All of this, right on your doorstep
Things to do
You won’t be stuck for things to do in South Yorkshire, with plenty of family-friendly activities, history, and heritage to explore complimented by Yorkshire countryside to see and enjoy.
Sheffield’s multi award-winning Winter Garden is one of the largest temperate glasshouses to be built in the UK in the last century and is the largest urban glasshouse in Europe. The structure itself spans 70 metres long and 22 metres high and is home to more than 2500 plants from all around the world. Just a short walk away from here you'll find the renowned Crucible Theatre, the Winter Garden is the perfect oasis in the heart of England's fourth largest city.
The Rivelin Valley nature and heritage trail can be enjoyed at any time of the year and many types of plants, trees, birds, and animals can be spotted, as well as historical and archaeological remains of 20 watermills and 21 mill dams – these date from the 16th to the 19th century and played a key role in the cutlery and steel industry of South Yorkshire.
Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham is one of the largest stately houses in Europe, surrounded by 50 acres of private gardens – a hidden gem in Yorkshire housing many remarkable stories. Once the home of the Fitzwilliam family, the house was bought by the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust and now attracts visitors from all over.
The Metrodome Leisure Complex is the perfect place to go for year-round, action-packed days of activities and family fun. Close to Barnsley Interchange, it is home to a wide range of excellent facilities offering something for all ages and tastes. Calypso Cove is the place to go for a splash around and a wild ride on water flumes Eruption, Kraken and Terror Torrent, the latter being one of the UK’s fastest indoor water slides.
There are also gentler rides for younger children with Splash Ahoy!, the Sunken Galleon and even the opportunity to Walk the Plank into the diving pool! For those looking for relaxation or lane swimming, the Olympic sized pool is a great facility and hosts several swimming lessons for all ages and levels.
Shopping
If you’re looking for a bargain, hunting for antiques and gifts or want to indulge in the latest fashions, you can find everything you need in South Yorkshire.
Just outside Sheffield city centre and with over 270 retail outlets, 37 restaurants and cafes and an 11 screen cinema, Meadowhall is one of the most popular indoor retail centres in South Yorkshire. Offering high-street favourites and food and drink outlets, this is retail therapy convenience at its finest. Free parking is available and excellent public transport facilities make the centre easy to get to from all corners of the country.
Barnsley is amid a multi-million-pound redevelopment initiative with the market at its heart. The indoor market offers a modern shopping environment with wide aisles, seating areas and free Wi-Fi. With over 100 businesses spread over two floors there is a huge choice of quality goods to pick from including, cards, flowers, clothing, haberdashery, food, and lots more.
Just outside Doncaster town centre is Lakeside Village, a retail outlet park hosting over 45 famous name stores offering up to 60% off all year round, everything you need comes with an amazingly low-price tag. Lakeside Village has a great selection of restaurants and food outlets to re-charge or unwind after a full day shopping as well as a children’s play area to keep the kids entertained whilst you bargain hunt.