Make it memorable this summer in Barnsley
Make it memorable this summer in Barnsley
A summer of fun
Make it exciting
We’ve got another busy summer of family-fun in store with exciting events, live music, food markets and more.
Whether it’s an outdoor adventure, an action-packed weekend, cultural experiences, relaxing retreats, shopping delights, a culinary journey or just something completely unique, Barnsley has something for everyone to enjoy. Why not plan your visit, with amazing food, comfy places to stay, plenty of action and fabulous outdoors you can even make a weekend of it.
Things to do
Be entertained
Grab your popcorn! Barnsley's Parkway Cinema is one of the few remaining cinemas that can screen directly from film. Cineworld at The Glass Works is also a great spot to catch a movie, with plenty of food and drink options nearby.
Feeling competitive? Head to Superbowl UK for bowling, crazy club soft play, and an amusement arcade. For even more arcade fun, visit Barnsley Retrodome with video games, pinball, consoles, and air hockey.
End your day with laughter at The Comedy Shop on Shambles Street or enjoy live performances at Barnsley Civic or the Lamproom Theatre.
Shop it up
Barnsley town centre is a shopper's paradise. From high street retailers to boutiques and market stalls where you can pick up goods from indie makers, there’s something for everyone — and a place to find everything.
At the Alhambra Shopping Centre, you’ll find retailers like Primark, The Perfume Shop and The Works. While The Glass Works is home to Flannels, River Island, New Look, TK Maxx, Next and more.
For hidden gems, wander The Victorian Arcade. And Barnsley Market is a must-visit, with over 100 stalls across two floors.
Enjoy tasty treats
If you’re visiting Barnsley and looking for some food and drink, you’re in for a treat. Barnsley is home to some amazing restaurants, bars, relaxed eateries, street food and cafés; whether you’re sitting in or on the go.
Cool down with delicious ice cream and sweet treats from Dolly’s Desserts, a firm favourite for both local visitors and people from afar!
Enjoy an authentic Italian experience at The Secret Italian and bring the holiday vibe to Barnsley. Enjoy homemade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and other traditional dishes made from the freshest ingredients.
Alfresco dining anyone? The Falco Lounge, a fabulous restaurant and bar, has an impressive outdoor terrace for you to enjoy the evening sun with a refreshing drink and bite to eat.
Discover more of our recommendations for places to eat and drink.
Be entertained
Grab your popcorn! Barnsley's Parkway Cinema is one of the few remaining cinemas that can screen directly from film. Cineworld at The Glass Works is also a great spot to catch a movie, with plenty of food and drink options nearby.
Feeling competitive? Head to Superbowl UK for bowling, crazy club soft play, and an amusement arcade. For even more arcade fun, visit Barnsley Retrodome with video games, pinball, consoles, and air hockey.
End your day with laughter at The Comedy Shop on Shambles Street or enjoy live performances at Barnsley Civic or the Lamproom Theatre.
Shop it up
Barnsley town centre is a shopper's paradise. From high street retailers to boutiques and market stalls where you can pick up goods from indie makers, there’s something for everyone — and a place to find everything.
At the Alhambra Shopping Centre, you’ll find retailers like Primark, The Perfume Shop and The Works. While The Glass Works is home to Flannels, River Island, New Look, TK Maxx, Next and more.
For hidden gems, wander The Victorian Arcade. And Barnsley Market is a must-visit, with over 100 stalls across two floors.
Enjoy tasty treats
If you’re visiting Barnsley and looking for some food and drink, you’re in for a treat. Barnsley is home to some amazing restaurants, bars, relaxed eateries, street food and cafés; whether you’re sitting in or on the go.
Cool down with delicious ice cream and sweet treats from Dolly’s Desserts, a firm favourite for both local visitors and people from afar!
Enjoy an authentic Italian experience at The Secret Italian and bring the holiday vibe to Barnsley. Enjoy homemade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and other traditional dishes made from the freshest ingredients.
Alfresco dining anyone? The Falco Lounge, a fabulous restaurant and bar, has an impressive outdoor terrace for you to enjoy the evening sun with a refreshing drink and bite to eat.
Discover more of our recommendations for places to eat and drink.
We’re bursting at the seams over in Barnsley with culture, heritage and outdoor delights to get you into the mood for summer. Whether it's rolling countryside, wildlife spotting, inspiring art, enchanting history or all of the above, Barnsley has something for everyone!
Things to do
Explore the outdoors
Spend long summer days making memories that will last a lifetime in our incredible outdoor spaces. With endless countryside, long hikes, quirky cafes, fabulous views and quiet nature it’s one of our best kept secrets over in Barnsley.
