Museums and Castles events

Join us for a tour of the Pontefract Castle dungeons. Soak in the atmosphere of this eerie underground space, discover the history of the dungeon and see where Civil War prisoners left to languish scratched their names into the rock.

Please note: The tour involves going underground via steep steps with low light levels, uneven ground, and damp conditions. Sensible footwear is strongly recommended.

Book tickets for Pontefract Castle Dungeon Tours

Join the Castleford Museum team, rain or shine, for free fun craft activities every Saturday.

With different themed craft and activities each week, what will you make?

All activities and materials are provided and they’ll even tidy up afterwards!

Free and no booking required

Join the Wakefield Museum team, rain or shine, for free fun craft activities every Saturday.

With different themed craft and activities each week, what will you make?

All activities and materials are provided and they’ll even tidy up afterwards!

Free and no booking required

Join the Pontefract Museum team, rain or shine, for free fun craft activities every Saturday.

With different themed craft and activities each week, what will you make?

All activities and materials are provided and they’ll even tidy up afterwards!

Free and no booking required

The Battle of Wakefield in December 1460 is one of the most important and unknown battles of the entire Wars of the Roses.
It took place close to Sandal Castle and features in Shakespeare’s Henry VI Part 3.

Find out about history where it happened on this engaging tour around Sandal Castle grounds.

Join us to discover more about the numerous theories as to why Richard gave battle in vain. Did Shakespeare's history plays really tell the truth of the Wars of the Roses? Or was he just a 'mouthpiece' for the Tudors?

This is part of #WordFest #MakeWordsCount and  Our Year – Wakefield District 2024

For people aged 14+.

Free, booking required. Book Volunteer Tour: Sandal Castle and Shakespeare

Try your hand at the classic heritage craft of leatherworking!

Join fellow beginners and learn how to cut, sew, emboss and finish leather pieces.

Be inspired by our enchanting historic environment and make your own real leather stationery or notebook case.

Learn new skills for life in a friendly and relaxed environment. Take some time away from the hustle and bustle of the everyday with this age-old craft technique.

This workshop is a great way to treat yourself, or bought as a gift for a loved one!

For ages 16+

Tickets cost £55 including all materials, expert instruction and light refreshments.

Book Have a Dabble Masterclass: Leatherworking

Join us for a tour of the Pontefract Castle dungeons. Soak in the atmosphere of this eerie underground space, discover the history of the dungeon and see where Civil War prisoners left to languish scratched their names into the rock.

Please note: The tour involves going underground via steep steps with low light levels, uneven ground, and damp conditions. Sensible footwear is strongly recommended.

Book tickets for Pontefract Castle Dungeon Tours

Pop along for a relaxed hour's crafting with our friendly team.

Explore Castleford's colourful and crafty past and try out a different activity each month.

To celebrate Roman Festival, our craft for May will be inspired by our amazing collection of Roman objects found in Castleford.

All materials provided.

Free and no booking required.

Join Charlie Bear every Tuesday during term time for a lively session of storytelling, crafts and rhymes!

Ahead of Castleford Roman Festival on 1 June, we'll be inspired by our Roman objects throughout May.

Activities link to the following of your 50 Things to do Before You’re 5

#4 Make your Mark

#6 Rhyme Time

#10 Sharing books

#40 Happy History

Every Tuesday in term time, 10am – 11am

Free – No booking required

Meet Alphabet Cat and take part in activities, rhymes and more! 

Each month there's a new theme to help you explore Wakefield Museum. 

Have fun learning and playing together and tick off the following on your 50 Things to do Before You’re 5:

#6 Rhyme Time, #7 Making Music, #11 Making Connections, #39 Talking Signs, #40 Happy History 

Every Thursday morning from 10.30am to 11.30am during term time. 

Free and no booking required

These sessions are designed for toddlers aged 2 to 5 and their families.

Please note: The fire alarms in Wakefield One are tested at 11am on Thursdays. We have ear defenders you and / or your children can borrow.

Join us for a tour of the Pontefract Castle dungeons. Soak in the atmosphere of this eerie underground space, discover the history of the dungeon and see where Civil War prisoners left to languish scratched their names into the rock.

Please note: The tour involves going underground via steep steps with low light levels, uneven ground, and damp conditions. Sensible footwear is strongly recommended.

Book tickets for Pontefract Castle Dungeon Tours

Join us for a tour of the Pontefract Castle dungeons. Soak in the atmosphere of this eerie underground space, discover the history of the dungeon and see where Civil War prisoners left to languish scratched their names into the rock.

Please note: The tour involves going underground via steep steps with low light levels, uneven ground, and damp conditions. Sensible footwear is strongly recommended.

Book tickets for Pontefract Castle Dungeon Tours

Join the Castleford Museum team, rain or shine, for free fun craft activities every Saturday.

With different themed craft and activities each week, what will you make?

All activities and materials are provided and they’ll even tidy up afterwards!

Free and no booking required

Join the Wakefield Museum team, rain or shine, for free fun craft activities every Saturday.

With different themed craft and activities each week, what will you make?

All activities and materials are provided and they’ll even tidy up afterwards!

Free and no booking required

Join the Pontefract Museum team, rain or shine, for free fun craft activities every Saturday.

With different themed craft and activities each week, what will you make?

All activities and materials are provided and they’ll even tidy up afterwards!

Free and no booking required

Explore a wonderful wordy trail around the castle all week!

Discover old and unusual words you might not have seen before.

Use what you find to create some fantastical new words of your own!

Free and no booking required. 

This activity is part of #WordFest #MakeWordsCount and Our Year - Wakefield District 2024