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.

There’s a lot packed into this Yorkshire town:

• Pontefract Castle – the ruins are free to explore, and the site has a visitor centre and great views. You can also take a dungeon tour to see underground chambers where prisoners once carved graffiti into the walls.

• Pontefract Museum – in a Carnegie library building, it tells the story of the town from medieval times to liquorice production, with quirky objects and family-friendly exhibits.

• Pontefract Racecourse – race days here are a highlight, with live music and a lively atmosphere.

• The Market Hall and Market Place – with stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handmade goods.

• St. Giles’ Church – a church in the centre of town with a tower that dominates the skyline.

• Parks and green spaces – like Friarwood Valley Gardens, a peaceful Victorian park with an old orchard and play areas.

• Independent shops, cosy pubs and tea rooms, perfect for a wander.

Yes, Pontefract has a long-running market tradition that goes back to the 14th century. Today, you’ll find a mix of indoor and outdoor stalls. The Market Hall, built in the 1860s, is still going strong with vendors selling fresh fruit and veg, cheese, fish, meat and all sorts of local produce. Outside, the Market Place has stalls where you can browse clothes, crafts, homeware and more.

The town is best known for four things:

1. Its Castle – once one of the most important fortresses in the country.

2. Liquorice and Pontefract Cakes – its unique contribution to the sweet world, celebrated with an annual festival.

3. Horse Racing – the racecourse is famous in its own right and draws big crowds.

4. History – from medieval power struggles to Civil War battles, Pontefract has seen centuries of drama unfold.

Yes, you can explore the castle grounds and visitor centre completely free. The site is well kept, with information panels to guide you, picnic spots and regular family events. If you want a little extra adventure, the dungeon tours do have a small fee, but they’re well worth it for the experience of heading underground and seeing the old graffiti carved by prisoners.

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind. 

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access. 

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).

Unfortunately, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, we don't allow pets to stay at our hotels.