The Trans Pennine Trail runs from coast to coast across the North of England, crossing through Barnsley. With (mostly) flat paths, signage, scenic landscapes and historic sites along the way, it’s an excellent summer escape to connect with nature.
Just off the Trans Pennine Trail, head to Dearne Valley Park - an 80-hectare park with wet woodlands and grasslands to explore. Open throughout the year, the whole family can enjoy lunch at picnic benches and a kid’s play area making it a great spot for an afternoon outdoors.
Interested in spotting some wildlife? The RSPB – Old Moor is a must-visit. Discover nature, including Kingfisher-spotting, in its wetland habitats. The reserve also features an adventure playground for kids and a visitor centre with activity sheets and discovery backpacks to kickstart your adventure.
There are so many outdoor options to choose from, take a look under the ‘Visit Barnsley’ button at the top of the page for more places to go.
Discover history
With stories that span several lifetimes you can discover the years of history hidden in our Yorkshire Town.
Make a day of it with a visit to our famous Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens. Nestled inside the country house, Cannon Hall Museum is home to fine art, exhibitions and a rich history ready to be unlocked.
You can also explore wildlife and nature across the parklands, delve into the story of the Stanhope family, enjoy a bite to eat at the Pear Tree Pantry and discover why Cannon Hall received national recognition for being one of the most visited free attractions in England.
Plan a visit to Elsecar Heritage Centre to discover the rich history of the village through archaeological sites and listed buildings which are now home to independent shops, studios, galleries, antiques and cafes! A hub for artists, performers and makers hosting craft markets and live performances, there’s always something special happening.
Learn more about our fabulous museum and heritage sites, and how you can make a day of it at barnsley-museums.com
For the perfect combination of beautiful scenery and years of history, Wentworth Castle Gardens is not one to be missed. Discover unusual and exotic plants in the Victorian Conservatory, climb to new heights in Stainborough Castle, take insta-worthy shots in the formal gardens and escape into nature in the secret follies. Why not bring a picnic or grab lunch at the Long Barn Café and take in the glorious countryside on your visit.
Learn more about the magic of Wentworth Castle Gardens on their website.
Explore the outdoors
Spend long summer days making memories that will last a lifetime in our incredible outdoor spaces. With endless countryside, long hikes, quirky cafes, fabulous views and quiet nature it’s one of our best kept secrets over in Barnsley.
The Trans Pennine Trail runs from coast to coast across the North of England, crossing through Barnsley. With (mostly) flat paths, signage, scenic landscapes and historic sites along the way, it’s an excellent summer escape to connect with nature.
Just off the Trans Pennine Trail, head to Dearne Valley Park - an 80-hectare park with wet woodlands and grasslands to explore. Open throughout the year, the whole family can enjoy lunch at picnic benches and a kid’s play area making it a great spot for an afternoon outdoors.
Interested in spotting some wildlife? The RSPB – Old Moor is a must-visit. Discover nature, including Kingfisher-spotting, in its wetland habitats. The reserve also features an adventure playground for kids and a visitor centre with activity sheets and discovery backpacks to kickstart your adventure.
There are so many outdoor options to choose from, take a look under the ‘Visit Barnsley’ button at the top of the page for more places to go.
Discover history
With stories that span several lifetimes you can discover the years of history hidden in our Yorkshire Town.
Make a day of it with a visit to our famous Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens. Nestled inside the country house, Cannon Hall Museum is home to fine art, exhibitions and a rich history ready to be unlocked.
You can also explore wildlife and nature across the parklands, delve into the story of the Stanhope family, enjoy a bite to eat at the Pear Tree Pantry and discover why Cannon Hall received national recognition for being one of the most visited free attractions in England.
Plan a visit to Elsecar Heritage Centre to discover the rich history of the village through archaeological sites and listed buildings which are now home to independent shops, studios, galleries, antiques and cafes! A hub for artists, performers and makers hosting craft markets and live performances, there’s always something special happening.
Learn more about our fabulous museum and heritage sites, and how you can make a day of it at barnsley-museums.com
For the perfect combination of beautiful scenery and years of history, Wentworth Castle Gardens is not one to be missed. Discover unusual and exotic plants in the Victorian Conservatory, climb to new heights in Stainborough Castle, take insta-worthy shots in the formal gardens and escape into nature in the secret follies. Why not bring a picnic or grab lunch at the Long Barn Café and take in the glorious countryside on your visit.
Learn more about the magic of Wentworth Castle Gardens on their website.