South Yorkshire

Barnsley, once a major coal-mining centre, offers both industrial heritage and rural landscapes. The preserved Elsecar Steam Railway which once carried coal, now runs between Rockingham Station at Elsecar to the Hemingfield Basin on the historic Dearne
and Dove Canal. The railway is operated by steam locomotives and the "Earl of Strafford" diesel engine.

Nearby Wentworth Castle Gardens provide a wonderful day out for all the family. Featured in the BBC series 'Restoration' in 2003, this home of the former Earls of Strafford, has the National Plant Collections of Magnolias, Rhododendrons and Camellias. There is also a 40-acre Pleasure Gardens with fascinating monuments and wildlife.

Pot House Hamlet – a great day out for all the family, located only 2 miles from the M1 in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside

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Doncaster, probably most famous for its railway works where many of the nation's famous locomotives were built, and horseracing. The town centre offers excellent shopping facilities, including one of the largest markets in the country as well as vibrant nightlife.

Lakeside Village, a shopping outlet village on the outskirts, offers an alternative shopping
experience within the fantastic Lakeside setting which is also home to leisure activities such as the Dome, cinema, bowling and family dining.

Doncaster is also home to "Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport" (why are airport names getting longer?). Of course, there are those who associate Robin Hood with Nottingham but it was his arch enemy the Sheriff who came from Nottingham, whilst Robin is thought to have been born at Loxley near Sheffield. (And Nottingham didn't need an airport because they pinched Derby's "East Midlands Airport").

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Rotherham is a really an unexpected pleasure, set in beautiful rolling countryside and surrounded by attractive picturesque villages. About 70 per cent of the area is rural, so glorious views are guaranteed whether you are touring by car, walking, riding, or cycling the major cycle paths that cross the area.

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Sheffield. Synonymous with steel, worldwide the city's name is renowned and this is reflected in the industrial heritage sites and museums available to the visitor. But with steelmaking almost completely disappeared, today Sheffield is one of the greenest cities in Europe with many woodlands, parks, formal gardens, canal walks, nature trails and stunning countryside. It has also built up a reputation as a centre of culture with a wide variety of museums, galleries, theatres and entertainments.

Within easy reach are the attractions of the Peak District National Park, and stately homes such as Chatsworth House and Hardwick Hall.