Premier Inn Wakefield

Wakefield is famous for its mix of history, culture and art. The city played an important role during the Wars of the Roses and later became a hub for the wool and coal industries. Today, it’s well-known for the Hepworth Wakefield, one of the UK’s leading art galleries, named after sculptor Barbara Hepworth, who was born here. Wakefield is also home to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, an open-air gallery where huge sculptures by artists like Henry Moore are displayed across rolling countryside. On top of that, Wakefield Cathedral has the tallest spire in Yorkshire, and the city has a proud rugby league tradition too.

Yes, Wakefield is a city but on the smaller side compared to places like Leeds or Sheffield. That’s part of its appeal, it’s easy to get around with a friendly feel and a mix of urban and green spaces. The city centre is compact so you can wander between shops, the cathedral, galleries and cafes with ease.

Wakefield is in a great spot in West Yorkshire, so you’ve got plenty of nearby places to explore. Leeds is only about 15 minutes away by train, offering big-city shopping and nightlife. To the south, you’ll find Sheffield and to the east, there’s the historic city of York. Closer to home, you’ve got the Peak District within easy reach for walks and countryside views, as well as smaller towns like Pontefract and Castleford with their own histories and attractions.

Definitely – it’s a brilliant mix of culture, history and outdoor fun. Art lovers can spend hours between the Hepworth Wakefield and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. History lovers will enjoy exploring the cathedral, Sandal Castle ruins and the city’s museums. Families can enjoy parks, nature reserves and riverside walks. 

There’s loads to do! A few highlights include:

• The Hepworth Wakefield – award-winning gallery with stunning exhibitions.

• Yorkshire Sculpture Park – sculptures spread across 500 acres of countryside.

• Wakefield Cathedral – climb the tower if tours are running for great city views.

• Sandal Castle – medieval ruins with links to the Wars of the Roses.

• National Coal Mining Museum – go underground for a fascinating look at Yorkshire’s mining past.

• Plus, plenty of pubs, theatres and riverside walks if you’re after something more relaxed.

Shopping in Wakefield gives you a great mix of big names and independents. Trinity Walk and The Ridings are the main shopping centres with high street brands, fashion and handy places to grab a bite. Around the city you’ll also find smaller independent shops and boutiques, plus traditional markets where you can pick up fresh produce and local goods. 

You can do a lot in Wakefield without spending a penny:

• The Hepworth Wakefield – free entry to the main galleries.

• Yorkshire Sculpture Park – while parking costs, it’s free to walk in if you’re on foot or bike.

• Wakefield Cathedral – step inside to admire the stained glass and tall spire.

• Sandal Castle – atmospheric ruins with sweeping views across the countryside.

• Pugneys Country Park – perfect for a lakeside stroll or picnic.

• Pontefract or Thornes Parks – open green spaces great for a walk, run, or family outing.

Yes, Wakefield has Sandal Castle, just a short distance from the city centre. Although it’s now a ruin, it’s a great site to explore and comes with fantastic views across the Calder Valley. The castle is most famous for its role in the Wars of the Roses, particularly the Battle of Wakefield in 1460. Today, it’s free to visit, with information boards explaining the history and plenty of open space around for picnics or a leisurely wander.

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.