attractions

Castleford

The ancient town of Castleford has about 38,000 inhabitants, located in West Yorkshire on the M62. In Roman Times, there was an important settlement on the River Aire - the name Castleford comes from the Latin ‘Castrum’ - a camp or fort. The town is easy to get to from elsewhere in the country, close to both Wakefield and Leeds and in recent years has benefited from substantial new investment in housing, retailing and leisure.

Junction 32

Junction 32 has all the ingredients for the ultimate day and night out with the added convenience of easy access and FREE parking. Within the resort there is one of the UK’s best outlet shopping villages, the UK’s largest indoor snow slope and much more at Xscape, a massive B&Q warehouse and an impressive selection of restaurants including Pizza Hut, McDonalds and Harvester. Plus you can make a weekend of it by staying at the Tulip Inn Hotel. See www.junction32.info for more information.

Xscape

Talking of leisure, if it’s adventure you’ve after, why not visit Xscape. It boasts the country’s biggest REAL snow slope, so both beginner and regular skiers and boarders can discover the thrill of snow sports without needing a passport. This is combined with a 14 screen cinema, 20 lane computerised bowling, 2 rock climbing walls, the UK’s biggest ice climbing wall, skate and air parks, bars, clubs, restaurants and urban-lifestyle shops! Click here to check out the website www.xscape.co.uk

National Railway Museum

For big trains, bigger stories and the biggest day out, come to York to the world's largest Railway Museum. Explore the three giant halls for the complete family experience packed full of incredible trains and interactive fun.

The collection includes over 100 locomotives and nearly 200 other items which tell the railway story from the early 19th century to the present day. Trains include the legendary Mallard, The Flying Scotsman, and the Bullet Train.

Children can enjoy the NRM playground, a railway themed play area where they can let off some steam. There is also the miniature railway, exhibitions, regular events, stories, and interactive learning with plenty of fun and games. You can even test yourself in the UK's first ever simulator of the Pennine Class 185, designed to train First TransPennine Express drivers.

Click here for more information www.nrm.org.uk

The Royal Armouries Museum

Go slightly further a field and you’ll find The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds - home for the national collection of arms and armour. With five themed galleries covering War, Tournament, Self-Defence, Hunting and the arms and armour of the Orient, there’s something to captivate every visitor, including Henry VIII's tournament armour, a replica Edwardian Gun Room, or the chance to shoot a crossbow! See www.armouries.org.uk for more information.

National Coal Mining Museum

The Castleford we know today grew up as a mining town and was once an important centre for the manufacture of glass and pottery. There had been mining in the area since at least the early 16th Century. At the National Coal Mining Museum they have developed the essential mining experience - telling the story of one of our oldest industries. There’s an underground tour that takes visitors 140 metres underground and traces mining techniques and conditions through time. Each of the guides is a former local miner, who will share their mining experiences with you. With exhibitions showing ‘Mining Lives’ and ‘Coal Interface’, plus opportunities to explore one of the many original pit buildings, see the pit ponies in the stables, take a ride on the Paddy Train and walk round the Nature Trail, there’s plenty for all the family to enjoy. See www.ncm.org.uk for further information and opening times.

Harewood House

Harewood House, home to the Queen's cousin, the Earl of Harewood, provides a wonderful day out for all the family. The House is set in spectacular grounds, which include formal gardens and gentle woodland walks. You can explore the hidden servant chambers in the fascinating 'Below Stairs' exhibition or be dazzled by the outstanding art collections and splendid State Rooms.

A visit to Harewood offers the opportunity to marvel at the collections in the House, explore the Gardens and Bird Garden, and take a boat trip across the lake, while youngsters can enjoy the challenge and excitement of the Adventure Playground! With an extensive programme of events and exhibitions, Harewood offers something for all.

Click here for more information www.harewood.org

Temple Newsam

Temple Newsam is one of the great historic estates in England. Set within over 1500 acres of parkland, woodland, and farmland landscaped in the 18th century, it is a magnificent Tudor-Jacobean mansion. The mansion houses rich collections of works of art, a garden nationally renowned for its plant collections and Europe's largest working Rare Breeds Farm. You can freely explore the cobbled yards to discover an interesting mixture of recreated workshops, exhibitions and rare breeds of livestock, all housed in the original buildings.

Temple Newsam hosts many events each year with regular activities for the children of all ages, with a whole mixture of fun, including craft making in the Bee Creative Club, Pumpkin carving, willow weaving, and clay modeling. With everything from music festivals to funfairs, demonstrations, guided walks and tours and bike rides, there's something for everyone at Temple Newsam.

Click here for more information www.leeds.gov.uk/templenewsam

Thackray Museum

The award-winning Thackray Museum is one of the UK's leading museums, telling the story of medicine and explaining how advances in medicine have changed our lives.

In the Life Zone you will have to chance to take an interactive journey though the human body and discover how your body works and how to stay healthy. There's everything from testing your strength against the mighty muscles to seeing how you taste and chew in the big mouth. You can even witness a reconstruction of a leg amputation in a 1840s operating theatre, certainly not for the faint hearted!

The museum is a fantastic day out, transporting you into a living experience of health and medicine, past, present and future. It's an inspiring visit for families, children, and groups of all ages with plenty of fun and interaction.

Click here for more information www.thackraymuseum.org

Henry Moore Institute

The Henry Moore Institute is a centre dedicated to sculpture. Based in the heart of Leeds, the Institute comprises three integrated elements: exhibitions, research, and collections. It was set up by Mr. Moore in 1977 'to advance the education of the public by the promotion of their appreciation of the fine arts.'

With beautiful exhibition galleries, an active research program and collections including sculpture, archive, and library, the Institute draws a wide audience from members of the public to academics and artists.

Click here for more information www.henry-moore-fdn.co.uk

Pontefract Racecourse

Just outside the town centre is Pontefract Racecourse, known in racing circles as having the longest, flat, circular course in Europe. Pontefract caters for all requirements, with televisions in all bars and refreshment areas, modern Tote facilities and kiosks throughout the stands, a children's playground and an off-course Betting Office. The racing programme has been greatly improved in recent years, resulting in the racing being both competitive and entertaining. See www.pontefract-races.co.uk for fixtures and admission prices.

Pontefract Castle

In the neighbouring town of Pontefract lies Pontefract Castle, which was one of the greatest fortresses in Yorkshire. Despite the fact that the castle was largely demolished, there is still a lot to see here. The remains of the castle still stand, and a lovely park area now stands within its walls. Tours of the castle and the underground magazine chamber are available to visitors. There is also a working blacksmith within the grounds.

In Pontefract town centre, with its cobbled streets that reflect the vast history of the town, the market bustles with shoppers. Outdoor markets are held twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. While you’re here, you’ll have to try the infamous liquorice 'Pontefract Cakes' which are still produced today. See www.pontefract-online.co.uk for more information about the town and the castle