Armthorpe offers several distinct points of interest for a stay: the broadleaf woodland of Shaw Wood, the medieval Church of St Mary and swimming facilities at Armthorpe Leisure Centre. Nature, architecture and exercise appeal to different interests; which one shapes your stay depends on what you want to discover.
Shaw Wood: Broadleaf Woodland and Protection
Shaw Wood, also known as Bluebell Wood and Basil Wood, is a 28-hectare broadleaf woodland northwest of the village of Armthorpe. The three names refer to the same woodland. Its oldest part, Armthorpe Shaw, was documented as a wooded place more than seven centuries ago. Armthorpe Shaw is the oldest part of the woodland; the 28 hectares cover all of Shaw Wood.
Shaw Wood is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). SSSI refers to the designation of an area of special scientific interest for nature; a TPO is an order to protect trees. Together, the designations point to two levels: the status of the natural area and the preservation of its trees.
Building History of the Church of St Mary
The building history of the Church of St Mary can be traced through specific dates. The church contains medieval fabric from the 11th, 12th and 15th centuries; its south doorway dates from around 1200. It features a round arch with two archivolts. The south doorway, dated to around 1200, belongs to an earlier building phase than the church fabric from the 15th century. Two moulded bands of the arch, the archivolts, frame the round arch of the south doorway.
The two historical subjects differ considerably in age: the historical association of Armthorpe Shaw, the oldest part of Shaw Wood, goes back more than seven centuries; the Church of St Mary features building fabric from the 11th, 12th and 15th centuries, as well as a doorway dated to around 1200. The history of the woodland and the church’s architecture therefore span different timescales.
Walking and Swimming
The 3.4-mile walk “Cantley Park & Armthorpe Pit Top” was scheduled for Wednesday, 15 October 2025. This is around 5.5 kilometres. The information applies to that specific date and describes the route length of that walk. There are also facilities for children in the Armthorpe Park area.
Armthorpe Leisure Centre offers swimming activities for people of all ages and abilities. This adds another type of activity to the options alongside nature and architectural history. As programme details may change, check the centre’s current swimming times before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Wentworth, Edenthorpe, Tankersley, Parkgate, Elsecar, Wath upon Dearne, Langsett, Dinnington.
For the regional travel overview: South Yorkshire.
