South Yorkshire Accommodation Guide
South Yorkshire is one of four counties to carry the name Yorkshire; the others being North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and East Yorkshire. Together they form the largest collective county in the United Kingdom.
Yorkshire as a whole if often referred to as “God’s own country”. The reference refers to the legend that as a boy Jesus visited England with his great uncle, Joseph of Arimathea. The famous poem and hymn ‘Jeruslem’ asks if Jesus did indeed visit England in ancient times and in so doing create the New Jerusalem, or heaven in England.
Although South Yorkshire was not created until 1974 with the division of Yorkshire into four county areas, its land mass contains many ancient settlements. For example, the remains of a Mesolithic “house” can be seen near Deepcar dating from around 8,000 BC. The South Yorkshire region was on the boundary of the former Roman Empire.
Situated on the eastern side of the Pennines National Park, South Yorkshire is a landlocked county with no coastal ports. In addition to sharing borders with North Yorkshire, East Yorkshire and West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire shares a border with Lincolnshire to the east, Derbyshire to the west and south-west and Nottinghamshire to the south east.
Although much of South Yorkshire was committed to heavy industry in the Industrial Revolution, with many coal mines and the large scale production of steel, South Yorkshire still offers visitors many impressive natural sights. These include the Rivelin Valley Nature Trail and the Worsbrough Mill and Country Park. The county’s two principle cities, Sheffield and Doncaster, also have many impressive attractions.
South Yorkshire is also home to one of England’s most prestigious horse racing venues; Doncaster. The racecourse dates back to 1595 making it one of the oldest horse racing venues in Britain. The grandstands and spectator facilities also make it the UK’s largest physical venue. Doncaster hosts two of the nation’s oldest and celebrated annual races; The Doncaster Cup and the St. Leger Stakes.
With much to see and do in South Yorkshire, it is no surprise that thousands of tourists come here when exploring the wider Yorkshire region. In this guide we will exhibit some of South Yorkshire’s best accommodation choices and also explore some of the regions finest attractions.
South Yorkshire / Tourist Information
- County Town: Barnsley
- Land Area: 8 1,552 km2 (599 square miles)
- Population: 1,402,918 (2019)
- Population Density: 904 / km2 (2,340 / square miles)
- Average Temperature: (Summer 22 °C)
- Days Of Rain: Dry for 162 days a year
Best Attractions In South Yorkshire
Wentworth Woodhouse: Located near Rotherham, Wentworth Woodhouse is one of the finest stately homes in all of Yorkshire and has the longest façade of any country house in England. Building work started on the current house in 1735 replacing an early Jacobean house and was finished four decades later. Many of the house’s 300 rooms are open to the public and visitors can enjoy the wider grounds, follies and expansive gardens.
Sheffield Winter Garden: One of Sheffield’s finest attractions, the Winter Garden provides visitors with a unique experience right in the city centre. With more than 2,500 plants from around the world on display, allow several hours to properly enjoy this natural wonder. The largest temperate glasshouse to be built in the UK for over a century, the building is large enough to embody 5,000 garden sized greenhouses!
RSPB Dearne Valley Old Moor: Owned and operated by the RSPB (Royal Society For The Protection Of Birds), Dearne Valley Old Moor is a large area of managed wetland on a former industrial site. Old Moor has a large breeding population of Redshanks, Bitterns, Lapwings and Avocets plus a wintering colony of Golden Plovers. In 2018, the reserve had over 100,000 visitors of the human variety too!
Best Accommodation In South Yorkshire
Common End Farmhouse (near Hooton Pagnell): With exposed oak beams, a hot tub on the patio and its cosy kitchen stove, Common End Farmhouse is truly a hidden gem in the South Yorkshire countryside. Sleeping 8 people across 4 bedrooms this is one of nicest holiday cottages in the whole of Yorkshire. This is a great base from which to explore the Peak District National Park and it is also close to Cusworth Hall.
Pheasant Lane, Bolsterstone: Inside this quaint stone cottage near Ewden village, you will find 4 superbly appointed bedrooms that sleep a total of 8 people. Outside the cottage you will find a hot tub, sauna, barbeque and even a pizza oven! Set in 37 acres of woodland, the cottage also has a wooden shepherd’s hut which sleeps an additional two people. If you are looking for accommodation close to Broomhead Resevoir, this is the choice for you!
Stay In Britain is the ultimate guide to places to stay and things to do in Great Britain. Whether you are looking for a luxury self-catering cottage, a cheap B&B for a weekend stay, a short break in a caravan park or a business-friendly hotel in the South Yorkshire area, we have everything you need. Enjoy your stay in Britain!
