What’s On In Wakefield: Things To Do

If you’re wondering what to do in Wakefield, do not worry. The town has a diverse mix of historic charm and modern convenience that attracts new visitors each year.

Known for its excellent commuter connections and vibrant city life, Wakefield suits people of all ages and interests.

Read what you can get up to in Wakefield in our guide below. 

Where is Wakefield 

Wakefield is a modern city with a population of around 357,729. It is located in West Yorkshire, England, 9 miles southeast of Leeds on the River Calder, surrounded by a wide array of open green spaces.

The Hepworth Wakefield 

This multi-award-winning gallery with breath-taking exhibitions showcases the best international, modern and contemporary art.

What is The Hepworth Gallery in Wakefield?

This award-winning art gallery is set in the heart of Yorkshire and overlooks the River Calder. It was designed by the acclaimed David Chipperfield Architects and opened in May 2011.

It was named after Barbara Hepworth, one of the 20th-century's most important artists, who was born in Wakefield. 

Over the years, significant exhibitions have shown both international modern and contemporary art from artists such as Ben Nicholson, L.S. Lowry, Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore, Phyllida Barlow, Alvaro Barrington, Jadé Fadojutimi, Anthea Hamilton, Martin Parr, and Eva Rothschild.

Regular fairs and markets support artists and makers throughout the year. An award-winning learning programme also engages and inspires families, communities and educational institutions.

If you appreciate art, view our blog all about The most popular art galleries in London.

Where is The Hepworth in Wakefield?

The Hepworth Wakefield, Gallery Walk, Wakefield, Yorkshire, WF1 5AW

The Hepworth Gallery opening times 

Monday 10:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday 10:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday 10:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday 10:00am - 5:00pm
Friday 10:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday 10:00am - 5:00pm

Venue 23 in Wakefield

This independently run live music venue has previously hosted hugely popular bands and artists, including Joy Division, Kasabian, Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, and New Order founder Peter Hook. It is a perfect venue for music, drama, and comedy fans.

What is Venue 23 in Wakefield?

With a capacity of 850 people, this music venue has an industrial vibe and is home to cutting-edge local and international talent. Over the years, hugely popular bands and artists, such as Joy Division, Kasabian, Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, and New Order founder Peter Hook, have graced its stage.

This music venue, Venue 23, has been a massive win for the city’s music scene. New management is looking to modernise both the physical venue and its approach to programming, including hosting themed nights such as indie nights, student nights, rock nights, and retro nights, which Wakefield has not had for many years.

Explore these local attractions by travelling to Wakefield Kirkgate train station on one of our Grand Central trains.

Where is Venue 23 in Wakefield?

Venue 23, 23 Smyth Street, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 1ED

Wakefield Venue 23 opening times 

Monday 7:00pm - 12:00am
Tuesday 7:00pm - 12:00am
Wednesday 7:00pm - 12:00am
Thursday 7:00pm - 12:00am
Friday 7:00pm - 12:00am
Saturday 7:00pm - 12:00am
Sunday 7:00pm - 12:00am

The Chantry Chapel of St Mary the Virgin in Wakefield

Including one of only three surviving bridge chapels in England, this chapel showcases George Gilbert Scott's revival of gothic architecture to reflect and encapsulate God’s authentic style.

What is The Chantry Chapel of St Mary the Virgin

The Chantry Chapel of St Mary the Virgin, Wakefield, is a fascinating building and one of three surviving bridge chapels in England. Together with the bridge, it is a scheduled ancient monument and Grade I listed building.

It was first built in the mid-14th century when the wooden bridge was replaced with stone and used as a mass house.Today, only the medieval base of the chapel remains, with the upper parts rebuilt between 1847 and 1848.

Only four stained glass windows remain; the flesh tones of the people in them and the sharply contrasting colours are at odds with the original set. The Yorkshire Architectural Society never raised enough money for the new chapel, so the other windows remained plain glass. Meanwhile, the crypt below and the staircase that leads down to it are what remains of the medieval structure, with original Victorian floor tiles, a fireplace, and a sink.

View this incredible building in person, and don’t forget to look out for the carved heads on either side of the windows outside. Each is based on a modern figure connected to the church.

Visit our Bronte Country and West Yorkshire page to see what else Wakefield and nearby areas have to offer.

Where is Wakefield’s Chantry Chapel of St Mary the Virgin

The Chantry Chapel of St Mary the Virgin, 3 Calder Vale Rd, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 5DL

The Chantry Chapel of St Mary the Virgin opening times 

Now open to visitors on public holidays and national heritage open days and for groups by appointment.

Theatre Royal Wakefield 

The Theatre Royal Wakefield is a beautiful Victorian theatre with an important architectural heritage. It is now home to a modern programme of productions and shows, emphasising collaboration with the local community.

The nearby café bar is also open to visitors during the day for coffee, soft drinks, and cake, and it transitions into a full bar for the evening.

Wakefield Theatre: What’s on?

Wakefield’s Theatre Royal is a beautiful Victorian theatre with a strong architectural heritage. It is home to many modern productions and shows, including a mix of music, drama, and comedy alongside theatre-created productions such as the hugely popular annual pantomime.

Shows occur here 265 days a year, emphasising collaboration and incorporating the local community.

This Grade II listed building was first built in 1894 and was designed by renowned theatre architect Frank Matcham. This traditional Victorian theatre has red velvet seats and a gold-leaf-decorated proscenium arch that frames the stage.

Hull Truck Theatre produces shows, such as Bikers, which enjoyed an extended run in London’s West End in 2019. This productive collaboration helps to bolster the theatre’s appeal further.

Do we have a round-up of this year's best UK pantomimes? Oh yes, we do! Read it here. 

Where is the Theatre Royal in Wakefield?

Theatre Royal Wakefield, 12 Drury Lane, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 2TE

Wakefield Theatre Royal opening times 

Monday 10:00am -5:00pm
Tuesday 10:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday 10:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday 10:00am - 5:00pm
Friday 10:00am - 5:00pm

Nostell Priory and Parkland in Wakefield 

Nostell Priory depicts wealth and status. It is home to treasures, including over 100 items designed by famous furniture maker Thomas Chippendale. Visitors are welcome to explore the Priory and the Parkland with guided walks around the parkland and the estate’s various gardens.

What is Nostell Priory in Wakefield?

Built from wealth and status, Nostel Priory is an 18th-century architectural masterpiece surrounded by 300 acres of landscaped gardens and parkland.

It took its name from the 12th-century priory that once stood on the site, built on a grand vision from the Winn family with a statement of social status between 1725 and 1785, and furniture designed by Thomas Chippendale himself.

Nowadays, visitors are welcome to discover both the house and gardens. Monthly guided walks around the parkland and estates allow you to learn about the history of Nostell Priory.

A Kitchen Garden is also planted with historical apple trees and harvested produce used within the Courtyard Cafe.

If you’re looking for other scenic walking areas, read our best spring walks, just a train ride away.

Where is Nostell Priory?

Nostell Priory and Parkland, Doncaster Road, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 1QE

Nostell Priory and Parkland Opening Times 

Monday 10:00am - 5:00am
Tuesday 10:00am - 5:00am
Wednesday 10:00am - 5:00am
Thursday 10:00am - 5:00am
Friday 10:00am - 5:00am
Saturday 10:00am - 5:00am
Sunday 10:00am - 5:00am

Get a Grand Central Train to Wakefield Kirkgate Train Station

From historic landmarks and tranquil parks to famous art pieces to admire. There’s plenty to explore in Wakefield and surrounding areas. Book a train ticket to Wakefield today.