About Pontefract

The central market square of Pontefract is both well known for the market that takes place there and for the historic architecture that surrounds it.

The eighteenth century town hall and the nearby Buttercross building are two fine examples, as are the charming timber-framed town houses that are in abundance around the centre of town, making the Pontefract shopping experience a particularly pleasing one.

At the end of a shopping trip visitors often take time out in the Valley Gardens, an attractive floral retreat from the bustling town centre which features an avenue of cherry trees and a love garden.

The town's nightlife is excellent, with a plethora of both modern bars and traditional pubs in and around the centre of Pontefract. In fact, the town is highly regarded for its concentration of excellent drinking establishments that offer a more down to earth atmosphere, with particular focus on live music which is on offer at many different venues.

One notable pub resides within one of the oldest buildings in town, which dates back to the sixteenth century and is nowadays known as The Counting House. The town also offers a number of busy nightclubs that cater for all tastes.

One of the most popular attractions in the town is Pontefract Racecourse, which hosts flat racing meetings from Spring to early Autumn and is home to the longest continuous horse-racing track in Europe.