10 Things to do in South Yorkshire

Ideas for Days Out in Barnsley, Doncaster Rotherham and Sheffield

May 21, 2007

South Yorkshire is usually associated with coal mines and steel works, but the area is home to a host of tourist attractions.

“Boring Barnsley”, “Dull Doncaster”, “Rubbish Rotherham” and “Sorry Sheffield” are myths quickly dispelled when visiting South Yorkshire. Enjoy a day out in these industrial heartlands – here are 10 ideas to help you on your way:

Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet

A living history museum recreating a traditional steel works. See a dam, a working water wheel, a woodland habitat and renovated remains of machines. Iron was forged on the site until its closure in 1933.

Getting there: From Sheffield Centre, catch the 97 bus in Pinstone Street or High Street and get off at the Hamlet entrance.

Austerfield

Visit the birthplace of William Bradford, the Mayflower pilgrim and governor of Massachusetts. Wander the sleepy village and visit the Norman Church of St Helena, where Bradford was baptised. Follow the Pilgrim Trail to the Nottinghamshire villages of Scrooby and Babworth.

Getting there: Austerfield is just over 1 mile northeast of Bawtry on the A614.

Barnsley Market

Hunt around this bargain hunters’ paradise. Every Tuesday, the second-hand market sells books, antiques, jewellery and much more. The indoor market is open every day, except Thursday. Here you can find everything from food to carpets.

Getting there: The market is in easy walking distance of Barnsley rail and bus stations.

Owned by English Heritage, this largely unaltered Italianate style hall was built in the 1860s. The Victorian gardens are described as a collection of ‘grand gardens in miniature’,

Getting there: Brodsworth Hall is five miles Northwest of Doncaster off the A635 Barnsley Road, near junction 37 of A1 (M)

Find something for everyone at Cannon Hall. Roam the 70 acres of historic parklands, tour the house and museum or feed the animals at the farm. A children’s playground, tearoom and farm shop are available.

Getting there: Cannon Hall is about 5 miles west of Barnsley, signposted from the A635 and only 10 minutes from junction 37 of the M1. The farm is at the top of a hill with separate parking.

Visit one of the finest Norman Castles in England, which was the inspiration for ‘Coningsburgh Castle' in Walter Scott’s novel Ivanhoe. A 100-foot high circular keep dominates the skyline and a visitor centre provides details of the castle’s history.

Getting There: Conisbrough is five miles west of junction 36 on the A1(M). The castle is a short walk from Conisbrough railway station.

A former ironworks and colliery workshops form the award winning Elsecar Heritage Centre. Regular attractions include the Elsecar Steam Railway (weekends only), Antiques Centre, Indoor Children’s' Activity Centre, an array of craft units and the world famous Newcomen Beam Engine. Special events include wartime weekends, a monthly antique fair, an annual Morris Minor rally and championship dog shows. Entrance to the centre is free of charge, but there is a charge for the railway and some special.events.

Getting there : Two miles from M1 Junction 36, follow the brown 'Elsecar Heritage' signs. Nearest train station Elsecar. Buses from Rotherham , Barnsley and Sheffield.

Tour the Ewden Valley by car or on foot. This little known area is 8 miles west of Sheffield. After enjoying spectacular scenery, relax in a local pub in Bradfield or Bolsterstone.

Children of all ages can learn while they play at this science adventure centre. Four pavilions explore fire, air, earth and water . The outdoor Sci-Tec and Aqua-Tec is “one of the best playgrounds in Europe”.

Getting there: One mile from the M1, junctions 33 (South) and 34 (North). The 69 bus from Sheffield City Centre passes the door

Shop at one of Europe’s premier shopping malls. Over 270 stores include many high street names. Enjoy a wide choice of eating places and an 11-screen cinema.

Getting there: Easily reached from the M1, junctions 33 (South) and 34 (North). A large transport interchange provides national rail and bus links and a tram connection to Sheffield City Centre.

The copyright of the article 10 Things to do in South Yorkshire in England Travel is owned by John Oyston. Permission to republish 10 Things to do in South Yorkshire in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.