Referred to as “Berneslai” in the Domesday Book of 1086, Barnsley is a lively market town between Sheffield and Leeds. It was once an important hub for coal mining, glass-making and textile manufacturing and provided inspiration for George Orwell’s 1937 book “The Road to Wigan Pier”.
Things to do in Barnsley
In the heart of town is the Grade II-listed Barnsley Town Hall, which was constructed in 1933 on the Classical design of Sir Arnold Thornely. It is topped by a 44-metre-high tower and lies alongside a war memorial sculpted by John Tweed. Occupying the building is Experience Barnsley, a museum that showcases the history of the town. A highlight of its collection is a 5,000-year-old axe head.
On the eastern outskirts of town is the Barnsley Main Colliery, a coal mine pit head and engine house that date back to 1824. It is synonymous with an 1866 explosion that killed 361 people in what is the worst mining disaster in England. The red-brick remains of the colliery can be visited along the long-distance Trans Pennine Trail.
On the other side of Barnsley is Cannon Hall Farm, an award-winning attraction that appeals to all ages. In addition to shopping for locally grown produce, you can say “hello” to the resident llamas, alpacas and donkeys. Kids will love the adventure playgrounds and soft indoor obstacles, as well as getting up close to iguanas and chameleons in the reptile house.
Getting around Barnsley
Barnsley is around 30 minutes’ drive from Sheffield and 35 minutes from Leeds. Leeds Bradford Airport is just under an hour away and has flights to destinations across Europe. Trains connect to the Barnsley railway station and buses travel throughout the town. The centre of Barnsley is compact enough to explore on foot.