Friarwood Valley Gardens — Attraction in Wakefield

An impressive,well mainained and very colourful 'garden' in more or less the centre of Pontefract. Various differing events that cater to a wide section of local folk are usually held here throughout the 4 seasons of a calender year. Also there are several wooden picnic tables & benches which are a perfect place for picnic lovers. Lots of dog owners choose to walk & excercise their pets here but i have never seen any problems of any kind caused by this. Also dog walkers that walk their animals elsewhere should tske note and clean up after their dogs as they all seem to here as there are never any piles of dog mess to be seen. It is certainly a far cry and a big improvement from the dark days of the 1970's & 80's when basically it was little more than a dump & an uncared for and poorly kept public space that failed to attract visitors in the same numbers as today. The kids playground also looks to be of a high calibre construction,safe, superior looking & a popular area for youngsters to have fun. The only thing that let's it down is that there are no public toilets/restrooms for either male or female V.G users which to be honest,in my opinion is a bit of a disgrace for the year 2022. More visits need to be made by law enforcent though as the Gardens can sometimes be blighted by gangs of rowdy trouble causers which can be very off-putting for a lot of people. Especially those with young families. Overall and all things considered a very pleasent place to while away the hours combined with no admission charges...

In my opinion, this probably the best park in the five towns area, it has beautifully well kept gardens, the people who look after it do a great job of keeping it in great condition, lots of perfect photo opportunities The kids play section is enclosed in a colourful fence, and is sheltered by some large trees, there's also an assault course section for older kids at the side There's lots of winding and climbing pathways, with shrubs, flower bushes, flower beds and a large rose garden, plus secluded private areas all over the park under trees It's got it's own small car park and bowling green/club There's also events here from time to time My kids request to go here more than any other park in the whole area, which says a lot In late spring there's also pink cherry blossom trees blooming over the large entrance...

These Gardens have been here decades , I remember coming here as a child , and bringing my children. It's on the site of a medieval monastery run by black monks , the site is in a hollow from the main A road in Pontefract and a small stream runs at the bottom. There are two main paths, a high one and a low one, other paths between the two. Predominantly grass but flower and rose beds intermittently throughout. A peaceful and historic site well kept by the local authorities. There used to be a paddling pool here when I brought my children , sadly no longer here and a bird aviary which as also disappeared. My photos were taken when I visited on Yorkshire day 1st August , were the town of Pontefract had put on a fair , it was well attended especially by families . Would recommend a visit, and it's freezing to...