Premier Inn Pontefract

Pontefract is famous for a mix of history, sweets and sport. The medieval castle was once one of the most powerful fortresses in the north of England and earned the nickname “Key to the North.” It played a part in the Wars of the Roses, the English Civil War, and became the place where King Richard II was imprisoned and died. Pontefract is also known as the birthplace of black liquorice production in Britain. The town’s sandy soil made it ideal for growing the plant, and over time the iconic “Pontefract Cakes” became a household name. Horse racing is another claim to fame, the town’s racecourse is the longest continuous flat track in Europe.

Yes, Pontefract is well worth a visit! The castle ruins are a must-see, with great views and a sense of walking through history, plus interactive displays and family activities. Foodies will enjoy sampling local liquorice products and perhaps even visiting during the annual Liquorice Festival, which fills the town with stalls, entertainment and plenty of sweet treats. Away from the big attractions, Pontefract also has welcoming pubs, cosy cafes and traditional markets that give you a real feel of Yorkshire life.

Pontefract is a historic market town. It sits in West Yorkshire, within the Wakefield district, and has been known as a bustling trading place for centuries. Its identity as a market town is still strong today, with regular markets drawing people from the surrounding area.

Pontefract has been around for well over a thousand years. The area was settled in Saxon times and appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 under the names “Tateshale” and “Kirkgate.” The castle was built shortly after the Norman Conquest, around 1070, making it nearly a millennium old. Through the medieval period it grew into an important stronghold and market centre, and many of the town’s historic streets still reflect that today.