South Yorkshire being a metropolitan county, all if its four boroughs( Rotherham, Sheffield, Doncaster, and Barnsley) are also metropolitan. There are plenty of pleasant surprises in South Yorkshire. From the industrial heartland, South Yorkshire has undergone various transformations to become one of the leading destinations of the 21st century in terms of playgrounds for sport, music, and culture.
South Yorkshire has got some of the best and finest family attractions, nightlife, shopping, museums, Victorian monuments and Gothic architecture in the UK. Its main county town, Sheffield, is about four hours from London by car.
Towns in South Yorkshire / South Yorkshire Cities
Anyone wishing to experience the beauty of both historic as well as industrial revolution history should make a point of visiting towns in South Yorkshire.
Doncaster
The Roman settlers named this region Danum. Its excellent geographical position saw the settlers prefer it to many other regions. The Romans selected this location for the fact that it was situated at the center of several trading routes, allowing them to effortlessly carry out their business and trade, while at the same time strategizing their defenses over possible rivals. There are several interesting things to do in Doncaster.
The main museum of the town, Doncaster Museum, and Art Gallery offers plenty for tourists to see. Apart from this, the town has several theatres and cinemas and is well known for sporting events and clubs, with Doncaster Racecourse playing a key role.
Rotherham
Rotherham town is situated towards the southern part of South Yorkshire. The town was founded in the Middle Ages and derived its name from a homestead that was built originally on the river Rother. Apart from its cultural values, the town has several attractions.
The Magna Science Adventure Centre is a popular site for tourists. It also has several parks, besides a famous football club that participates in the lucrative British football championship.
Sheffield
Sheffield derived its name from a river running through the city: River Sheaf. In the past, it gained international recognition because of the steel production activities that took place there. It has a population of around 1.56 million people.
The town has football clubs that participate in the championship. Besides this, it has several facilities that attract tourists. As a city of culture in Britain, Sheffield receives a lot of tourists who have an interest in understanding British culture.
Parks and Gardens
South Yorkshire is close to the Peak District, as well as being the home of the beautiful and wild Yorkshire Dales.
Sheffield Botanical Gardens
Sheffield Botanical Gardens are located on Clarkehouse road in Sheffield. They were designed by Robert Marnock. Completely free to enter, the park is accessible on all days of the year except December 25th. It features a pavilion that was designed by BB Taylor as well as a picturesque pond and a grand terrace walk.
The park is notably divided into a series of themed areas. They include a formal Victorian garden surrounded by beautiful woodland areas
Cusworth Hall
Cusworth Hall is in the center of Cusworth Park which is located in the parish of Sprotbrough and Cusworth. It was designed by George Platt in a Palladian style and features a unique design which presents a handsome, well-proportioned house with a massive kitchen. It was later compounded with the addition of a library and chapel.
There are outside buildings which include a brewhouse, stable block, and lodge. On the west side, visitors are afforded a spectacular view of the sumptuous Isabella Garden while on the eastern side of the building there is a beautiful gardener’s house which is attached to an iron structure called the peacock pen.
Hodsock Priory
Hodsock Priory is a glorious estate managed by Katharine Buchanan. It forms a perfect wedding venue that upon visiting presents a true reflection of a family life. Set in a beautiful 800 acres of wood and parkland, the estate has undergone some historical transformations as it has been passed from one family to the next.
It has seen some famous residents through the years, being an entertainment venue too for many Kings of England and Britain, among them Henry II, John and Edward I.
Attractions and Places to See/South Yorkshire Destinations
South Yorkshire is awash with places to visit and things to do, being one of England’s most popular tourist destinations.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Yorkshire Wildlife Park located in South Yorkshire just outside of Doncaster offers a unique experience of the wildlife and nature. Its 70 acres of park site offers a remarkable view of wild animals. The park hosts two of the biggest members of the cat family – Tigers and Amur Leopards. The Painted Hunting Dog, one of the most endangered species of carnivores in Africa, can also be found in the park while a number of other amazing animals roam free in the park.
Such animals as antelopes, zebras, ostriches, meerkats, raccoons and the Ankole cattle. Children love the park for the fun time they have in the jungle play barn where they play with the Astra slides and the drop slides. The park also plays host to a number of educational programs and social exciting events. Unique packages that visitors look forward include the “Rangers for a Day” and “Behind the Scenes VIP Tours” incentives.
Doncaster Racecourse
Doncaster racecourse is one of the largest (and in terms of establishments-oldest) centers for horse racing established in Britain. It is sometimes known as the Town Moor course and is located in Doncaster, South Yorkshire in England. It plays host to two of the most popular race events in Great Britain, the Racing Post Trophy and the St Leger Stakes.
In September every year, Doncaster plays host to the esteemed four-day Ladbroke St Leger Festival, deemed the most prestigious sporting occasion in the autumn. It also regularly hosts various kinds of seminars, business summits such as the Doncaster Dynamite BNI and the Tattoo festivals, which attract large crowds.
Magna Science Adventure Centre
Magna Science Adventure center offers endless opportunities for adventure. Inside the center, there are four themed gadget-packed pavilions interlinked by suspended tunnels, walkways and stairs. The educational themes are based on the elements of earth, water, air, and fire. Outside, the center has two ultramodern adventure playgrounds, the Sci-Tek and the Aqua-Tek.
