacted by email
at [email protected]
or by calling 01977 708658
Wakefield District
Where to stay
Attractions Nearby
l Pontefract Race Course
Pontefract Park, Park Road, Pontefract
WF8 4QD
T: 01977 781307
www.pontefract-races.co.uk
l Rosse Observatory (Astronomical)
Carleton Community Centre, Carleton Road,
Pontefract WF8 3RJ
T: 0777 352 6375
[email protected]
www.wyas.org.uk
l Junction 32
Outlet Shopping Village
Carrwood Road, Glasshoughton, Castleford
WF10 4SB
T: 01977 520153
www.junction32.com
l Xscape Castleford
Colorado Way, Glasshoughton, Castleford WF10 4TA
T: 0871 222 5671
www.xscape.co.uk
l Diggerland
Willowbridge Lane, Whitwood, Castleford WF10 5NW
T: 0871 227 7007
www.diggerland.com
l Kinsley Greyhound Stadium
96 Wakefield Road, Kinsley, Pontefract WF9 5EH
T: 01977 610946
www.kinsleydogs.co.uk
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l National Trust Nostell Priory and Parkland
Doncaster Road, Nostell, Wakefield WF4 1QE
T: 01924 863892
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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Outdoors
l Pontefract Park
Park Side, Pontefract WF8 4RD
T: 01977 723491
www.wakefield.gov.uk/pontefractpark
FREE
Attractions Further Afield
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l Sandal Castle
Manygates Lane, Sandal, Wakefield WF2 7DG
T: 01924 249779
www.wakefield.gov.uk
FREE
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l The Hepworth Wakefield
Tootal Street, Wakefield WF1 5JN
T: 01924 305899
www.hepworthwakefield.org
Opening Spring 2011
See website for full details
FREE
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l Pugneys Country Park
Asdale Road,
off Denby Dale Road, Wakefield WF2 7EQ
T: 01924 302360
www.wakefield.gov.uk
FREE admission
Car park fee
l Hemsworth Water Park
Hoyle Mill Road, Kinsley, Pontefract WF9 5JB
T: 01977 617617
www.hemsworthcouncil.co.uk
FREE admission
Car park fee
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l Yorkshire Sculpture Park
West Bretton, Wakefield WF4 4LG
T: 01924 832631
www.ysp.co.uk
FREE admission
Car Park fee
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l RSPB Fairburn Ings
Newton Lane, Ledston, Castleford WF10 2BH
T: 01977 628191
www.rspb.org.uk
FREE
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l National Coal Mining Museum for England
Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton WF4 4RH
T: 01924 848806
www.ncm.org.uk
FREE
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l Anglers Country Park
Haw Park Lane,
Wintersett, Wakefield WF4 2EB
T: 01924 303980
www.wakefield.gov.uk/anglers
FREE
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AA BUDGET HOTEL
Premier Inn M62 (J32) Xscape
From £56.00 Room Only
0870 4236458
Colorado Way, Glasshoughton,
Castleford WF10 4TA
www.premierinn.com
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Premier Inn Pontefract North
From £29.00 Room Only online
0870 179 7209
A1 Business Park, Pontefract Road, Pontefract WF11 0BU
www.premierinn.com
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AA BUDGET HOTEL
Tower House AA
Executive Guest House
From £60.00 B&B
01977 699988
21 Bondgate, Pontefract WF8 2JP
www.towerhouseguesthouse.com
Gold Award
Not Inspected
GUEST HOUSE
Wentbridge House Hotel
From £95.00 B&B
01977 620444
The Great North Road, Wentbridge,
Pontefract WF8 3JJ
www.wentbridgehouse.co.uk
Silver Award 2AA Rosette Restaurant
AA
HOTEL
AA BUDGET HOTEL
Wentvale Court
From £58.00 B&B
01977 676714
Great North Road, Knottingley,
Pontefract WF11 8PF
www.wentvalecourt.co.uk
AA
AA
GUEST HOUSE
GUEST HOUSE
Food and Drink
l Maud’s Yard
An historic yard off Market Place which
features three high quality eateries.
Maud’s Café Bar
01977 790658
Cromwell’s Tea Rooms
01977 702702
DJ’s American Style Diner
Telephone number not available
l Beastfair, Cornmarket & Front Street area
French style café - Jolie Maison Beastfair
01977 799300
Asian cuisine - Al Jamil Balti Restaurant Front Street
01977 797002
Asian cuisine - Shahban Front Street
01977 700007
l Northgate
Italian - Mamma Mia Pizzeria & Restaurant
01977 706825
In addition Pontefract has a large number of public houses, many of which
serve food throughout the day.
Inclusion on this list does not imply an official recommendation from
Wakefield Council.
Visit Wakefield Tourist Information Centre
Whether you are planning to visit for a break away
or just the day, the award winning team are on hand
to help you make the most of your visit.
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Kings Croft Hotel
From £45 B&B
01977 600550
Wakefield Road, Pontefract WF8 4HA
www.kingscrofthotel.com
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Premier Inn Pontefract South
From £29.00 Room Only online
0870 990 6386
Darrington, Pontefract WF8 3BL
www.premierinn.com
HOTEL
Thai restaurant- Ruan Kum Rai
01977 600659
Asian restaurant- Pabna
01977 798881 www.the-pabna.co.uk
Café Bar- Alleyc’Zam
01977 701177 (off Ropergate down the side of Yorkshire Bank)
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l Ropergate
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Best Western Rogerthorpe Manor
From £55.00 B&B
01977 643839
Thorpe Lane, Pontefract WF9 1AB
www.bw-rogerthorpemanor.co.uk
Wakefield Tourist Information Centre is fully accessible for
wheelchair users and is fitted with a hearing loop with trained staff
on hand to offer help if needed. Assistance dogs are welcome.
For further information about accessibility in Wakefield visit www.disabled.go.info
Wakefield Tourist Information Centre
9 The Bullring, Wakefield WF1 1HB Tel: 0845 601 8353 Email: [email protected]
www.experiencewakefield.co.uk
This information has been produced by Wakefield Council. We would like to thank
Tangerine Confectionery for their generous sponsorship and all of the Pontefract
venues and businesses that have assisted in the production of this information.
While every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information provided
here, Wakefield Council cannot accept any responsibility for errors, omissions or any
other consequence arising from utilising this publication. Therefore it is advisable
to check all times, dates, requirements and offers before hand. Inclusion on this
publication does not imply an official recommendation from Wakefield Council.
Accommodation bookings
l Travel advice & itinerary planning
l Theatre & event tickets
l Unique gifts & souvenirs
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