Wakefield

Wakefield has not one, but two train stations in the center, one at either end of town plus a number of extra stops in local villages such as Outwood. All of which means you can get anywhere from Penzance to Edinburgh without any hassle. The M1 and M62 motorways are both just minutes away if driving is your preferred mode of transport and there’s even Leeds Bradford Airport and Doncaster Airport for international travel as and when you need it. On top of that, there’s also the local bus station, more taxi ranks than you can shake a stick at and plenty of cycle routes too. When it comes to transport, this really is where Wakefield’s position both at the heart of Yorkshire and at the centre of the UK really comes into its own.

If you like to shop then Wakefield offers a diverse range of options in the bustling city center. The Ridings Shopping Centre and Trinity Walk both boast high street names like Primark, TK MaXX, Boots, M&S and Pandora as well as a number of independent stores such as Created in Yorkshire. Venturing out onto the streets you can find designer clothes at Frank Bird, trendy houseplants at The Plant Market, craft supplies at Wool N Stuff as well as loads more. Unlike neighbouring Leeds, you don’t have to walk miles traversing the city center either, as the majority of retailers are based around the beautiful Cathedral (in front of which you’ll also find the regular market stalls and the annual stalls at the rhubarb festival).

Celebrate art in Wakefield by visiting The Hepworth Wakefield and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. There’s also self-led Artwalk nights hosted by the Art House where you can indulge in art and ale, pop-up workshops and live performances from both established and up and coming creatives. You can also take in a performance at Wakefield’s Theatre Royal and enjoy music and entertainment during the city’s Long Division festival in the summer.

If you like dining out, then you have no shortage of choices in Wakefield… and even when you have tried all the local restaurants, there’s also plenty more options in nearby Leeds. A few of our favourites in the centre include Tet, Fino, The Supper Club and Qubana. For pub food, The Boundary House in Methley is fab and for tea and cake how about Marmalade on the Square or Mocha Moocha?