Tourist information on Wakefield
- By:Leisha Greenfield
Tourist information on Wakefield
The Wakefield borough comprises more than forty towns and villages, including woodlands and countryside, and the principle city has a population of almost 80,000 people.
The history of the city dates back to the Middle Ages, and much time and care has been devoted to preserving and excavating the city's archaeological treasures. But the numerous museums, heritage centres and historical sites do not detract from the city's vibrant, modern atmosphere.
The thriving nightlife, cultural facilities and top quality restaurants make the city a popular place to visit, and the £100million regeneration plans are sure to further increase tourism to the area.
History
Wakefield has existed since the medieval era, and gained industrial importance from its cloth-dealing industry. Coal mining provided much employment in the area, and Wakefield was hit hard by the closure of the pits during the mid- to late twentieth century.
Caphouse Colliery, the oldest working mine in the country, has since been converted into the National Coal Mining Museum, providing tours several times a day, exhibitions and educational events.
Sandal Castle, immortalised by the rhyme 'The Grand Old Duke of York', is the ruin of the castle at which the Duke of York was defeated during The War of the Roses, and is open to the public today.
Art Galleries
The Wakefield Art Gallery is home to a vast collection of paintings and sculptures, dating from the sixteenth to the twentieth century. Local sculptors, Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth, are well reflected in the gallery's collections. The gallery is close to the city centre and located in a nineteenth century town house.
The Hepworth will replace this gallery in 2008, as it is believed The Wakefield Art Gallery is not able to display the works to their best advantage.
The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is based in 200-year old landscaped gardens, and comprises four exhibition areas, showcasing a variety of sculptures and art installations.
Theatres
The Wakefield Theatre Royal and Opera House comprises three levels and seating for 500 people. The building is Grade II listed Victorian, and retains much of its original dramatic ambience and acoustics. The theatre is incredibly successful, with an annual turnover of £1million, and presents a busy programme of drama, comedy, musicals and lectures. As with many theatres, its most popular production is that of the annual Christmas pantomime.
The Wakefield Cycle is the performance of 32 plays, based on Bible and folk stories, in various locations around the city over 32 days. The 'cycle' is an ancient British tradition, but Wakefield’s is one of only four remaining. No dates have yet been set for 2007.
The Stagecoach Theatre Arts School stage performances twice a year.
Restaurants
The Cow Shed is the sixteenth century, Grade II listed building that inspired Joanne Harris's novel, 'Chocolat'. The restaurant serves contemporary grilled food and offers a choice of indoor and outdoor seating. Catering for up to 60 people is available.
The Kaye Arms serves contemporary British cuisine and snacks, with an extensive, international wine list. The restaurant is family-run and has been trading for forty years.
Rinaldi Ristorante Italiano is an Italian fine dining restaurant, serving traditional Italian cuisine and an extensive choice of specials. Other Italian fine dining restaurants include Valentinos and Bella Roma.
Spice Cottage and Aggrah are popular Indian restaurants that serve quality food at reasonable rates. Thai Kitchen's prices are higher, but its dishes are authentic Thai that have been praised by critics and customers.
Pubs/Bars
The Westgate Run is a 500-yard stretch, that forms a popular (and notorious) pub-crawl.
Harry's Bar is one of twenty on The Westgate Run, voted 'Pub of the Season' in Spring 2006 by CAMRA, and listed in Good Beer Guide.
The Redoubt is another real ale bar, and regarded as the start of 'The Run'. The pub is separated into snugs, lounges and games room, and staff are said to be friendly and welcoming. The Union is another place to start, and serves a wide selection of beers, wines and cocktails.
Escobar is a more upmarket establishment, with higher prices and playing host to live music events and DJs in the evenings. Mex is a reasonably priced cocktail bar, and Pink Lizard is an upmarket cafe-bar.
Nightclubs
Club Ikon is one of the most popular clubs in the city, and offers trance and hard house, including a Ministry of Sound night. There are separate nights for under-18s and over-21s, but the majority of nights are for the 18 crowd.
Mustang Sally's is a popular student club, presenting cheesy pop and commercial dance. ICE nightclub is also loved by students, and offers techno, tech-trance, hardstyle and house music most nights, and r'n'b, hip-hop and funk on others.