Pontefract es una pequeña ciudad ubicada en el centro de Inglaterra, conocida por su rica historia y sus fascinantes atracciones turísticas. Desde antiguos castillos y museos hasta parques temáticos y mercados locales, Pontefract ofrece una amplia variedad de entretenimiento para satisfacer a cualquier tipo de viajero. En este artículo, te presentaremos las mejores atracciones de Pontefract para que puedas planear un viaje inolvidable a esta hermosa ciudad. ¡Prepárate para descubrir lo mejor de Pontefract!
Las mejores atracciones en Pontefract
1. Pontefract Races
Pontefract Races seems to be a beloved attraction for locals and visitors alike. Many reminisce about past experiences and events that make this place a special destination for families and friends to gather. The atmosphere appears lively, friendly, and welcoming for all ages. However, it’s important to keep in mind that some visitors have had a bad experience with the restaurant service, so it’s worth doing some research and reading reviews before booking a table.
One of the best things about Pontefract Races is the variety of packages and options available to visitors. From dining in the Park Suite to enjoying a picnic in the enclosure, there’s something for every budget and preference. The picnic enclosure, in particular, seems to be a great value for money as visitors can bring their own food and drinks while still enjoying the beautiful surroundings and the exciting races. It’s also good to hear that there’s a relaxed dress code as it makes the experience more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
The racing itself, described as «very good» and «highly recommended,» is the main feature of Pontefract Races. Visitors can enjoy seeing the horses up close in the parade ring and witnessing the winners receiving their trophies. There’s a big screen and a betting hall, so everyone can follow the action and place their bets. While some visitors have criticized the limited menu in the restaurant and the small size of the members’ bar, it appears that the majority of people who visit Pontefract Races have a fantastic time and appreciate the facilities and services provided. Overall, it seems that this attraction should be on everyone’s list when visiting Pontefract.
2. Pontefract Castle
Pontefract Castle is a must-visit for those interested in history and stunning scenery. It is free to enter and is located in a picturesque area, with helpful information boards throughout the site. We appreciated the fact that the car park was also free, making it an affordable day out. The gift shop, cafe, and clean toilets added to the convenience of the visit, although it is worth checking opening times before setting off.
One of the standout features of Pontefract Castle was the friendly and knowledgeable staff. We met a lovely gentleman named Ben on our visit who provided us with a wealth of information about the «old priory» and surrounding area. He even recommended an interesting museum in town for us to explore. We were impressed with the generosity of his time and expertise. It was clear that the Wakefield Council does a great job maintaining the site, and there are plenty of events to look out for, like the popular dungeon tours.
This place has something for everyone, from history buffs to families, and even those just looking for a peaceful walk. The castle is well-maintained with plenty of wooden staircases to help visitors climb around and absorb the views. There is a play area for children, picnic tables in the middle, and the whole site is dog-friendly, making it a perfect destination for a picnic or a romantic date. Just keep in mind that the castle is located in a poorer part of town, and there may be beggars and homeless people in the area. Overall, we highly recommend a visit to Pontefract Castle for its historical beauty and fabulous surroundings.
3. Farmer Copleys
When it comes to Farmer Copleys, opinions seem to be divided. However, our experience has been mostly positive. The farm shop offers a wide variety of products, from fresh vegetables to artisanal cheese, and most of them are great value for money. We particularly enjoyed their ice cream, which comes in unique flavors and generous portions. The only downside is that some products, like sandwiches, can be quite expensive.
Another highlight of Farmer Copleys is their events. We attended the Apres ski party night and had a blast. The atmosphere was amazing, with great food, good company, and a true apres party vibe. The event was very well organized and not overcrowded, which made for a very pleasant experience. Service was also top-notch, with the hosts going the extra mile to make sure everyone was having a good time.
That being said, we have also heard some negative feedback about Farmer Copleys, particularly in regards to their prices. Some visitors felt that prices were inflated, and not justified by the quality of the products. In addition, some of the food could use improvement, as some reviewers noted tough and gristly steak or disappointing pies. However, these negative reviews seem to be in the minority, and overall we found Farmer Copleys to be a great place to visit. We would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a unique farm experience, good food, and fun events.
