19 March 2024

Ten things to see and do in South Yorkshire

South Yorkshire covers over 150,000 hectares, overlapping the Peak District National Park and including many types of landscapes, from densely populated urban cities to vast moorlands. A population of over 1.3 million people live in the four boroughs of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.

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Barnsley is nestled in the heart of South Yorkshire and in the past it has been home to industries including linen weaving, glass making and of course, coal mining. You will find cafes, theatres, museums and art galleries across the borough as well as a vibrant town centre with a range of shops – from independent stores to national brands. There’s also Barnsley’s market which has a long history as the commercial and social heart of the town.

Doncaster was one of the largest coal mining areas in the UK and coal mined in Doncaster was used in steel production in Sheffield and Rotherham then transported along a vast canal and river network. The town has excellent transport links and many attractions such as Cusworth Hall, Doncaster Racecourse and the Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery.

Rotherham is well known for its industrial heritage, particularly the cast iron and steel industries, and today is at the forefront of advanced engineering in the UK. The Rotherham Renaissance project, started in 2007, continues to create a vibrant town centre including a new theatre, cafes and shops. Rotherham is home to the famous Magna Science Adventure Centre, Clifton Park, Rotherham Minster and Minster Gardens.Sheffield is one of England’s largest cities with an economy built on steel, engineering and cutlery, all of which have an established worldwide reputation. This reputation continues today through Sheffield’s manufacturing industry and advanced engineering. This ethnically diverse city has a thriving cultural and creative industries sector. The music industry is particularly well represented and Sheffield has been the home of several well known bands and musicians. Culturally rich, the city has two major theatres, two art galleries and several museums. The city also boasts some of the finest tree cover, woodlands and countryside in England with a third of Sheffield lying in the Peak District National Park.

Here are the Ten things to see and do in South Yorkshire

The RSPB Dearne Valley Old Moor is a wetland centre in Barnsley. This urban landscape is teeming with amazing wildlife and is a beautiful haven for wildflowers, rare birds and insects.

Cannon Hall Museum Park and Gardens in Barnsley has glorious rooms packed with fine art and family fun. Stroll around the rolling parklands and beautiful gardens.

Elsecar Heritage Centre was at the centre of the Industrial Revolution and is now one of the most popular days out in Barnsley. Marvel at the stunning architecture and the Newcomen type Beam Engine which is the only one in the world to still remain in its original location.

The St. Leger, held at Doncaster Racecourse, is the world’s oldest and longest classic horse race. St Leger Festival week precedes the race.

The Magna Science Adventure Centre is a unique attraction in Rotherham featuring incredible interactive pavilions of Fire, Water, Earth and Air, and not forgetting the mighty Big Melt.

Close to Rotherham town centre, the 15th century Chapel of Our Lady of Rotherham Bridge is one of only four surviving bridge chapels in the country.

Come and see a play at one of Sheffield’s two major theatres, the Lyceumor the Crucible.

Spend the day at Meadowhall in Sheffield, one of Europe’s largest shopping and leisure complexes which covers 1.5 million sq ft of floor space.

Watch a game of football at one of Sheffield’s football grounds. Sheffield is also recognised by FIFA and UEFA as the birth place of club football, with Sheffield FC being the oldest association football club in the world, formed in 1857.

Sheffield is the first National City of Sport with high quality facilities such as Don Valley Stadium, The Motorpoint Arena and Ponds Forge International Sports Centre.