Jobs in Wakefield | Pictures of Wakefield

Wakefield was dubbed the ‘ Merrie City ' in the middle ages – a name that has stuck on account of the innumerate drinking establishments that dot the city's landscape. Indeed, it is said that one should never challenge a Wakefield man to a drink unless you are prepared to go the distance (see below).

Drinking aside, Wakefield sits comfortably next to its significantly larger neighbour in Leeds and has become a thriving, cosmopolitan and forward-thinking city in its own right which – along with a substantial regeneration programme that is taking place throughout the city – is creating a place that people are increasingly looking to live and work in.

Getting around Wakefield
Given the town's rich industrial heritage, it comes as no surprise that Wakefield continues to be well-served by the railway. Indeed, there are two railway stations in the centre - Wakefield Westgate (trains mainly to and from Leeds, Doncaster, Sheffield and stations on the East Coast Mainline) and Wakefield Kirkgate (for trains connecting the town with Barnsley, Meadowhall, Sheffield, Normanton, Pontefract, Knottingley, Leeds and Castleford).

The city is well placed, and regional centres such as Leeds, Sheffield and York can be easily accessed. Following the success of the FreeCityBus in Leeds and Huddersfield, the service has been introduced in Wakefield and connects key locations in the city including the bus station, the two railway stations, retail parks and shopping areas. The service runs every 10 minutes between 7:30am to 7:00pm, Monday to Friday and 8:30am to 5:00pm on Saturdays. All other routes are served by Arriva and head into the main bus station on Union Street .

And if you prefer to drive, Wakefield is at the intersection between the M1 and M62 and has A1 at its eastern boundary, with over 1,500 off-street and over 600 on-street car parking spaces in or around the centre operated by the Council and a number of private car parks operated by the likes of NCP.

Eating, drinking and shopping in Wakefield
If you are in need of some retail therapy, Wakefield may not be as fashionable as nearby Leeds but it does have its own distinctive offering that gives the city its uniqueness. The Ridings Centre is a ten minute walk from Wakefield Westgate railway station and is home to the usual array of familiar retailers such as Marks & Spencer, Waterstone's and River Island. Whereas Carlton Lanes Shopping Centre in nearby Castleford has nearly fifty stores, including Boots and Marks & Spencer.

Elsewhere, there are a number of retail parks on the outskirts of the city centre, along with eight district markets, with special markets laid on throughout the area, including Farmers' Markets, the Victorian Market and the Staffordshire Pot Fair. Wakefield Market - the largest of the eight – is made up of a Market Hall, Fish and Meat Hall and an outdoor market. But if you are a serious shopaholic then you probably won't mind the short drive into Leeds , dubbed the 'Knightsbridge of the North' with its abundance of designer stores such as Harvey Nichols, independent boutiques and leading high street favourites.

When it comes to food, Wakefield 's culinary offering is growing apace. Indeed, the city now boasts seven entries listed in the Good Restaurant Guide as Wakefield 's culinary renaissance complements the city's overall regeneration, with an ever-increasing choice of restaurants throughout the city centre.

The Barnsley Road, Westgate, Northgate and Cross Square areas are where the highest concentration of restaurants can be found, serving everything from Chinese and Indian, to Italian, British and traditional pub grub. And these are typically where you will go for a quick drink after work or at the weekend – especially along Westgate.

Indeed, the ‘Westgate Run' is a famous pub crawl in these parts on account of the fact that this area ha s historically had the largest number of adjacent pubs in England. And in true Northern tradition, this is something that is celebrated, attracting ardent drinkers from across the region who start the 500-yard, 15-plus pub ‘run' at the bottom of Westgate Road in The Redoubt and progressing though each of the pubs. And if you still have enough room for a few more drinks after last orders, Westgate also has a number of late night bars and nightclubs offering everything from cheesy 80's pop to trance and R ‘n' B.

And if you are feeling a little worse-for-wear by the morning light, then what better way to refresh yourself than with a wander through one of the plethora of parks and open spaces that Wakefield has to offer. Pugneys Country Park offers non-powered water sports and a nature reserve, whilst Walton Hall is a stately home that is set in what was the world's first nature reserve, created by the explorer Charles Waterton – are both worth a visit, along with Anglers Country Park and Nostell Priory.

Wakefield's cultural experience is further enhanced by Sandal and Pontefract Castle's, the National Coal Mining Museum, Yorkshire Sculpture Park and the Wakefield Art Gallery. And the Wakefield Theatre Royal and Opera House, on Drury Lane which has a program of dance and musicals, drama, comedy throughout the year. At time of writing the Theatre is being considered for a significant renovation that will include a new café bar and studio space.

For film buffs, there is a 14-screen multiplex cinema in the Xscape development at Glasshoughton in nearby Castleford.

Wakefield also offers a wide range of sporting facilities, including five public leisure centres along with a number of private health and fitness clubs. The Wakefield Superbowl on Doncaster Road boasts twenty-eight ten-pin bowling lanes, whereas Thornes Park Athletics Stadium has a 60 metre indoor running track as well as an eight-lane outdoor one that recently gained the QUEST award for quality within leisure facilities. And for the armchair sports fan, the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats is the city's major rugby league club who play in the games' Super League.

Main residential areas
Wakefield is undergoing a significant regeneration programme that will boost its appeal as a place in which to live and work. And one of the biggest undertakings is the Westgate Development Area. Despite the unimaginative name, the Westgate development is expected to become one of the most desirable locations to live in Wakefield once the 350 residential properties are completed by 2010.

In the meantime, the suburban areas of Alverthorpe and Outwood are popular residential areas on account of their mix of affordable terraced and family housing. Whilst Newmillerdam, an area with 18 th century mansions and nature reserves, is home to those of a more affluent disposition along with the village of Crofton.

If you're thinking of moving to the area, take a look at some of the current property available to buy or let in Wakefield.

Take a closer look
A picture is worth a thousand words. You can see some images from in and around Wakefield below.

Looking for local vacancies? See all current jobs in Wakefield or find out more information on the local area.