The Sci-Tek is the largest outdoor playground and lets you explore the depths of science and defy gravity, while the Aqua- Tek is the largest outdoor water activity park in the whole of the UK.
Things to Do
South Yorkshire is a very active county with plenty for everyone to see and do, including many outdoor pursuits and leisure centers.
The Climbing Works in Sheffield
The Climbing Works in Sheffield is a great environment for learning how to climb. With rope-based climbing walls which are often very intimidating at the beginning, it still provides a good atmosphere to learn how to climb under the expert eye of a qualified instructor.
It has a good bouldering venue, as well as different level of walls to climb.
Quasar Sheffield
Quasar Sheffield is the biggest laser game site in Yorkshire and one of the largest in Britain. Strap on a laser pack, charge up your laser gun and get blasting through this flashing, noisy, fun-filled arena.
Quasar Sheffield is a great venue for celebrating birthdays and special occasions with friends and families. The games can be played individually or as part of a team. Look out for their special offers and group discounts
Ponds Forge Leisure Pool
Ponds Forge Leisure Pool is also called Surf City and has a world-class swimming pool for kids, family, leisure and for competitive swimming. The main pool is great for swimming, and just having fun.
As well as multiple flumes and splash areas for toddlers it has the following facilities – hot shower, hairdryers, vanity area and lockers, a restaurant and state of the art swimming and water leisure areas.
Afternoon Tea Ideas in South Yorkshire
South Yorkshire is famed for its delicious tea in Britain, with Yorkshire people enjoying a fine heritage and strong history of tea blending.
Inox Dine
Inox Dine is located in Sheffield, England. It is a contemporary restaurant that has a relaxed atmosphere and stylish setting. It is appealing to both locals and tourists who visit the area for its diversity and class. This restaurant is known for its sumptuous food and classy wine.
The restaurant has delicacies which consist of British cuisines and International meals to provide variety and offer different tastes from around the world. Their Afternoon Tea menu includes tasty scones, fresh, hot tea, delicate finger sandwiches and delicious homemade cakes.
Mosborough Hall Hotel
If you would like to dine and be accommodated in a hotel full of priceless tradition mixed with modern sophistication then The Mosborough Hall Hotel in Chesterfield is the place to be. It was initially a 12th-century manor house set in the eye-catching scenery of Mosborough. It is one of the most outstanding hotels in Sheffield.
You will be impressed by the stately and serene ambiance that you will encounter once you step into Darcy’s brasserie restaurant located at the hotel to partake of delicious meals and fine wine. Their Afternoon Tea offering is superb, with warm scones, fresh preserves, dainty cakes and delicious sandwiches.
The Hilton Sheffield
The Hilton Sheffield hotel is located near the Sheffield city center. The hotel is known for contemporary British cuisine in the Quay’s restaurant. Relaxing on the Quay itself, sip fine English tea as you watch barges and boats sail by. Offered on their delightful menu is a fine selection of cakes as well as scones and clotted cream with delicious fresh tea and hot coffee.
Wedding Venues in South Yorkshire
South Yorkshire’s location makes it an ideal route to the Lake District, and many couples capitalize on that, choosing South Yorkshire as their ideal wedding venue.
Tankersley Manor Hotel
Tankersley Manor Hotel in Barnsley is a well built and designed hotel with artistic, architectural designs that offer more to guests than they can ever imagine. The hotel is a beautiful four-star building located near Sheffield. You can view the beautiful, picturesque scenery as you approach the hotel. It has a long history and it was built sometimes in the 17th century. Many of the original features and designs were retained to maintain an antique look; it has Yorkshire stone windowsills and great wooden beams.
The hotel offers the best services and this makes it stand out with top quality hospitality and a serene ambiance where you can relax and enjoy your day in a quiet, clean environment away from city noises. It is a perfect wedding venue, creatively designed and well decorated to hold a large number of guests and to make sure that couples enjoy their day to the fullest.
Whirlowbrook Hall
Whirlowbrook Hall in Sheffield is a wonderful wedding venue that offers a combination of old and new ambiance in a contemporary setting. It is wonderfully decorated with the best flower gardens and a well-preserved hall that holds a unique history all of its own.
Resting in 39 acres of manicured parkland the estate is a relaxing and romantic escape which is constantly growing in popularity among newlyweds. Built in 1920, the house has an elegance and character befitting its grandeur, with its friendly and welcoming staff always on hand to make your special day one to remember forever.
Caravan Club Sites
• Avenue Farm, Burntwood Lane, Brierley, Barnsley, South Yorkshire
• The Chophouse Elm Tree Farm, Bawtry Road, Hatfield Woodhouse, Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Certificated Sites
• The Old Barn Certificated Site, Low Burnham, Epworth, Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Other Sites
• Woodcare Park, Sandtoft Road, Belton, Doncaster, South Yorkshire
• Fieldside Farm, Highstreet, Wroot, Doncaster, South Yorkshire
More Info On- Lancashire, List of all counties of England with attractions and things to do, Terms of endearment,