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South Yorkshire is a metropolitan county of northern England comprising four districts: Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield. Lacking the spectacular scenery of the Yorkshire Dales, the Moors and the Heritage Coastline, South Yorkshire is overlooked as a tourist destination. However, this is a region of great heritage and antiquity. In many places, the heavy industry with which South Yorkshire is associated goes hand in hand with farming and agriculture. This was once principally a coal mining area although iron founding and smelting has taken place here for centuries The main city of South Yorkshire is Sheffield which is the fourth largest city in the country, and rightly claims to be England's greenest city; the wild open spaces of the Pennine Moors and the Peak District National Park roll right up to its western boundaries.

To the north of Sheffield is Barnsley, the county town of South Yorkshire, whose prosperity comes from the rich seams of coal that have been exploited over the years in the local area. To the east lies Rotherham, where iron ore has been mined and smelted since the 12th century. While its wealth is certainly based upon the metal, Rotherham is also the home of Rockingham pottery that was once favoured by royalty.

Worsborough Mill and Country Park Barnsley.

This interesting example of a water-powered corn mill dates from around 1625, and a steam mill was added in the 19th century. Now converted to oil power and restored to full working condition, the mill still continues to produce stone ground flour. Amongst the exhibits are good examples of water wheel driven machinery, sluices and hammers. The mill dam is also intact. This is also a great place to walk or picnic; Worsborough Mill is set in 200 acres of Country Park and is adjacent to a large reservoir. A wide variety of bird life can be seen around the reservoir and leisurely walks may be enjoyed in the country park.

Doncaster Racecourse, Town Moor, Doncaster.

Doncaster is the home of one of the world's oldest Classic race, The St. Leger, which was first run in 1776. The four-day Rothmans Royals St. Leger Festival takes place in September. Traditionally, Doncaster begins and ends Britain's Flat Season on turf (in March and November respectively).

Conisbrough Castle - Doncaster: Tel: 01709 863329

Conisbrough Castle was originally built of wood; Hamelin Plantagenet, Henry IIs half brother, then converted the castle to stone in the late part of the 12th century. He began building in1174 and completed the keep, which was surrounded by walls with towers 15 years later. It was one of the first keeps in Britain to be built of round design. The base of the keep is splayed out and has six wedge-shaped buttresses, one of which contains a six-sided chapel. The immensely thick walls of the 95-foot high tower contain staircases, fireplaces, latrines and washbasins. The keep is notable for having very few windows or loops.
Partially enclosing the keep is a semi-circular bailey. This surrounded by a 35 feet high and 7 feet wide curtain wall supported with solid towers. Despite its strength by the time of the Tudors the castle was already in ruins.

Magna Science Adventure Centre, Rotherham: Tel 01709 750002

Magna is the UK's first Science Adventure Centre, a vast and exciting destination that explores earth, air, fire and water and offers opportunities for physical and mental fun and discovery.  Magna will appeal particularly to family groups and will feature unique, thrilling and unexpected activities with both indoor and outdoor challenges. 

Sheffield.

Sheffield is a proud city and the fourth largest in England. Sheffield people think their city is something special, it's because of the great shops, bars and restaurants- others think that it's due to the wealth of art galleries, museums, stately homes and the Hallam FM Arena. It could also be the result of Sheffield being the greenest city in the country with its many hills and parklands just 5 miles from the glorious scenery of the Peak District National Park. Whatever the reason, one thing is certain, a visit to Sheffield will exceed your expectations.  Whether you are visiting for a day or a short break, for business or pleasure make the most of your stay in the city of Sheffield.

Ladybower Reservoir.

The construction of the Ladybower Dam, which flooded the area around Derwent with the Ashop was first mooted in the early 1920s, this caused considerable controversy because it involved the flooding of two villages; first Ashopton - which lay at the junction of the Ashop and Derwent - and second Derwent, which lay upstream on the Derwent river. Despite protests the dam went ahead and was finished in 1943, though the reservoir took a further two years to fill. At the time this was the largest reservoir in Britain. The flooding of the two villages was the worst damage inflicted by the water authorities in their many projects around the Peak District. Ladybower is now a major tourist attraction and people come to view the reservoir from all over the world.