Just 1.5mile along the road from the hotel lay the ruins of Sandal Castle, best known for the famous 1460 Battle of Wakefield, during the War of the Roses. Richard, Duke of York was killed in this battle. In the 1640s Sandal Castle was besieged twice by Parliamentary forces during the English Civil War. After this the castle was stripped of its defences. Remains of the 13th century stone castle and the fine motte and bailey can be seen on site.
Visitors can climb to the top of the motte where they are treated to superb views of the Calder Valley. Some of the excavations can be seen in the visitor centre.
