cafe
Squires Cafe Bar
One of Yorkshire's most famous biker cafes near Sherburn-in-Elmet, hosting regular bike nights and rallies.
10 km · about 20 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomEngland
Pontefract
England, United Kingdom · Europe
About Pontefract
Pontefract is worth a stop: 10 minutes from Knottingley, 40km from Holme Moss.
Pontefract is a town located in England, United Kingdom. With a population of 44,710, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Pontefract sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Pontefract to your route.
About Pontefract
Pontefract is a historic market town in the City of Wakefield, a metropolitan district in West Yorkshire, England. It lies to the east of Wakefield and south of Castleford. Historically part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, it had a population of 30,881 at the 2011 Census.
Pontefract's motto is Post mortem patris proRead more
filio, Latin for "After the death of the father, support the son", a reference to the town's Royalist sympathies in the English Civil War. Small villages and settlements in the immediate area include Stapleton.
Where to Stay in Pontefract
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Pontefract?
Pontefract offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
How do I plan a road trip to Pontefract?
Plan your road trip to Pontefract with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Pontefract as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.
Where is Pontefract located?
Pontefract is located in England, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 53.6911 latitude, -1.3127 longitude.
What is the population of Pontefract?
Pontefract has a population of approximately 44,710 people, making it a town in United Kingdom.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 44,710
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- England
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 53.6911, -1.3127
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Pontefract
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
museum
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
500 acres of 18th-century parkland near Wakefield displaying open-air work by Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth and changing international artists.
19 km · about 20 min drive
racetrack
Harewood Speed Hillclimb
The longest hillclimb course in England at 1,598 yards, climbing Yorkshire moorland on the Harewood estate with sweeping open views over Wharfedale from the spectator banks.
26 km · about 30 min drive
cathedral
York Minster
One of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe, famous for its medieval stained glass.
34 km · about 40 min drive
photogenic
The Shambles
Medieval York street where overhanging timber-framed shops nearly touch across the lane, some dating to the 14th century. Once a row of butchers' shops; the meat-hooks and wide sill-boards survive.
34 km · about 40 min drive
cafe
Bettys Café Tea Rooms, Harrogate
Yorkshire tea-room institution founded by Swiss confectioner Frederick Belmont in 1919, still family-owned and famous for Fat Rascals and its art-deco interior inspired by the Queen Mary liner.
37 km · about 40 min drive
mountain pass
Holme Moss
A 524 m Pennine pass on the A6024 topped by a landmark transmitter mast, a celebrated cycling climb used in the 2014 Tour de France.
40 km · about 45 min drive
landmark
Derwent Dam
A monumental stone dam used by 617 Squadron to practise for the Dambusters raid, with twin towers above the Upper Derwent Valley.
42 km · about 50 min drive
Driving roads near Pontefract
- 40 kmHolme MossA 524 m Pennine pass on the A6024 topped by a landmark transmitter mast, a celebrated cycling climb used in the 2014 Tour de France.
- 42 kmWoodhead PassThe A628 trans-Pennine route over bleak moorland past the Woodhead reservoirs, frequently closed by snow and high winds.
- 44 kmBamford EdgeA short gritstone edge with what many consider the finest view in the Peak District, straight down onto Ladybower Reservoir.
- 44 kmHigger TorA flat-topped gritstone tor above Burbage Valley, looking across to the Iron Age hillfort of Carl Wark.
- 46 kmSnake Pass (A57)The Woodhead-era Telford road over the Pennines between Glossop and the Ladybower reservoirs, with fast curves and frequent winter closures.
- 47 kmSnake PassA twisting road through the Peak District connecting Sheffield and Manchester, beloved by motorcyclists and driving enthusiasts.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
April to October
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