I can’t believe we haven’t reviewed Sandal Castle – we have been here so many times and have so many memories here! It has been so nice looking at all our photos and choosing some to add to the article.
We live close to Sandal Castle and there are a few walking/cycling routes we can take to get there. We have visited at various different stages of our lives since we moved here…when we had Matilda and she was in a sling, then a pram, then running around, and then on her bike. We then had Barney and did all of the same but as a family of four. It is somewhere we have met with family and friends and I would say it is quite special to us for all of these reasons.
Where Sandal Castle?
Sandal Castle is a ruined medieval castle in Sandal, a suburb of the city of Wakefield in West Yorkshire, England, overlooking the River Calder.
You can access it via Pugneys Country Park, via Milnthorpe Lane, from Manygates Lane, or from the houses behind Pugneys – because of this it means there are several routes to take once you have visited the castle, should you wish to make it a longer walk.
The History of Sandal Castle
It was built in the early 12th century by William, second Earl Warenne, after receiving the manor of Wakefield from Henry I for his support at the battle of Tinchebrai in 1106. It was a timber motte and bailey castle, rebuilt over the course of the 13th century in stone. After the Warenne family died out without any legitimate children in 1347, the castle eventually came into the hands of the Dukes of York. There is little evidence that they used the castle other than for administrative functions, such as holding manor courts and managing the manor. (Thanks to Wakefield Historical Society for this information).
There is such a history behind Sandal Castle – some of which can be read on the plaques around the perimeter. It is a very gory, and sad story but a very interesting one.
The famous nursery rhyme, The Grand Olde Duke of York is said to be based on Richard Duke of York and The Battle of Wakefield and to have been written to show the futility of war.
Oh, the grand old Duke of York,
He had ten thousand men,
He marched them up to the top of the hill
And he marched them down again.
And when they were up they were up,
And when they were down they were down,
And when they were only half way up
They were neither up nor down.
Some people claim the Duke of York in question was actually Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany and had nothing to do with Richard – and unfortunately, we will never know!
What Is There to Do?
Walking around the perimeter
There is a lovely walk around the outside of the castle remains.
Walking over the bridge and up the steps to see the fantastic views.
Once you have walked the perimeter you can walk across the bridge (which was renovated fairly recently), and then walk up the steps to a railed area where you can take in the views from all angles.
Eat in the cafe
The Castle Cafe serves some of the best food we have had anywhere. Ryan and I have eaten there together and we have both met friends there and have never been disappointed. The only time we are is when it is closed as they don’t open all week. Please check the times on the official website or Google Maps for opening hours. These vary.
Events
Occasionally there are events held at the Castle. Although we have never been able to attend, I know there was an event for the time capsule being lowered (which we contributed to), there was a music night over the summer one year with local bands playing, and sometimes charity events too. I would love for there to be more events as I think that would make it a better place still.
Snow days
It is a great place to visit on a snow day – I would say half of the local families go here and half go to Sandal Golf Club. The Castle has often been in the Wakefield Express on snow days with pictures of joy-filled children!
Walks from Sandal Castle
As I said earlier, there are so many ways to walk or cycle to Sandal Castle, so you can take a different path every time and walk somewhere new. You can walk through the fields to Pugneys, walk down the hill to Milnthorpe Lane and up to Sandal or the Pugneys that way, or you can walk through the fields to Wakefield.
We often go with Matilda and Barney on their bikes and us on food to the castle and then on the path to Pugneys but then turn to come out by Aldi and then go right past Kettlethorpe School and to the duck pond and home through the bird estate. I know only local people will be able to work that last one out but if you want any more information you can always contact us!
Facilities at Sandal Castle
Parking: There’s ample free parking near the visitor centre. Some people do park on the roadside but I think the road is too narrow and it encourages pavement parking, therefore hindering walkers so I do not recommend it.
Cafe: A local family runs the lovely cafe that serves delicious food. It is quite nice because the people who work there are local too and their children attend the local primary school, Sandal Castle Primary School, so it feels like a community cafe.
Toilets: Conveniently located in the cafe for customers.
Guided Tours: There have been ours in the past but they are regular, and you would have to keep an eye on Wakefield Council for updates on this.
Areas for Improvement
While we always have a fantastic time, there’s always room for improvement:
- Accessibility: The terrain on the hill up from Milnthorpe Lane could be improved – and maybe a fence to separate the path form the field – we are hoping this is something that will happen to make it easier on foot or bike, and also this would maybe help to keep the field from being trampled on.
- Signage: It would be great if there were signs from each entrance and exit telling people where that path leads to.
- Play Area: Maybe it would be nice if some small wooden beams or something similar were invested in at the bottom to the left of the car park.
Would you recommend it?
Yes! We never get bored of visiting Sandal Castle because we do something different every time we go. Sometimes Ryan and I will walk there in the week whilst M and B are at school and nursery, sometimes we will meet friends, and sometimes we go just the four of us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit Sandal Castle?
All free – obviously you have to pay for food and drink at the cafe though!
Can we bring a picnic?
Yes! There are lots of memorial benches to read and sit on.
Is Sandal Castle suitable for young children?
Yes, but think about which way you want to access it as other than through the car park at the front entrance it could be uneven and muddy ground.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are allowed but on a lead, and any mess is picked up.
When is the best time to visit?
One of the beautiful things about Sandal Castle is how it changes throughout the seasons so please visit all year round!
Can you ride a bike?
Yes, absolutely.
You can lock your bikes at the front on the bike racks or ride them around. You just wouldn’t be able to take a bike up the steps.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Plenty for children to do.
- Fantastic history.
- Varied walks and terrain.
- Great cafe!
- Free entry & parking.
Cons
- A play area for children would attract more visitors
- Accessibility on some of the additional walks.
- Could benefit from clearer signage
Landmark enjoyment rating
Last Updated on February 13, 2025 by Ryan
Hi I am Beth, mummy to Barney & Matilda and wife to Ryan. I love to do many things – explore, exercise, spend time with loved ones, read – to name a few. For paid work I teach primary children, I teach Bikeability, I work on our businesses, and we are always dabbling in something together. I like to write for our blog, and I am here for our children every day wherever they need me, and for that, I am very happy. We love to experience new and old adventures, whether that’s on our bike or via foot or further afield. Whatever you do in life, try to do it with passion, care and kindness.