Barnsley Market
The town has always been the centre for commercial activity in the area and nowhere is this more in evidence that at the fantastic Barnsley Market. There really is something for everyone on its 300+ stalls. Foodies will love the quality local produce on offer from the many Barnsley butchers, grocers and fishmongers. Pick up something for the pot later, or buy a readymade pie from one of the excellent vendors to munch on as you inspect the wares.
If you're more sartorially inclined, the market also has reams of fabric and, on a Tuesday, some great second-hand clothes at the antique and collectors' market. There's even a car boot sale on a Sunday, where you can pick up some real bargains.
Metrodome
While you're perusing the market, drop the kids off at the Metrodome Leisure Complex, where they can do any number of fun activities. There's a waterpark with slides and a diving pool, as well as a 25-metre swimming pool.
Come and meet them after a dip and you can all go to Metrodome Bowling. There's endless excitement with disco, laser and glow bowling on offer in the atmospheric retro-inspired alley. Bowling is hard work, so there's an extensive menu of delicious food that you can tuck in to while chasing that strike, as well as a fully licensed bar.
A rich heritage
After the excitement of waterslides and disco bowling, learn more about Barnsley's intriguing history at the Experience Barnsley Museum and Discovery Centre. Their collection of incredible artifacts have been expertly curated to give an incredibly rich story of the town's history. Objects include Saxon and Roman coins, as well as 1950s football rattles and old colliery workers' tools.
Let your dip into Barnsley's past continue at the Worsbrough Mill Museum, a 17th-century functioning watermill. Visitors can tour the mill and learn all about the milling process. You can even buy some of the Worsbrough Mill flour and other cereal products made at the site in the Mill Shop. And make sure you explore the 240 acres of surrounding parkland. Amateur ornithologists will be able to spot numerous bird species beside the 60-acre reservoir, while keen anglers can catch a pretty perch for dinner.
The Civic
After a day of sightseeing, make your way to The Civic in the heart of the town. The huge arts complex regularly hosts some of the biggest names in theatre, dance, comedy, music and cabaret. There's also a multi-screen cinema that regularly shows independent and classic movies.
Barnsley is an interesting and exciting place to take the family. Barnsley hotels open the door to a whole world of fun and relaxation, but don't just take our word for it – book a room today.
