Places to Visit

Nostell Priory
A National Trust property, situated 5 miles from Wakefield on the A638. The Palladian house contains a collection of Chippendale furniture made for the house. The grounds include lakeside walks, rose gardens and adventure playground. For further information telephone 01924 863892. Disabled access and facilities.

Newmillerdam Country Park
The Country Park is situated on the A61 near the pretty village of Newmillerdam, 3 ½ miles south of Wakefield. It offers lovely woodland and lakeside walks with plenty of birdwatching and coarse fishing (not between 1st March and 30th June). Newly restored boathouse with visitor centre open Sunday afternoon and Bank Holiday Mondays 1pm to 4.30pm. All lakeside walks suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Further information telephone 01924 303980

Sandal Castle
The castle is signposted from the A61 at Sandal and access is obtained from Manygates Lane. Originally a motte and bailey castle dating from the 12th Century, the later stone castle over looked the site of the Battle of Wakefield fought in 1460. After the siege during the Civil War in 1645, the castle was demolished on the orders of Parliament. During the 1960's and 70's the castle was restored to the condition in which we find it today. Admission free.

Pugneys Country Park
Situated on Asdale Road, off Denby Dale Road (A636), Wakefield Water sports enthusiasts catered for with activities including windsurfing, dingy sailing, canoeing, pedaloes and fishing. Also lakeside walks, birdwatching and picnicking. Open all year 9 - 9.30 pm or 1 hour before dusk (whichever is earlier). Toilets and wheelchair access. Admission free. For more information on special events programme, phone 01924 302360

Yorkshire Sculpture Park and Bretton Country Park
Situated close to the village of West Bretton off the A635 and junction 38 of the M1. Beautiful 18th Century landscaped grounds next to Bretton Lake Nature Reserve with several self-guided trails to follow. Within the Country Park is the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, which presents a programme of international exhibitions and a number of sculptures by locally born Henry Moore. Visitors centre: weekends only, 11am- 4pm. Wheelchair access limited by the terrain. Electric scooters available from the Yorkshire Sculpture Park - weekends only. Country Park open daily 10am to dusk. Admission free. For more information phone Countryside Services 01924 303980 or Yorkshire Sculpture Park 01924 830302.

Hemsworth Waterpark and Playworld Situated off Hoyle Mill Road, Kinsley - turn off the A638 at Nostell Priory. Gardens, lakes, inland play beaches, pedalos; miniature railway and an adventure play area are among the facilities. A second lake is reserved for fishing. Disabled facilities throughout the park. Refreshments available close by. For further information phone 01977 617617

National Coal Mining Museum

At the National Coal Mining Museum we have developed the essential mining experience - telling the story of one of our oldest industries.

THE UNDERGROUND TOUR

The tour takes visitors 140 metres underground and traces mining techniques and conditions through time.

It starts in the 19th century when women and children were allowed to work underground, in family based teams. Then see how pit ponies were used before mechanical systems were implemented. The end oof tour concentrates on modern mehtods of mining.

Each of the guides is a former local miner, who will share their mining experiences with you.

EXHIBITIONS

Mining Lives
This gallery allows a glimpse into the life of a miner at home, on the pit surface and at play. Featured areas include: Home Life, More to Mining Than Underground and Living Life to the Full.

Coal Interface
This gallery concentrates on the hazards of working underground and how these were overcome, using a variety of machinery. Upstairs the gallery looks at underground communications and how coal was moved underground and on the surface.

Please note this gallery will not be open until the beginning of July.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

*Go into many of the original pit buildings which can be explored by visitors.
*Discover big machines, normally hidden deep underground, can be seen all round the site.
*Visit the pit ponies in the stables.
*Take a ride on the Paddy Train.
*Walk round the Nature Trail.
*Enjoy the visitor services in the shop and restaurant.

GENERAL INFORMATION

As this is a real coal mine warm clothes and sensible shoes are recommended.

All children must be accompanied by an adult, those under five years cannot go underground but can discover the Mini Miners play area.

We recommend a mininmum of three hours for your visit, but you could spend the whole day here. The last underground tour is at 3.30pm.

There is access to the majority of the site, including the underground tour, for disabled users. Please contact the Museum for further details.

Click here to visit our web site

Secker Wood Local Nature Reserve Situated off the A61, south of Newmillerdam, this site of Special Scientific Interest is a mixture of dry heath, wet heath and semi-woodland providing a rich habitat for wild-life. No disabled accress. For further information phone 01924 303980

Stanley Marsh Nature Reserve
Situated off Lime Pit Lane close to junction 30 of the M62, this small area of wetland created by mining subsidence, has become an important habitat for wildlife. There is a 1 km trail around the reserve suitable for both wheelchairs and pushchairs. For further information, including use of classroom facilities, phone 01924 303980

The Heronry, Waterton Countryside Discovery Centre and Anglers Country Park
Situated off Haw Park Lane off the A638 - 7 miles south east of Wakefield. Explore the woodlands, lakes and former Barnsley canal or enjoy birdwatching or trout fishing. Ideal for walking, cycling and hourseriding. Picnic area and visitor centre. For further information, phone 01924 303980

Pontefract Castle
Situated on the east side of Pontefract town centre. The first castle was Norman built by Ilbert de Lancy and was progressively extended over the centuries. In 1399 it become a royal castle and Richard II died here. The castle was largely demolished in 1649 by Parliamentarians after many sieges. Admission free. For further information and opening times, phone 01977 6000208. Pontefract Races Situated at Pontefract Park, north of Pontefract, a horse race course offering a full programme of 'Flat' race meetings. Sixteen meetings between mid April and end of October. For further information phone 01977 703224

Kirklees Light Railway
Situated at Clayton West of the A636 Denby Dale Road. Yorkshire's great little train with half size real steam trains. The four mile track, which includes a tunnel runs through farmland to the village of Skelmanthorpe. Other attractions include a small model railway and half scale fairground rides. Trains run every hour between 11am and 3pm. Extra trains at peak times. For further information, phone 01484 865727.