Sandal Castle
Sandal Castle stands in a commanding position, to the south of Wakefield city centre, overlooking the River Calder.
The castle is best known for the famous Battle of Wakefield which was fought nearby in 1460 during the Wars of the Roses in which Richard, Duke of York was killed.
Remains of the 13th century stone castle and the fine motte bailey can been seen on site. Steps lead to the top of the motte where visitors are treated to superb views of the Calder Valley.
A modern visitor centre features family-friendly hands-on displays about the history of Sandal Castle and its owners.
During the English Civil War in the 1640s Sandal Castle was besieged twice by Parliamentary forces. Afterwards it was stripped of its defences.
To print off details and a plan of the layout of the castle please click on the PDF symbol below.
The castle is supported by an active friends group who help to promote Sandal Castle as an important historic site. New members wishing to join the Friends of Sandal Castle are always welcome. Please e-mail castles@wakefield.gov.uk or visit Sandal Castle visitor centre for further details.
key
Prices
Free entry
Opening details
| Season Dates | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Notes | Sandal Castle grounds are open to the public all year round. The Car Park is open 09.30 – 19.30 in Summer and till dusk in Winter. Please check signs on the car park gates for further details. The Visitors Centre and Shop is currently open Wednesday to Sunday 11.00 – 15.00 |
More infoContact
Sandal Castle Visitor CentreTel: 01924 249779
castles@wakefield.gov.uk
www.wakefield.gov.uk/castles
email a friend
Nearby
Local AccommodationVenue
Sandal CastleManygates Lane, Sandal, Wakefield, WF2 7DS
See location on Google maps.Map reference: SE 338182 Lat: 53.65919 Long: -1.49000
By Road:
Two miles from Wakefield city centre, on Manygates Lane, off Barnsley Road (A61)
By Public Transport:
Nearest bus station: Wakefield Bus Station
Limited car-parking is available. Overflow parking is available at Manygates Centre for selected evening events only.
Coaches are asked to drop off and park at Pugney's Country Park. (Tel: 01924 302 360 for details).
Parking : free
Nearest station : Sandal & Agbrigg station
Sandal Castle grounds are open to the public all year round.
The Car Park is open 09.30 – 19.30 in Summer and till dusk in Winter. Please check signs on the car park gates for further details.
The Visitors Centre and Shop is open Wednesday to Sunday 11.00 – 15.00
Also at this venue
Gift Shop & Visitor CentreEvents at this venue
| date | event |
|---|---|
| Wed 2 Nov 2011 - Sat 2 Nov 2013 | The Battle of Wakefield Exhibition |
| Thu 11 Oct 2012 - Fri 11 Oct 2013 | Sandal Castle Tours |
| Fri 24 May 2013 - Wed 7 Aug 2013 | Sandal Castle Facebook Photo Competition |
| Fri 5 Jul 2013 | The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny |
| Thu 25 Jul 2013 | Summer at Sandal |
| Fri 2 Aug 2013 | Romeo & Juliet |
| Wed 14 Aug 2013 | Bugs & Beasties |
| Fri 16 Aug 2013 | Dracula |
