By Kingfisher Visitor Guides
With its historic attractions, buzzing towns and cities and a wide choice of restaurants, South Yorkshire is your perfect weekend destination.
Day one
Curious About Sheffield gives an entertaining glimpse into what makes this fascinating Yorkshire city what it is today. Take a walk from Victoria Quays to the Peace Gardens. Starting your stroll at the picturesque port of Victoria Quays at the end of the Sheffield canal, you’ll walk beside Sheffield’s Supertrams, circle its unusual cathedral and a Georgian Square from paradise, pass an imposing Town Hall, the celebrated Crucible Theatre and the wonderful Winter Gardens. Then end at the vibrant gardens in the heart of the city, a living celebration of world peace.
Sheffield Town Hall
If you’ve still got some energy, continue your journey from the Peace Gardens to Monument Grounds. Passing the Town Hall, this walk takes you first to the City Hall, a contemporary venue for special events, then descend now down the ‘gold route’ to Sheffield station, past modern university buildings sporting modern poetry, and a cutting edge water feature.
Traverse the station to ascend a hill with an unusual amphitheatre, ending at enchanting gardens with stunning views over most of Sheffield.
Day two
Experience Barnsley is a Museum and Discovery Centre dedicated to the people and history of Barnsley. Located in the Town Hall, which dates back to 1933, see the impressive council chamber and beautiful clock tower.
Discover a town full of fascinating stories with a rich and diverse heritage. Look through the huge range of artefacts, including a Littleworth Majorette’s outfit from the 1980s, Roman coins discovered in Wombwell, and even leather jackets worn by the rock band Saxon!
For a chance to work with historical evidence and heritage in all its forms, stop by at the innovative ‘Making History’ gallery, which has a variety of interactive exhibits to enjoy. Explore the archaeological dig with hidden treasures then work in a group to build a replica model of the Penistone Viaduct.
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- Tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster
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- Interactive exhibition at Experience Barnsley
Alternatively, Doncaster is full of character with a wide range of experiences to offer visitors. With award-winning attractions and 2,000 years of history, you can be sure of some great days out with time as your only limitation. Begin your trip by visiting Doncaster’s historic buildings. Even part of the original Roman wall from their fort of Danum can still be seen in the grounds of Doncaster Minster right in the heart of the town.
There are Norman castles in Tickhill and Conisbrough and while Tickhill Castle is only open one day per year (usually the second Saturday in June) Conisbrough Castle, complete with its new visitor centre, is open throughout the year and is operated by English Heritage.
If you only have time to see one sight in Rotherham, make it the Minster. Rotherham’s historic town centre with pocket gardens and public squares provide the perfect setting for a relaxing visit, where you can explore the Minster and its gardens. From trendy leather sofas and lattes to traditional interiors and home-made cakes, Rotherham has a great choice of places to eat and drink whether you’ve popped in to meet friends or just need a well-deserved rest in between sightseeing.
