Kite Flying Site Report  ~ Back to UK Summary

Site Name: Pontefract Racecourse

County: West Yorkshire - Postcode: WF8 1LE

Nearest Place: Pontefract

Also Near: Castleford (3 miles) Wakefield (8 miles) Leeds (13 miles)

OS Grid Ref: SE 225 500 - Landranger: 105 -  Multimap link

Height ASL: 60 metres - CAA Limit: 60 metres

Location: Pontefract Racecourse, Pontefract

Directions: Come off the M62 at J.32 towards Pontefract on the A639 keeping the racecourse on your right hand side.

Turn right at the first roundabout (where MacDonalds and Halfords are). This leads you to the racecourse.
At the mini roundabout turn second right towards a playground. Cross over the race track into the car park.
Flying area is within the boundary of the race track.

Parking: In car park mentioned above. And it's free!

Facilities: Toilets on site next to car park. Playground for the kids. MacDonalds across the road.
The Parkside Hotel and Restaurant is the nearest pub on A639 between Racecourse and M62 although there are also plenty in the town.

Accessibility: Very accessible except on race days - check HERE for details.

Flying Area: Uncertain about acreage but there's certainly plenty of space.

Comments: Great site as whichever way the wind is blowing you can fly.
The Kite activities at Ponty Park are carefully controlled by Ponty kite club, the local authority and the park wardens. Ponty kite club is affiliated to the BPKA (formerly the British Buggy club) Club members and guests flying only. Anyone kite boarding or buggying without club membership, BPKA insurance, or not wearing a helmet will be removed from the park. The council is very strict on this and we dont want to lose our park for flying.
Particularly popular with buggiers due to the huge expanse of space. However, watch out for the dog mess and the odd football game.

Local Clubs/Contacts: Pontefract Kite Club and probably the Northern Kite Group but can contact Peter Bindon for further information on site

Nearest Retailer: Anti-Gravity Shop in Corn Exchange, Leeds.

Report By: Peter Bindon (peter(at)pbindon.freeserve.co.uk) 02/05/2002

Updates By: Nick Sykes (commitee member of Ponty Kite Club) 07/01/2007

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