5 of our favourite Wakefield landmarks
Wakefield plays host to some truly spectacular buildings and structures, both traditional and contemporary. To celebrate the city's collection of iconic constructions, we've chosen our 5 favourite landmarks in Wakefield.
Nostell Priory and Parkland - Dating back to 1733
Nostell Priory and Parkland is a renowned landmark in Wakefield, epitomising Georgian elegance and grandeur. This famous building, managed by the National Trust, is set within an expansive parkland designed by Capability Brown. The priory itself, an 18th-century masterpiece, houses an extensive collection of Chippendale furniture and fine art. Visitors can explore the lavish interiors, or enjoy the surrounding parkland features, including the riverside path, woodland trails, and carefully landscaped gardens. Nostell Priory stands as a testament to the architectural and landscaping brilliance of its era and provides a picturesque day-out for the family, especially in the summer months.
The Hepworth - Built 2011
The Hepworth is a landmark gallery in Wakefield, celebrated for its modern architecture and dedication to contemporary art. Named after the famous Wakefield-born sculptor Barbara Hepworth, this building stands as a cultural beacon in the city. Designed by David Chipperfield, the gallery’s striking design and riverfront location make it a famous building in its own right. Inside, The Hepworth houses an extensive collection of Hepworth's works alongside rotating exhibitions of contemporary artists. As a landmark, it attracts art lovers from around the world, enriching Wakefield's cultural landscape and continuing to celebrate Hepworth’s legacy as a home-grown success.
Wakefield Cathedral - Built 1300s
Wakefield Cathedral, a prominent landmark in the city, is known for its striking Gothic architecture and for boasting the tallest spire in Yorkshire. With clear skies, the 247-foot spire can be seen throughout Wakefield and even beyond! Originally founded in the 9th century, the cathedral has undergone various transformations, with the current structure dating back to the 14th century. Its impressive interior features stunning stained-glass windows, intricate carvings, and a sense of historical grandeur. The cathedral serves as a spiritual hub and a venue for cultural events, reflecting its enduring significance in Wakefield, as it continues to symbolise the city's rich religious heritage.
The National Coal Mining Museum - Opened 1985
The National Coal Mining Museum is a celebration of Britain's coal mining history, a self-described 'gateway to our nation's relationship with the earth. The site became a museum in 1985, but its history as a working mine date much further back. A shaft believed to be operational in 1789 is still used today and is considered one of Britain's functional coal-mining shafts. Exhibits cover mining history, technology and mining's links with local communities. Admission is free and visitors will even get to experience the realities of mining with a guided underground tour. Located at Caphouse Colliery on the Western border of the Yorkshire coalfield, this landmark provides a poignant reminder of the industry that once powered Britain and shaped the lives of countless families in Wakefield and beyond.
Chantry Chapel - Built 1340's
The Chantry Chapel of St Mary the Virgin, a distinctive landmark in Wakefield, is one of only four surviving bridge chapels in England. This famous building, dating back to the 14th century, stands on a medieval bridge over the River Calder. The chapel's Gothic architecture features ornate stonework and stained-glass windows, reflecting its historical and religious significance. It remains an active place of worship and a cherished heritage site, but in the 700-plus years since its conception, has functioned as a library, an office and even a cheese shop! As a landmark, the Chantry Chapel highlights Wakefield's medieval history and architectural ingenuity.
