Venue Description

The scene of the Battle of Wakefield in 1460! Sandal Castle was a favourite castle of Richard III. Take in the stunning views of Wakefield and the Calder Valley. Sandal Castle is free entry. The castle grounds are open all day, every day.

Accessibility

There are paths around the site, which are surfaced with a self-binding gravel. They can be a little uneven in places, and at times steep. There is a path running around the whole of the outside of the castle earthworks. From this path you can see all of the castle site, and it is accessible for most wheelchairs and pushchairs. You can also see out across the Wakefield district from behind the castle earthworks. The path is cream in colour and contrasts well with the grass. There are no steps on this path, and several benches along it. The whole site has substantial steep sided grass banks of up to 25ft high. In most cases the main path is at the top of this bank. There are information panels around the site at wheelchair height The path has a spur leading onto the bailey (slight lip onto the bridge). The castle bailey area is mown grass. Access to the castle keep is by a long flight of steep steps. The steps up to the top of the keep have handrails on both sides. The steps up to the keep and the bridge to the bailey are wooden decking which is semi-open (you can see through to the ground below). There is a series of steps down to the moat. These stairs have handrails on both sides. The site is exposed to nature and can be very windy at times. However, this does offer good views of Wakefield and the Calder valley. In wet weather the moat can collect water. Swimming is not allowed. The water can be deep and very cold. Sandal Castle is popular with dog walkers, and all dogs are welcome. The site is away from main roads and surrounded on two sides by open farmland. It is typically quieter in the winter. It can be very busy in the spring / summer season, especially on sunny days.

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/museums-and-castles/sandal-castle/access-at-sandal-castle/

Access Statement

Access Statement Link: https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/museums-and-castles/sandal-castle/access-at-sandal-castle/

Toilets

Toilets are available to customers of the Castle Café, when it is open. Please note that this café is independently run and is not open every day. Please contact 01924 256751 for opening times. You can also find the Castle Café on Facebook @CastleCafeTeam. We do not have changing places facilities. The nearest changing place facility is in The Hepworth Wakefield, WF1 5AW, which is 1.4 miles away.

Staff

Sandal Castle is an unmanned site. There is usually not a member of staff present at the site. If you would like to ask any questions before or after your visit, you can email us at castles@wakefield.gov.uk.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

All dogs are welcome in the grounds at Sandal Castle. Dogs are to be kept on a lead. There are poop bins around the site.