Wakefield Westgate Train Station

Wakefield Westgate railway station has been serving the West Yorkshire town of Wakefield since 1856 when it first opened, following the town’s first train station of Wakefield Kirkgate. It wasn’t long before the station was rebuilt on the opposite side of Westgate – only 11 years after its initial opening. This move accommodated greater transport links, as the new location placed the station on the main line between Leeds and Doncaster.

There was some modernisation to Wakefield Westgate station in 1967 when large parts were demolished and replaced with facilities that better served the public. However, by the time 2009 rolled around, there was renewed pressure to modernise and renovate the station further. This resulted in a large-scale rebuild and modernisation which completed in 2013. The bright new station we see today was officially opened on 3rd February 2014.

Wakefield Westgate station is highly valued in the Wakefield area, with trains running to major local towns and cities including Leeds and York. With regular trains, newly refurbished facilities, and a location at the heart of Wakefield town, this railway station has long been a key part of the local area.

Wakefield Westgate operates services on a range of train lines, including CrossCountry, LNER and Northern Trains. You can get to Wakefield on CrossCountry services from numerous towns and cities across the UK. Popular routes include Edinburgh to Wakefield Westgate, Birmingham to Wakefield Westgate, Leeds to Wakefield Westgate, Oxford to Wakefield Westgate, and even Penzance to Wakefield Westgate.

Things to do in Wakefield

Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, a gastronomist, or a keen theatre-goer; there is plenty of ways to spend your day in Wakefield!

Fans of British art, as well as international pieces, simply MUST visit The Hepworth Wakefield gallery. Winner of UK Museum of the Year in 2017, The Hepworth Wakefield is a trailblazing gallery designed by David Chipperfield, which showcases art pieces by Paul Nash, Walter Sickert, and (of course) Barbara Hepworth. Dame Barbara Hepworth was a local Wakefield legend and still represents the best of modernist and post-war British art. This museum is a testament to her legacy and the gallery named after her inspires today’s artists.

Wakefield is a locale with a heritage of its own, including the legendary historical significance of coal mining in Yorkshire. Whether you’re a keen historian or not, a visit to the National Coal Mining Museum for England is non-negotiable when visiting Wakefield. Formally the Caphouse Colliery, the museum was transformed into a heritage centre to educate about the importance of mining to both the region and the nation throughout history. With exhibitions about industrial and social history, tours from former miners, and real mining machinery on display, there is so much to learn.

Why not finish off your day with a meal to remember and a trip to the theatre? With family favourites as well as independent local legends serving tapas, seafood, mezze and pasta there are a whole host of gastronomic options to choose from. Wakefield is beloved for its restaurant scene, so make sure to explore all the delightful options on display before deciding where to eat. As a final flourish, check out what’s on at the Theatre Royal. With performances from touring musicians, plays, pantomime, stand-up comedy, and ballet, there’s so much to enjoy. If you’re lucky, you might even catch local legend, Jane McDonald, on stage!