Sandal Castle

Pugney’s country park is available all year round and is situated on Denby Dale Road at junction 39. The large lake provides a variety of water sports and hiring of equipment is done via the water sports centre situated in the park.

Here you can hire kayaks, pedaloes, dinghies, canoes and windsurfers etc to try out on the water. There is a miniture railway that runs at various times of the year and the lake is ideal for walking round and excercising your legs.

The grass verge is great to picnic on in the summer and the winter is an ideal time to try the windsurfing out.

In the background you will see the ruins of Sandal Castle still sat on its motte and open for visitors all year round. The castle dates back to the 12th century and was founded by William De Warenne. It was the scene of the famous battle of Wakefield in the year 1460 where Richard the Duke of York was killed and was one of the first battles in the war of the roses. The excavations from the castle can be viewed at Wakefield Museum and a visitors centre is on site to provide information and available for group bookings.

Visiting Sandal castle is free of charge and is definatly worth exploring and the castle gives a fantastic view of the city of Wakefield and the surrounding area.