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Pontefract: Castle Town Stays

Pontefract, a West Yorkshire market town, holds a significant place in English history, largely due to its formidable castle. This historic fortification, now a substantial ruin, witnessed pivotal moments, including the death of Richard II and various sieges during the Civil War. Beyond its medieval past, the town has a long-standing association with liquorice, cultivated here since the 17th century, lending its name to the famous 'Pontefract Cakes'.

Visitors can explore the castle grounds, offering insights into its strategic importance and past grandeur. The town centre itself provides a glimpse into traditional Yorkshire life, with its historic market and local shops. Pontefract Racecourse offers a different kind of local experience, hosting numerous meetings throughout the year. The town’s heritage is woven into its fabric, from its ancient streets to its enduring link with confectionery.

Where to book your hotel in Pontefract

For those looking to book accommodation in Pontefract, the area around the town centre is generally the most common choice, offering convenient access to local amenities and transport links.

The central part of Pontefract, encompassing areas such as Market Place and Salter Row, provides a good selection of smaller hotels and guesthouses. This bustling hub is where you’ll find the historic Pontefract Castle, a significant English Heritage site, and the Pontefract Museum, which delves into the town’s rich history, including its liquorice heritage. Eateries here range from traditional pubs serving hearty meals to contemporary cafes, making it easy to find a bite to eat after exploring the market stalls.

Slightly further out, towards Carleton, you might discover more modern hotels, often part of larger chains, particularly appealing for those travelling by car due to easier parking. While this area is quieter than the town centre, it still offers easy routes back into the heart of Pontefract for attractions. Accommodation here tends to cater to both business travellers and families, often providing a bit more space.

Pontefract boasts three train stations: Pontefract Monkhill, Pontefract Baghill, and Pontefract Tanshelf, all offering local connections that are straightforward to reach from central hotels. For air travel, Leeds Bradford Airport and Doncaster Sheffield Airport are the closest options, typically requiring a taxi or bus connection to a main train station for onward travel to Pontefract, making a centrally located hotel a practical base for accessibility.

Find the best hotel deals in Pontefract

When planning your stay in Pontefract, consider timing your visit to avoid the busiest periods. Hotel prices tend to be higher during the summer months, particularly July and August, when families are often on holiday and local attractions like Pontefract Castle see more visitors. Prices also rise around the time of the Liquorice Festival, which usually takes place in July. For more budget-friendly accommodation, aim for the quieter seasons.

You'll generally find better deals during the off-peak months, such as November through to March, excluding the Christmas and New Year period. Booking well in advance, regardless of the season, can also help secure lower rates. Look into hotels a little further out from the town centre if you're happy to travel a short distance, as these can sometimes offer better value. Additionally, signing up for hotel loyalty programmes or checking prices on different booking sites might uncover further savings.

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