Sandal Castle

Polly Checkland Harding
Sandal Castle
Wakefield Council

Now in ruins overlooking the Yorkshire countryside, Sandal Castle was once an imposing medieval construction and the site of major events in Britain’s history. Open year-round, the castle commands incredible views of the Calder Valley, and is home to events and activities throughout the year. Currently undergoing conservation work as Wakefield Council and Historic England protect the castle for future generations, this was the setting of several scenes in Shakespeare’s play Henry VI, Part III, and the spot where excavations in the 1960s and ‘70s uncovered treasures that are now in Wakefield Museum, including a 500-year-old gold love ring, inscribed with the words ‘I’m all yours’ in medieval French.

And yet Sandal Castle had humble beginnings, first constructed as an earthwork motte and bailey castle that was completed around 1130. Archeological evidence suggests that the rebuilding of the castle in stone began at the end of the 12th century and continued through the 13th century, with documents referencing materials being supplied in 1270 and 1275. The site is perhaps most famous for the Battle of Wakefield, one of the major events in the War of the Roses, which was fought on Wakefield Green below the castle. Here, the Duke of York was mortally wounded – but the castle itself escaped being damaged. After the battle, decline and decay followed; apart from its use as a Royalist garrison in 1645 during the Civil War, the castle was allowed to fall into the ruin it is now.

Today, it exists as a popular heritage attraction, with an independent, family-run and dog-friendly café in the former visitor centre – a favourite spot for the dramatic views of the castle itself. Here, you can enjoy daily specials and Sunday lunches cooked fresh on-site, as well as ice cream, hot and cold drinks and more. Open year-round, parking at Sandal Castle is free (check the website for opening times), and there are regular buses to Wakefield that stop a ten-minute walk away, while hourly trains connect Wakefield Westgate with Sandal and Agbrigg station, a twenty-minute walk away. Come to discover the role of this unique heritage site in British history – and follow the trail to Pugneys Country Park if you want to stretch your legs a little further.

Manygates LaneSandalWF2 7DS View map
Telephone: 01924249779 Visit Now

Opening Hours

  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on near Sandal Castle

Image by Tonje Thilesen, courtesy of Chromatic.
MusicLeeds
Baths at Headrow House

Baths brings his fourth record, Gut, to Headrow House this May, marking his first gig in Leeds in seven years.

from £16.00

Where to go near Sandal Castle

7A Wakefield Richard Wheater, Neon Workshops (c) Nicholas Singleton
Event venue
7A Wakefield

Wakefield’s 7A is a flexible performance / exhibition space Yorkshire. It is host to a number of impressive events used by Leeds College of Music, Wakefield College and the Neon Workshops.

Holmfield Arms
Wakefield
Hotel
Holmfield Arms

A popular lodge-style hotel set in picturesque parkland with its own restaurant, close to Wakefield city centre.

The Hepworth Wakefield
Wakefield
Gallery
The Hepworth Wakefield

Winner of the 2017 Art Fund Museum of the Year Award, The Hepworth in Wakefield is easily one of the leading cultural highlights of the North.

Wakefield
Restaurant
Hi Sushi

Hi Sushi is a new Japanese sushi restaurant, located at the site of the former Hokkaido Teppanyaki restaurant.

Neon Workshops
Wakefield
Neon Workshops

One of Wakefield’s coolest companies, book a workshop, visit a temporary exhibition or browse Neon Workshops’ online shop.

Wakefield
Bar or Pub
Now Serving

In the heart of Wakefield this basement bar, ‘high end, low brow’ by their own description, remains a popular watering hole.

Wakefield
Theatre
Stride Theatre

Stride Theatre is a diversity and SEN focused theatre company at the heart of the Wakefield community, looking to ‘bring people together’ and ‘allow individuals to flourish’.

Wakefield
Event venue
Venue 23

Venue 23 is an independently run live music venue in Wakefield, which plays host to both local and international talent.

Wakefield
Shop
Wakefield Antiques

Wakefield Antiques, The Ridings is the hot-spot space for locals of Wakefield to deal, create and collect products, craft and heirlooms.

The Hop Wakefield
Wakefield
Music venue
The Hop Wakefield

With over 50 years brewing experience and over 35 years knowledge of the music industry, The Hop Wakefield offers traditional ale plus contemporary music.

Frank Bird
Wakefield
Shop
Frank Bird

With an elegant facade and a reputation for excellent customer service, Frank Bird offers premium menswear collections from around the world.

Culture Guides

Sextile
Music in the North

Electronic music features heavily in our latest round-up of gig highlights across Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool.

Laura Ellen Bacon, Into Being, 2025. Photo © India Hobson, courtesy Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Exhibitions in the North

Willow weaving, textile collages, digital arts and ecology - all this and more in our exhibition top picks this month

A woman sits in a car with hands holding the steering wheel.
Cinema in the North

Vintage Alfred Hitchcock and a family friendly film festival are amongst our highlights this May.

Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Tours and Activities in the North

We've got many a good time in store this month as we round up the best walking tours, cultural classes and makers markets in the land.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Dynamic dance, party-performance, high-energy stand-up and a site-specific show set in a pub. All this and more in our newest theatre guide.

Okechukwu Nzelu
Literature Events in the North

If it's inspiring, inclusive events and avant-garde, experimental afternoons you're after, look no further than live literature this spring – we've got you covered.