4. The Haribo Factory Outlet
If you’re a fan of sweets, then you should definitely visit The Haribo Factory Outlet in Pontefract. This shop offers a variety of Haribo sweets that are cheaper than what you’ll find in other stores like Asda, and the bags of sweets and boxes of marshmallows are much bigger. They even have some world market products that you won’t find anywhere else in the UK. The staff is helpful, the store is clean and tidy, and you’ll find plenty of sweets to choose from, including a pick and mix section. While some prices may not be cheaper, it’s still worth looking around and treating yourself.
One of the advantages of visiting The Haribo Factory Outlet is that you can buy sweets in bulk, which will save you a fortune. You can choose from a lot of different options that you won’t find elsewhere, including products made for the world market. Also, the staff is very friendly and helpful, which makes for a pleasant shopping experience. Another advantage is that there’s plenty of parking available, so you won’t have to worry about finding a spot nearby.
One of the disadvantages of the Haribo shop is that you won’t be able to see the factory in action, although you can still buy sweets straight from the factory floor, so you can’t get them any fresher. Additionally, while there’s a good selection of sweets and other Haribo branded products, including merchandise like teddy bears and flasks, you might be disappointed if you’re expecting to see more. However, The Haribo Factory Outlet is still worth a visit if you’re in the area, and you’ll find many great deals and a wide variety of sweets to choose from.
5. Brockadale Nature Reserve
Brockadale Nature Reserve is a beautiful and peaceful attraction that shouldn’t be missed. The easy walk is perfect for families, with plenty of opportunities to see wildlife along the way. We particularly enjoyed stopping off at the Shoulder of Mutton pub for a drink, which adds to the overall experience. The well-maintained reserve doesn’t show any signs of litter or damage, making it a great place for a tranquil and relaxing walk. However, one part to take note of is that loose cows can be found halfway through the walk.
One of the highlights of Brockadale Nature Reserve is the abundance of wildlife. We got a chance to see buzzards and kestrels, and there were plenty of birds to spot around the reserve. The path might not always be easy, with tree roots in some places, but it adds to the overall experience of being in a natural setting. It’s worth bringing your camera along to capture the beautiful sights and sounds of the birds and wildlife.
Brockadale Nature Reserve is a bit of a hidden gem, and we’re glad we revisited it after turning it into a memory from our childhood. The small car park can sometimes be easy to miss, but it’s free with a donation box. The walking paths are well-marked, albeit a little rugged, and there are benches along the way if you need to rest. Unfortunately, we did have a bad experience with a horse charging behind us, so it’s important to heed any warnings posted around the reserve. Overall, it’s an excellent place to visit for some fresh air, wildlife spotting, and peacefulness.
6. Magistrates Antique Centre & Market
As we explored the town of Pontefract, we came across the Magistrates Antique Centre & Market, and we have to say, we were impressed. The building itself is very grand and impressive, and the interior is just as unique. One of the biggest advantages of this place is the cafe, which has a large seating area with impressive old paintings on the wall that really add to the atmosphere. The food was tasty, and the service was great.
As we wandered around the centre, we were amazed at the number of cabinets, offering a wide range of collectibles at reasonable prices. We found some unique items, such as a crochet pumpkin and old records, which we purchased at a fair price. The jewellery cabinet, in particular, stood out to us, with a wide range of items made of gold and silver from different periods at cheap prices. The staff were helpful and friendly, making the shopping experience even more enjoyable.
Although we had a great experience, we did come across some negative reviews of the Magistrates Antique Centre & Market. Some people seemed to have experienced a downturn in quality and enthusiasm from some members of staff. However, we didn’t experience any of this and were impressed with the service we received. We also found some comments regarding the prices of some items in the cafe, which didn’t seem to match the quality of the food. Nevertheless, we still recommend giving this place a try, as the unique items, grand building, and friendly staff made it a highlight of our visit to Pontefract.
Overall, we highly recommend a visit to the Magistrates Antique Centre & Market. It’s a unique experience that can’t be described in just a few words. From the grand building to the vast range of items available, there’s really something for everyone. Give the cafe a try, as the unique and impressive seating area and tasty food make it a great spot to rest and take in the surroundings.
