The Chapel of Our Lady on Rotherham Bridge is one of only four surviving medieval bridge chapels in the country. Its position on a bridge makes it a distinctive starting point for exploring the area around Rotherham. Check visiting arrangements before your visit.

Abbey Ruins and Countryside

At Roche Abbey, architectural history meets landscape: the extensive ruins of a Cistercian abbey lie in a dramatic limestone valley. Its early Gothic transepts form part of a Georgian landscape designed by Capability Brown. Here, the architecture of an abbey and a later, deliberately shaped landscape meet in one place.

The surroundings are also part of the Roche Abbey experience. The site is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and provides a habitat for wildlife. Four waterfalls, a stream and a public footpath alongside the abbey add further natural and scenic highlights to the ruins. Visitors interested in the interplay between architectural history and nature will find both within the same area.

Industrial History and Insights into the Past

Magna is located in the former Templeborough Steelworks and houses one of the original electric arc furnaces that drove steel production in the late 20th century. Its interactive, hands-on exhibitions are spread across four pavilions: Air, Earth, Fire and Water. A shop-floor tour with former steelworkers visits an authentic electric arc furnace and showcases artefacts from steelmaking. This tour is subject to booking and programme availability; check both in advance.

Boston Castle offers a different way to explore history. This small visitor attraction provides historical information and exhibitions about the castle’s history. An interactive touchscreen, along with costumes and games for children, adds to the experience. Access to the roof terrace is available on request; from there, the views extend across Rotherham and Sheffield. Check access arrangements before your visit.

The history of Rotherham takes centre stage at Clifton Park Museum. Clifton Park itself combines gardens with a free playground, a water play area, miniature golf, a miniature railway and a fun park. Individual attractions may have their own schedules. The park is accessible via local walking and cycling routes around Rotherham.

Outdoor Activities

Ulley Country Park offers everything from walking trails and cycling to fishing, sailing, and bird and wildlife watching. A path runs around the reservoir. This allows you to tailor your visit to your interests, whether you prefer exercise, watersports or wildlife watching.

Rother Valley Country Park offers a different mix: its cycling routes are suitable for all ability levels, while flat walking paths and hiking trails run along the lakeshore. Activities on the main lake include sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, pedal boating and rowing. Availability may vary by season and operating arrangements. The difference between the two parks is clear: Ulley combines several activities with a route around the reservoir, while Rother Valley adds designated cycling routes and watersports on the main lake.

Visit Wentworth Woodhouse

Discover Wentworth Woodhouse on guided tours of the stately home or by following a self-guided route through the state rooms and gardens. Tour routes and booking arrangements may change, so it is worth checking before your visit. Regular bus services run to Wentworth village, with connecting services from the stations in Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster. A change of bus may be required for the onward journey to the village. Check timetables before travelling.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Todwick, Rotherham, Harthill, Hellaby, Aston, Calderdale, Sheffield, West Yorkshire.

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