Things to do in South Yorkshire
Things to do in South Yorkshire
When visiting South Yorkshire, make sure you plan a day trip (or two) to Barnsley in South Yorkshire. With plenty of fantastic attractions and places to visit, there’s something for everyone here.
Barnsley is a brilliant town, with so much to offer. Its vibrant town centre is an exciting destination where you can eat, shop, meet friends and uncover hidden gems. Across the borough, you can explore market towns, wander stately gardens, spot wildlife or ramble in beautiful countryside. With so much to do, see, eat and learn here, Barnsley is truly yours to discover.
You can also quickly get to all other parts of South Yorkshire very easily with the connection of the M1 and A1 motorways that run through the borough, connecting you to other wonderful South Yorkshire destinations.
FREE ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES IN BARNSLEY
Barnsley offers a huge range of free things to do for all types of interests, making it perfect for those seeking budget-friendly outings in Yorkshire. Here are a few of our recommended free things to do in Barnsley:
- Barnsley Museum - Immerse yourself in local history at this fascinating museum, free to enter. Discover more things to do near here.
- Cannon Hall Museum, Park & Gardens - Wander through the beautiful gardens and head to the museum for historical exhibitions at no cost. Discover more things to do near here.
- Elsecar Heritage Centre - Discover the industrial heritage of Barnsley before nipping into some local shops and activities during your visit here. Discover more things to do near here.
- Dearne Valley Country Park - Enjoy a scenic walk or cycle along the trails of this peaceful park. Discover more things to do near here.
- Worsbrough Mill & Country Park - Visit this historic water mill and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. Discover more things to do near here.
- Barnsley Markets - Wander through the bustling markets, soaking in the local culture and flavours. Discover more things to do near here.
- Rabbit Ings Country Park - Take a stroll through one of Barnsley's popular parks in Barnsley North, great for wildlife spotting, leisure, and a place to meet outdoors with family and friends. Discover more things to do near here.
NIGHTLIFE AND ENTERTAINMENT IN BARNSLEY
Barnsley boasts a lively nightlife scene, perfect for an evening out with friends or family.
- Pubs, Night Clubs and Bars in Barnsley Town Centre - For adults planning a night out in Barnsley, why not visit some of our popular places such as The Garrison (previously known as 'Lucroum'), Old No 7, Joseph Brammah, Che Bar, Volt, Funny Gals, and many more
- Bowling Alleys in Barnsley - We have some fantastic bowling alleys in Barnsley for all the family to enjoy a night out together. Why not book your next Barnsley night out at Superbowl UK (town centre), Barnsley Bowl (Barnsley North) or Metrodome Bowling (town centre)
- Arts and Theatre in Barnsley - Barnsley is proud to host many venues that feature arts, theatre, and entertainment. Why not visit Barnsley Civic or The Laproom Theatre on your next night out in Barnsley?
- Cinemas in Barnsley - Barnsley has a selection of cinemas in the Town Centre with our recently opened Cineworld as part of the Glass Works development, and also Parkway Cinema, one of Barnsley's historical attractions in the town centre on Eldon Street. Additionally, we have a fantastic cinema based in Barnsley West with Penistone Paramount.
ONE-OF-A-KIND ACTIVITIES IN BARNSLEY
If you’re looking for something totally different in Barnsley like no other place, then head to one of our recommended picks below:
- Flyme – In Barnsley South, you’ll have access to a unique flight simulator experience.
- C-Made Outdoors – perfect for team building and action-thrilled outdoor activities from Archery, axe throwing, Archery tag, and so much more.
- Nova City – For parkour and trampoline enthusiasts, we recommend you jumping into Nova City in the Town Centre and trying out their wonderful courses.
FAMILY ACTIVITIES IN BARNSLEY
Barnsley offers a wide range of family-friendly activities that are sure to keep everyone entertained.
- Experience Barnsley Museum & Discovery Centre - Engage kids with interactive exhibits about Barnsley’s history (town centre).
- Cannon Hall Farm - A fun day out in Barnsley West - Cawthorne - with animal encounters, play areas, and farm shops.
- Calypso Cove Waterpark - A fantastic waterpark at Barnsley Metrodome (town centre) with slides and pools, perfect for family fun.
- Wigfield Farm - An educational farm in Barnsley South - Worsbrough - an experience where children can meet various animals and can take part in regular activities. Fun fact - Wigfield Farm is proudly run by Barnsley College with students working on the farm as part of their study.
- Pot House Hamlet – Head to Barnsley West (Cawthorne) to explore Pot Hosue Hamlet’s gardens, shops, and a café. A perfect place for a relaxing family day out and not far from lots of wonderful green spaces and scenic views.
- Monk Bretton Priory - Discover the ruins of this medieval priory in Barnsley North and enjoy a picnic in the grounds. You may also be in for some live performances to make your trip here even more memorable!
HOW TO GET TO BARNSLEY
Barnsley is easy to access from some of Yorkshire’s biggest towns and cities; with transport links from Sheffield, Leeds, Rotherham, Doncaster, Wakefield, Pontefract and Huddersfield.
You can travel here for a visit by bus, car train — or even make your way by foot or bicycle.
Click here to get directions from your current location, whether it’s by car, public transport or on foot.
By Car: Barnsley is located halfway between Sheffield and Leeds, making it accessible from different directions. The M1 has the most access to the town centre, with 3 junctions serving Barnsley:
- J36 -Hoyland/Birdwell
- J37 - Town Centre/Dodworth
- J38 - Haigh - Woolley Grange, Darton
Or take the A1 motorway and take the A635 exit at J37.
By Bike: You can join the Trans Pennine trail (or exit it) at various points in Barnsley, like Elsecar, Wombwell or Penistone.
- Trans Pennine Trail East: Barnsley → Hornsea
- Trans Pennine Trail Central: connects Barnsley to Wakefield, Leeds, Sheffield, and Rotherham. This route is part of the national cycle network - route 6. Just follow the little red sign!
- Trans Pennine Trail West: Barnsley → Southport
Click here to check out this handy Trans Pennine trail map.
By Foot: You can access Barnsley by foot via the Trans Pennine trail.
By Rail: Getting to Barnsley town centre by train is easy, with direct links to Barnsley (BNY) Station from Leeds, Wakefield, Sheffield, Huddersfield, Nottingham and Lincoln.
- For Barnsley North, there’s Darton (DRT) Station. Direct links to Leeds, Sheffield, and Barnsley Town Centre
- For Barnsley East, there’s Wombwell (WOM) Station. Direct links to Huddersfield, Sheffield, Leeds, Barnsley Town Centre
- For Barnsley South, there’s Elsecar (ELR) Station. Direct links to Leeds, Sheffield, Huddersfield, Barnsley Town Centre
