You'll find jaw-dropping scenery, cities steeped in industrial heritage and hidden market towns in equal measures in South Yorkshire. Hop on an imaginary stagecoach to historical inns in regal Doncaster. Rock climbers and walkers enjoy Peak District National Park escarpments and vales. Pause at market towns and hamlets for windmills, old churches and country pubs. Novelties like steam railways, model villages and science centres keep little visitors to this Yorkshire and Humber county amused for hours. Don't miss cosmopolitan Sheffield's glasshouse gardens, art galleries and cathedral chapels.
Places to visit in South Yorkshire
Indulge your sweet tooth in Cocoa Wonderland
Sneak into Cocoa’s enchanted chocolate wonderland for a true midnight feast and experience a lock-in with a difference.
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Enjoy a vintage day out browsing Sheffield’s Antiques Quarter
A flea market with 70 stalls of Retro, Vintage, Arts & Crafts (but no fleas) add even more to Sheffield's Antiques Quarter,
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Rainy Day Activities: Discover Sheffield’s story at Kelham Island Museum
The ‘Steel City’s’ unique industrial story is brought to life through interactive galleries at this captivating indoor museum.
Location: Kelham Island, South Yorkshire
Stay in a quintessentially English village
The rural beauty of idyllic Bradfield – complete with a medieval church, Norman castle and cosy pubs – will take your breath away.
Location: Bradfield, South Yorkshire
Explore the past at Elsecar village
Set within the attractive conservation village of Elsecar is Elsecar Heritage Centre, a unique attraction and a working hub of industry to explore.
Location: Elsecar, South Yorkshire
Discover James Hudson Taylor’s heritage
The British missionary James Hudson Taylor was born in Barnsley – take a trail through the places he lived and preached at.
Location: Barnsley, South Yorkshire
Fall in love with historic houses and gardens
Be warned! After a visit to the splendid historic houses and gardens around Barnsley, you may wish to move in and live the life of a lord or lady.
Location: Barnsley, South Yorkshire
Marvel at a working 17th-century water mill
Worsbrough Mill in Northern England is an amazing place to watch wildlife and see history come alive in a beautiful setting.
Location: Worsbrough, South Yorkshire
Enjoy a slice of authentic Yorkshire countryside
Visit Penistone, the highest market town in the county. As well as being pretty to look at, there’s plenty to do and delicious food and ales to try.
Location: Penistone, South Yorkshire
Explore the great outdoors around Barnsley
Nature-lovers looking for fresh air, exercise and natural beauty can take on adventures big and small in Barnsley.
Location: Barnsley, South Yorkshire
September events: Celebrate Doncaster at the St Leger Festival
Join the party at The William Hill St Leger Festival, the oldest classic horse race in the world, with an array of music, fine food, arts and culture – and racing of course!
Location: Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Shop like a local at marvellous Doncaster Market
With over 400 stalls spanning everything from speciality cheeses to antique treasures, lively, award-winning Doncaster Market is a must-visit.
Location: Doncaster, South Yorkshire
See the last operating Vulcan bomber in flight
Aviation fans won’t want to miss the Vulcan Experience, a chance to see the world’s last flying Vulcan bomber, here at its original home.
Location: Robin Hood Airport, South Yorkshire
Play croquet on the lawns of Brodsworth Hall
Enjoy a quintessential English experience with a game of croquet in the grounds of intriguing Brodsworth Hall, a stately home in Doncaster.
Location: Brodsworth, South Yorkshire
Bring a masterpiece to life at Conisbrough Castle
This romantic medieval castle inspired Sir Walter Scott’s classic book Ivanhoe. Travel back nearly 1,000 years on a visit to the magnificent property.
Location: Doncaster, South Yorkshire
See more of Sheffield on a city walking tour
Witness Sheffield's recent thrilling revival along with elements of its rich heritage as you pace the city streets.
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Enjoy close encounters at Tropical Butterfly House & Wildlife Centre
Discover one of the most exciting wildlife parks in Yorkshire - an indoor rainforest paradise with birds and butterflies, creepy crawlies and reptiles, cheeky Meerkats and minibeasts from around the world.
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Enjoy romance and relaxation at Brocco on the Park
Enter an oasis of calm with luxurious surroundings, great views and a very special terrace restaurant at Brocco on the Park.
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire
9 ways to escape the everyday in Yorkshire
Escape to a beautiful slice of England’s biggest county with AJ Odudu and discover more things to do further afield.