7. Frickley Park
Frickley Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a fun day out exploring the countryside. With multiple routes to take and plenty of walking paths, the park is perfect for people of all ages and abilities. The park is set on an old coal seam, and history enthusiasts can learn about the area’s long history of mining while exploring. The marker posts with details of the depth and direction of the mine shafts and coal seams are fascinating, and a walk around the park is sure to be both informative and enjoyable. Despite being a large area, the park is well-maintained, and there are plenty of signposts to guide visitors along the different routes.
Dog walkers will also find plenty to appreciate at Frickley Park. The park run is a particular challenge that some visitors may want to try, and there are plenty of other walks and interesting sights to explore with your four-legged friend. While there’s only one bin at the car park, the park is clean and well-maintained, and it’s easy to enjoy a lovely walk in the park without having to worry about litter or unpleasant smells.
The only downside to Frickley Park may be the lack of a proper car park, which can make it challenging to find a parking spot during peak hours. Despite this, the park is a gem that’s worth visiting, providing a peaceful, scenic place to explore and unwind. We highly recommend taking the time to visit Frickley Park if you’re looking for a fun day out exploring the history and beauty of West Yorkshire.
8. Kinsley Greyhound Stadium
If you’re looking for a fun and exciting way to spend an afternoon in Pontefract, you should definitely check out Kinsley Greyhound Stadium. The Sunday carvery is one of the highlights of their menu, offering a wide selection of fresh and tasty meats, sides and desserts for only £16 per person. The afternoon tea and races are also a must-see attraction, with plenty of sandwiches, chips, and cakes to enjoy while watching the greyhounds race around the track.
One of the things that we loved the most about Kinsley Greyhound Stadium was the family-friendly atmosphere. Everyone from young children to seniors can enjoy a day out here, and the staff is always friendly and welcoming. The whole place is also very clean and well-kept, which adds to the overall experience.
On the downside, we did notice that some of the staff members got a bit too enthusiastic when their dogs were winning, using inappropriate language in front of children. This was certainly a negative aspect of our visit, but overall it did not overshadow our enjoyment of the evening.
In conclusion, we highly recommend Kinsley Greyhound Stadium for anyone who is looking for an exciting and unique experience in Pontefract. With great food, friendly staff, and an overall welcoming atmosphere, this is a must-see attraction for any visitor to the area.
9. Pontefract Museum
Pontefract Museum is a must-see attraction if you’re in town. It’s housed in a stunning Art Nouveau building that used to be the first public library in the area. Free entry is always a plus, and the museum itself is small but packed with history and information about the town’s heritage. We found the local displays about liquorice and glass making particularly interesting. The exhibits were well-labelled, making it easy to understand what we were looking at. Another highlight of our visit was the rotating exhibition of pre-World War II political cartoons. We learned a lot about the fascinating history of Pontefract during our visit.
The staff at the museum are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. They gave us a warm welcome upon entering and one member even stayed with us and provided information on the various rooms and displays on offer. We also had the opportunity to stay in the archive room and do a bit of research, which was an unexpected bonus. The only downside was that we missed seeing any information panels explaining some of the artefacts on display. However, this didn’t detract from our overall enjoyment of our visit.
One of the standout features of Pontefract Museum is the exhibition of paintings of the local area by Geoff Leathley. They are truly fantastic and offer a unique perspective on the town’s history. The museum also includes relics from the sieges, which were a highlight, as well as exhibits revealing history from the Saxon era and up to the 20th Century. We ended up spending more time than anticipated at the museum and could easily have stayed longer. We highly recommend a visit to this charming museum while in Pontefract.
Esperamos que este artículo te haya resultado interesante y útil para planificar tu visita a Pontefract. Si quieres compartir tu experiencia o conoces otros lugares que deberíamos incluir en nuestra lista, no dudes en dejarnos un comentario o contactarnos a través de nuestras redes sociales. Estaremos encantados de conocer tus sugerencias y hacer de esta guía turística un recurso más completo y valioso para todos los viajeros. ¡Vamos juntos a descubrir los secretos de Pontefract!
