Today's Feature
The Sands Seafront Apartments
Luxury apartments with spectacular sea views. Situated on Scarborough’s North Bay, and just a minute’s walk from beautiful beaches and shops
The Sands 5* Sea Front Apartments are situated on Scarborough's rugged coastline. Located just yards from the beach, you are in one of the mostunique and stunning locations in Yorkshire. The apartment... More infoPontefract Tourist Information
Pontefract, operating as a market town since the Middle Ages, is situated on an old Roman road and owes a great deal of its growth to the old barracks, its coal mining industry and liquorice manufacturing.
The earliest links between Pontefract and liquorice manufacturing go all the way back to 1695, and till today the town celebrates an annual Liquorice Festival and is still known for producing the famous Pontefract cakes. Most of the history of the town’s growth and heritage is documented and displayed in Pontefract Museum, located within its town centre.
A must-see attraction is Pontefract Castle, one of the most significant medieval fortresses in the north of England. It became a royal castle in 1399, and is perhaps most famous for being the site of Richard the II’s death.
Pontefract Racecourse in known in horse-racing circuits and throughout the United Kingdom for having the longest flat, circular course in Europe, and is reputedly one of the best appointed courses of its kind. The racecourse houses eateries and bars, and is worth taking a day trip to if you have the time.
In nearby Castleford, there is an award-winning entertainment destination, Xscape, which will provide leisure activities suitable for the entire family. With everything from skiing to rock-climbing, there is certain to be something you enjoy doing. Located right beside Xscape is Junction 32 Outlet Shopping Village, a large shopping centre with over ninety different name brand stores offering discounts up to 60% off recommended retail price daily.
If you’d rather do your shopping in Pontefract itself, Pontefract Market Hall is open to the public six days a week, and offers a wide variety of quality local products at affordable prices.
Pontefract is well-known for its traditional night life, with a huge selection of local public houses, serving food and drink nightly. Many restaurants are also available if preferred, with a range wide enough to indulge visitors of any taste.
Interesting fact: Pontefract’s name originates from the Latin ‘ponte fractus’ meaning “broken bridge”.
Things to see and do:
Pontefract Castle
Pontefract Market Hall
Pontefract Museum
Pontefract Racecourse
