Holiday Inn Express Wakefield

Discover sculptures by celebrated local artists Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore at Hepworth Wakefield. Architect David Chipperfield's striking, minimalist building sits beside the River Calder, 10 minutes' walk from the hotel. Look out for prize pieces like Hepworth's "Mother and Child" and Moore's "Reclining Figure" among an impressive permanent collection of 20th-century British art.

If you're feeling energetic or have kids in tow, you can hit the slopes at the Xscape Snozone, an indoor ski park only 20 minutes' drive from the hotel. All the equipment you need is available for hire, and you can swoosh down a real snow slope on skis or a snowboard. If they're still not tired, the adjoining Xscape leisure centre has a 10-screen cinema, a trampoline park and a rock-climbing wall.

Wakefield Cathedral, five minutes' walk from the hotel, is a striking local landmark with medieval carvings and a towering spire. Stop in for a drink at the coffee shop or take a tour, offered twice each Wednesday. You can walk the cathedral's labyrinth or view beautiful stained glass windows by Victorian designer Charles Kempe at any time during opening hours.

Did you leave something important at home? High-street stores from Marks & Spencer to Boots are a short walk from the hotel at Ridings Shopping Centre. Trinity Walk, eight minutes away, is home to a Debenhams department store and restaurants where you can take a break. If you know someone who loves craft beer, the Bier Huis is a specialist store with more than 400 brews, including Yorkshire ales.