Free things to do in Wakefield
Wakefield is better for free days out than many people expect. You can climb the ruins of Sandal Castle for views over the Calder Valley, learn the city's story at Wakefield Museum, then walk down the hill to the lakes at Pugneys Country Park, all without paying for entry.
The free mix covers a city museum, parks like Thornes Park with its rose gardens and conservatory, nature reserves such as Southern Washlands and Stanley Marsh, and memorials including the Lofthouse Colliery Memorial. Spring and summer suit the parks and lakeside paths best, while the museum is a good bet on a wet weekday or Saturday (it is closed on Sundays).
Highlights
Sandal Castlei
Amazonian Caiman Godi
Queen Victoriai
Coronation Gardensi
Wakefield Museumi
Best for rainy days
Wakefield Museum on Burton Street is free and covers Wakefield Jail, rugby, rhubarb growing and life in the city across three exhibition areas. The garden at The Hepworth Wakefield is free for everyone, and the gallery itself is free for Wakefield District residents and under-18s (other adults pay for exhibition entry).
The Hepworth WakefieldAward-winning gallery of modern sculpture by the River Calder.Free entry · paid extrasWakefield MuseumA museum or gallery near Wakefield.Free entry · paid extrasWest Yorkshire History CentreA museum or gallery near Wakefield.Free entry · paid extras
Mental Health MuesumA museum or gallery near Wakefield.Free entry · paid extrasBest for families
See more ›Thornes Park has a play area, a skate park nearby, a lake for spotting mallards and moorhens, and an aviary, all free to visit. Pugneys Country Park has a lakeside path that suits buggies, plus toilets and baby changing.
The Hepworth WakefieldAward-winning gallery of modern sculpture by the River Calder.Free entry · paid extrasSandal CastleHilltop castle ruins overlooking the Battle of Wakefield site.✓ FreeCoronation GardensA public park and green space near Wakefield.✓ FreeThornes ParkA public park and green space near Thornes.✓ Free
Wrenthorpe Park & Alverthorpe MeadowsA public park and green space near Alverthorpe.✓ Free
Best for walks and views
Pugneys Country Park has a lakeside path and a woodland trail to its second lake, and a path from there climbs up to Sandal Castle for views over the park. For quieter wildlife walks, try Southern Washlands Nature Reserve, Stanley Marsh Nature Reserve or Alverthorpe & Wrenthorpe Meadows LNR.
Best for history
Sandal Castle dates from the 12th century and is best known for the Battle of Wakefield in 1460, when Richard, Duke of York was killed during the Wars of the Roses. Closer to home, the Lofthouse Colliery Memorial and the Dame Mary Bolles Water Tower at Heath are free to see.
Sandal CastleHilltop castle ruins overlooking the Battle of Wakefield site.✓ FreeDame Mary Bolles Water TowerA historic site to explore near Heath.✓ Free
War MemorialA historic site to explore near Walton.✓ Free
War MemorialA historic site to explore near Chapelthorpe.✓ Free
All free places in Wakefield
See them all on the map ›Queen VictoriaPublic art to spot on a walk in Wakefield.✓ FreeCastle Grove ParkA public park and green space near Portobello.✓ Free
Sandal Castle & ParkA public park and green space near Sandal.✓ Free
Pugneys Country ParkA public park and green space near Wakefield.✓ Free
Walton Nature ReserveA public park and green space near Walton.✓ Free
Betty Eastwood ParkA public park and green space near Crigglestone.✓ Free
Upcoming free events
Getting there and around
Wakefield has two stations. Wakefield Westgate is on the main line, with LNER trains between Leeds and London King's Cross plus CrossCountry and local Northern services, while Wakefield Kirkgate is served mainly by Northern trains to Leeds, Sheffield and beyond. There is a large multi-storey car park next to Westgate station, and city centre parking is generally paid, so check Wakefield Council's current charges. Sandal Castle has its own car park, and Pugneys Country Park's car park is open until 9pm.
Questions people ask about Wakefield
What free things are there to do in Wakefield?
Wakefield Museum, Sandal Castle, Pugneys Country Park and Thornes Park are all free to visit. You can also explore nature reserves such as Southern Washlands and Stanley Marsh, and the free garden at The Hepworth Wakefield.
Is The Hepworth Wakefield free?
The garden is free for everyone and open daily. Gallery entry is free for Wakefield District residents, under-18s and members, while other adults pay for exhibition entry.
Is Sandal Castle free to visit?
Yes. Sandal Castle is free, open every day and dog friendly, and you can climb the steps to the top of the motte for views over the Calder Valley.
Where can kids play for free in Wakefield?
Thornes Park has a play area, a lake with ducks and an aviary. Pugneys Country Park is good for a buggy-friendly lakeside walk, though the light railway and bike hire there cost extra.
Also nearby
Everything within 10 miles ›
Stanley Marsh Nature ReserveA nature reserve to explore on foot near Stanley.✓ Free
Outwood ParkA public park and green space near Outwood.✓ Free
Newland ParkA public park and green space near Wakefield.✓ Free
Carr Lodge ParkA public park and green space near Horbury.✓ Free
War MemorialA historic site to explore near Kirkhamgate.✓ Free
Lofthouse Colliery Nature ParkA public park and green space near Lofthouse Gate.✓ Free
Horbury Memorial ParkA public park and green space near Horbury.✓ Free