The scenic region of South Yorkshire offers so many exciting things to see and do, it's difficult to pick just a few. Check out our top picks below.
Admire the rural beauty
Whilst this scenic region may be best known for its city, Sheffield, the rural beauty of its surrounding towns and villages can be breathtaking. Venture out into the Peak District and experience nature at its finest, from pretty moorland, rolling hills and dales to scented meadows and leafy forests.
Worsbrough Mill
Take a trip to Worsbrough Mill, a 17th-century working water mill set in 240 acres of tranquil country park. It’s a working mill producing a range of organic flours and associated products for trade and retail customers using water power from the River Dove. The 60-acre reservoir is a haven for wildlife and regularly attracts birdwatchers and anglers.
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- Worsborough Mill, Barnsley
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- Higger Tor near Sheffield in the Peak District National Park
Vintage shopping
Sheffield is home to a number of antique centres and so many independent shops, bars, cafés and even an auction gallery. Expect to find authentic period antiques, affordable traditional furniture, retro collectables, vinyl, vintage clothing, upcycled shabby chic as well as local artwork, hand-made crafts, tonnes of local artisan produce and ‘Made in Yorkshire’ foods and beers.
Best place for beer
It’s not just the locals who say so; The New York Times featured Sheffield in a list of must-visit destinations around the globe, referencing Kelham Island and declaring it as the ‘world’s best beer city’. And be sure to order a pint of Barnsley’s best bitter in the South Yorkshire pubs, brewed in one of the area’s thriving microbreweries.
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- South Yorkshire is well known for its beer
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- Check out one of the many antique shops here
Bungee jump at Magna
The Abyss at Magna Science Adventure Centre is the world’s highest and only indoor bungee jump venue with an abseil platform and a 250ft zip wire. It’s a must-visit for thrill seekers! If you’re not into adrenaline-fuelled activities, the centre itself is based in the former Templeborough steelworks, and is rammed with more than 100 exciting hands-on activities to keep you and the kids busy when in Rotherham.
Get really wild
Yorkshire Wildlife Park is a unique wildlife park located just outside Doncaster. This wildlife attraction brings families in touch with some of the world’s most beautiful and at-risk species including polar bears, black rhino, lions, tigers and giraffes. You can also book a selection of behind-the-scenes VIP experiences.
Wonderful green spaces
Did you know that more than 80 of South Yorkshire’s 250 public parks (approximately) are in Sheffield? A region rich in industrial heritage, visitors can wander the green spaces for free. The Damhouse pub actually has a beer garden that sits within Crookes Valley Park.
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- See rhinos at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster
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- Crucible Theatre, Sheffield
Take a trip to the theatre
There’s certainly no shortage of shows in South Yorkshire – take your pick from Rotherham and Barnsley Civic Theatre performances or visit the world-famous, award-winning Sheffield Theatres. Producing a diverse programme of work, spanning a range of genres, the theatres present the best UK tours featuring artists known locally and nationally. With widespread national and international acclaim during its 50-year history, make sure a theatre trip is on your agenda.
Yorkshire afternoon tea
Outside of London, the place in England most associated with afternoon tea is Yorkshire. Served within quaint vintage tearooms, chic hotels and luxury restaurants, indulge yourself in a quintessentially British tradition. Jameson’s has been a well-known name in Sheffield since 1883 – the family was originally famous for antiques – but now Jameson’s Tearooms, which opened in Sheffield in 2012, is renowned for its wonderful afternoon tea, finger sandwiches and home-baked cakes.
