Day 1:

Starting your trip in Wakefield city centre, get your breakfast and matcha fix at Haus Coffee & Plants, a trendy independent café with great coffee as well as plants and gifts to buy.

Take a coffee away for the road and head to explore Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Europe’s largest sculpture park. With outdoor and indoor exhibitions to explore, an art gallery, onsite restaurant and beautiful gardens, a morning spent here has something for everyone. Damien Hirst currently has a fantastic exhibition to explore, featuring three major outdoor sculptures. Spend the afternoon wandering the landscaped gardens and galleries before heading to The Weston for a delicious seasonal lunch.

Next, take the short 15-minute drive to Sandal Castle, where you can go for a post-lunch walk through the historic ruins, enjoying beautiful views over the Calder Valley. If you fancy it, a downhill walk also takes you to Pugney’s Country Park, perfect for a scenic stroll spotting wildlife.

As we head into the evening, head back into Wakefield’s city centre to Qubana, a Spanish and Cuban inspired restaurant serving tapas. With a great atmosphere and wine list to match, this is a lovely spot.

Finally, after a busy day, check into Waterton Park Hotel, a historic 4* hotel complete with its own woodland, lake, spa and gym facilities for a restful night’s sleep. Heaven!

Day 2

Have a slow start to the morning and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Tileyard North, a creative community space home to recording studios, great event spaces, and food and drink.

Their newest opening is Vinyl Cafe North, a retro cafe serving breakfast classics and great coffee. The team also host events such as record fairs and Wakefield’s comedy club, so keep an eye on what’s coming up.

Then, choose between two interactive workshops for the afternoon, perfect for couples or groups of friends:

1) Situated within Tileyard North is Forged Spirits, a fantastic small batch distillery where you can learn how to blend your own rum or gin, with the experts. With tastings too, you’ll craft your very own bottle to take home with you.

OR

2) If you’re looking for something more artistic, Head to Neon Workshops and take part in your own 1-1 course, learning how to make neon with expert guidance and assistance.

While you’re in Wakefield’s city centre, explore independent shops and head to WX Wakefield Exchange. Check out Luke Jerram's Helios exhibition, and keep your eyes peeled for the range of music and entertainment events running throughout the year.

Enjoy dinner at TET, a contemporary restaurant serving delicious Thai and Vietnamese food in Wakefield’s city centre.

Conveniently close by, immerse yourself in a live theatre performance at Theatre Royal Wakefield, from live music to plays and musicals, there's plenty to choose from year-round.

If you have time for a pre or post show drink, take a trip to RBT Video. This retro hidden bar has captured attention on social media and makes a truly unique spot for a cocktail or two.

Day 3

Check out of Waterton Park and head straight to Buttons in Walton in the morning, a cool cafe serving speciality iced and themed drinks, delicious breakfast and even some brunch cocktails, a Mimosa, refreshing Bellini or spiced Bloody Mary.

Once you're refuelled, take the short drive into Wakefield’s city centre to explore The Art House’s new exhibitions, such as Jakob Rowlinson: REVIVER.

If you want a more hands on activity, you can try one of The Art House’s crafting workshops from 10am-1pm, from jewellery making, to pottery and lino printing. Pop to their fantastic on-site café for a pick me up, with baked goods from Wakefield’s own Cellar Door Bakery – perfect for a quick lunch stop.

Pop across the road to Recent Coffee Roasters for a fresh coffee to accompany you on your drive home or take some beans home with you to enjoy. Recent is a city centre roastery which uses only 100% speciality-grade, ethically sourced arabica beans.

If you still have time for one more stop off on the way home, visit National Trust Nostell, a beautiful historic Georgian country house with landscaped gardens and parkland.