Family Guide to Pugneys Country Park & Sandal Castle | Wakefield

If you are looking for a new family park to visit in Yorkshire, Pugneys Country Park in Wakefield has not one but two lakes, a pirate play area, a light railway, and an adventure trail. To top it off, the historica Sandal Castle overlooks the park and makes a great walk for families.

Where to find Pugneys Country Park

Asdale Road, off Denby Dale Road, Wakefield, WF2 7EQ

Parking at Pugneys Country Park

There is on-site parking starting at £1 for an hour.

Pirates Cove Play Area

The park has some nice play equipment for a range of ages and overlooks the lake at the pirate adventure playground.

Pugneys Light Railway

We didn’t get a chance to try Pugneys Light Railway on our visit, but the train normally runs from 11-4 on Saturdays and Sundays (5pm in the summer) as well as most bank holidays and school holidays in the summer.

Tickets are £1 single or £2 return.

The train may be closed in bad weather or staffing so be sure to check Pugneys Light Railway Facebook Page before setting off.

Walks at Pugneys Country Park

If you fancy a walk with the kids there are a few good options at Pugneys. We walked from the Sandal Castle down to the lake and play area which is just over 20 minutes each way. There is a slight hill to climb on your way back up and the route isn’t pram friendly but it’s a fairly easy walks for kids.

There is also a Blown Away Adventure trail to try. The trail is based on the book by Based on Yorkshire author Conrad Burdekin and has lots to keep kids entertained. A circular walk around the lake is flat and 1.5 miles.

Watersports at Pugneys Country Park

There are two lakes at Pugneys. The smaller lake is a nature reserve and the larger lake is open to water sports. You can bring your own gear or rent some from the water sports centre to try wind surfing, canoeing kayaking or sailing.

Other things to try at Pugneys

Fishing (you do need to have a valid rod licence)
Biking – there is bike hire on site
Download the Love Exploring app to discover dinosaurs and fairies
Feed the ducks
Try bird spotting in one of the hides

The Boathouse Cafe

The Boat House Café at Pugneys Country Park has both hot and cold food, food for kids, treats and drinks. It is dog friendly and open 7 days a week.

Where to find Sandal Castle

Manygates Lane, Sandal, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF2 7DS

Sandal Castle is a one mile walk or two miles drive from Pugneys Country Park.

Sandal Castle Parking

There is a free car park at Sandal Castle but it is very small.

Sandal Castle

Sandal Castle is a 13th century stone castle which is free to visit. It sits atop a hill with great views of the Calder Valley below.

Sandal Castle is where the Duke of York was killed in the Battle of Wakefield in 1460 during the Wars of the Roses. It is said that this hill is the one that ‘The Grand Old Duke of York’ marched his men up and back down again in the popular children’s nursery rhyme.

There are many informative plaques on site and visitors can climb to the top of the motte for a bird’s eye view of the valley and a great view of the ruins below.

Sandal Castle Café

The Castle Café is a nice place to stop for a treat or a hot drink. They have a small kids menu and you can see the castle from the outdoor seating area.