Historic town home of one of Britain's oldest and most loved sweets

Deep in West Yorkshire is a historic town famous for creating one of Britain's oldest and most cherished sweet treats and a visit makes the ideal family day-trip

In West Yorkshire, a small town is the birth home of one of Britain's oldest and most loved sweets and offers a blissful day out for the family.

Home of the liquorice cake (which is actually a sweet), Pontefract is a pretty, historical town which is provides an ideal day out for families. Its liquorice roots date back to medieval times when the plant was brought over from Spain. A group of monks known as the Black Friars went out into the community to promote the Christian message and counter heresy, while also growing and handing out liquorice with its medicinal properties in mind.

In 1614 Sir George Saville had the idea of stamping the root into small disks, which George Dunhill added sugar to 150 years later. These came to be known as Pontefract Cakes and are close to the sweet treats we know and love today. There were 17 factories in Pontefract at its zenith making 25,000 sweets every day, each Pontefract Cake stamped by hand, Pontefract Heritage reports.

Only two remain, including that of confectionery giant Haribo, which has the capacity to produce 48,000 tonnes of sweets a year at its state-of-the-art facility on M62. The German sweet giant ended up in Pontefract having bought out Dunhill's - the company that George founded. Liquorice fan or not, there are plenty of things to do and see during a day out in Pontefract.

Things to do

One of the most iconic landmarks in Pontefract is the castle. Originally one of the most significant fortresses in England, the ruins which stand today are what is left of centuries of battles, betrayals and even the imprisonment of King Richard II. Visitors can enjoy the location's unique panoramic views of the town and feisty re-enactments choreographed to bring the castle's history to life.

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For those who aren't history buffs, head to Pontefract Racecourse - one of the longest flat courses in Europe. Throughout the year the racecourse hosts numerous events in addition to race days. As the home of the liquorice cake it would be rude to not miss the annual Liquorice Festival which celebrates and sells all things liquorice, from sweets to liquorice-infused foods, as well as street performances, live music, and activities for children.

Finish off your visit to the quaint town by heading to Friarwood Valley Gardens. Boasting a mixture of floral displays, trees and neatly pruned lawns, the gardens are the ideal spot to relax in nature. Don't leave before hunting down the Friary ruins nestled in the park.

Places to eat

For those who haven't had enough of the liquorice-themed experiences the town has to offer, just up the steps from Pontefract Castle there is a pub named The Liquorice Bush, which serves traditional and hearty dishes. If you are fancying less of a pub vibe, then head to The Kings Croft Hotel Restaurant.

Located within a Georgian mansion, the Kings Croft Hotel Restaurant is closer to high dining than the pub and offers a mix of both British and European cuisine. The one thing the dishes all have in common is that each features locally sourced ingredients. The menu also changes seasonally.

A more casual location is The Moo Café, located within Farmer Copley’s farm shop. Providing a farm-to-fork experience, The Moo Café focuses on fresh, local and handmade produce. From quiches to farm breakfasts, there is plenty of choice and after you can explore the farm shop for locally produced goods, meats, and artisan treats.

Places to stay

In the same location as the Kings Croft Hotel Restaurant, you will find their esteemed hotel set on eight acres of gardens. This Georgian hotel offers both a glimpse into history and modern amenities including elegantly decorated rooms and picturesque grounds.

For a more cosy vibe head to the Barley Mow Hotel. Nestled within Pontefract's historic market district, the Barley Mow brings together comfort and traditional charm. Great for those wanting to explore Pontefract on foot, the hotel's central location also is home to a pub.