South Yorkshire Tourist Information

South Yorkshire was created as a metropolitan county in 1974. The area was previously the southern part of the West Riding of Yorkshire. The County comprises four administrative districts - Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster and Barnsley. Each offer Tourist Information for South Yorkshire.

South Yorkshire Tourist Information can be accessed at the Visitor Information Point, Winter Garden, Sheffield. Sheffield is the fourth largest city in England, famous for the production of steel and cutlery. It's a great place to visit with a vast choice of shops, restaurants, leisure and sporting facilities, museums, art galleries and attractions. Sheffield is known as England's greenest city and boasts such facilities as the Sheffield Botanical Gardens. Additionally, it has over 50 public parks so you're never far from a pleasant place to relax. The Peak District National Park lies to the west of the city approximately five miles from the centre. The Rivers Sheaf (from which Sheffield takes its name), Don and Rother flow through the surrounding countryside and provide opportunities for recreation. The river valleys lead to countryside of hills, lakes and moor land that lies to the north, south and west. There's lovely scenery here for walking, cycling or horse riding.

Rotherham is a busy industrial town sitting at the confluence of the Rivers Don and Rother. You'll find South Yorkshire Tourist Information here in the central Library. The Chapel of Our Lady - on the bridge spanning the River Don - dates to the 15th century and is one of the few remaining in Britain. Rotherham Minster, previously known as All Saints Church dates back to the 15th century. It's one of the finest and largest in the county, and is well worth visiting. Further information about Rotherham and its history can be found at Clifton Park Museum.
The Rotherham district is over 70% rural, with over 200 miles of footpaths, cycle trails and bridleways. There are three country parks to explore, pretty villages, woodlands and nature reserves.

As with Rotherham, South Yorkshire Tourist Information is housed in the central Library in Doncaster. Doncaster is a bustling market town with good shopping and some fine Georgian buildings, notably the Mansion House which has graced the High Street for over two centuries. In contrast is Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery. Purpose-built and opened in 1964, it displays collections of local history, natural history and fine and decorative art. The Regimental Museum for the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry is to be found in the same building.

The Museum of South Yorkshire Life is housed in Cusworth Hall. This is an imposing 18th century country house set in landscaped parklands. Doncaster is home of the famous 'St Ledger' - reputedly the oldest classic horse race in the world.
Anglers have the opportunity to catch salmon in the River Don, while Hayfield Fisheries continues the piscine theme, being home to the popular 'Fishomania'. Hatfield Water Park offers facilities for canoeing, dinghy sailing, windsurfing and coarse fishing. Many cycling and walking routes cover scenic paths throughout the Doncaster district.

Barnsley, the county's principle market town, was once at the heart of the south Yorkshire coalfield. Since the closure of the coal mines Barnsley has been undergoing extensive regeneration efforts. The 700 year old market still exists alongside modern shopping facilities.
Interesting attractions to visit here include Elsecar Heritage Centre - illustrating industrial heritage - and an interactive world of science and history.
Cannon Hall Museum, set in acres of historic parkland, which is home to the Regimental Museum of the 13th/18th Hussars (Queen Mary's Own). It's a must for anyone interested in military history.
Cawthorne Museum is the only survivor of John Ruskin's dream of a network of village museums set up throughout Britain. Wentworth Castle Gardens will be interesting to garden lovers, the gardens cover 40 acres with national plant collections.