Our area guide to living in Pontefract
In the Wakefield district of West Yorkshire lies Pontefract, a historic market town. It’s famous for its liquorice-sweet industry and renowned Pontefract cakes. With lots going on, Pontefract is a fantastic place for your next home.
Local amenities
Pontefract’s market place is still the heart of the town and consists of independent and national retailers. The area has been pedestrianised making it safe and easy to shop.
Furthermore, there are several large supermarkets, like ASDA and Morrisons, conveniently located around Pontefract for making those weekly shops easier.
To uncover Pontefract’s history, there’s a museum in the town centre along with an informative visitor centre. There’s been a hospital that was recently built in Pontefract and also a library.
There’s a squash and leisure club, swimming pool, large golf course all located in the centre of Pontefract. The area is also home to local football and cricket clubs with sport being an important part of the town’s make-up.
Pontefract consists of independent and state schools. The New College is a sixth form which has been highly acknowledged as an outstanding sixth form provider.
From homes built in the 1920s to new build homes, Pontefract has a wide choice to choose from.
Leisure
Pontefract hosts a variety of local pubs and bars with the option of locally brewed beer and international craft beers. For food, there’s a large selection of restaurants offering cuisines from around the world.
The annual Liquorice Festival is held each July and celebrates the town’s heritage with sweets. There’s an arrangement of stalls from food to craft selling all sorts of liquorice themed items. Alongside the stalls are fairground rides, musicians and dancers, making it a fun day out.
Pontefract is well known for its racecourse especially because it is the longest flat circular course in Europe. The racecourse has Sunday Family Days which combines racing and family entertainment.
For those into history, Pontefract Castle is a must visit. It played a role during the English Civil War and was where King Richard II was held prisoner until his death.
Pontefract has several big green spaces nearby, great for those who like their outdoor strolls and walking trails. These include Pontefract Park, Frickley Park, Fairwood Valley Gardens and Brockadale Nature Reserve.
Transport
Pontefract hosts a variety of local pubs and bars with the option of locally brewed beer and international craft beers. For food, there’s a large selection of restaurants offering cuisines from around the world.
Pontecraft has great links with the M62 which connects you to Leeds and other areas around Wakefield. The A1(M) is another major road and accesses the north and south of the country.
There are three railway stations in Pontecraft: Pontefract Baghill, Pontefract Monkhill and Pontecraft Tanshelf. These connect locals to York, Sheffield, Leeds and a daily train also runs to London.
For flying, Leeds Bradford Airport offers domestic and European flights and is 28 miles away from Pontefract.