About Barnsley

With its various retail areas and a major new shopping centre under construction at present, Barnsley is a Mecca for shopaholics. Home to virtually every major high-street chain, alongside many independent and designer retailers, the town centre has a bustling yet friendly atmosphere of which locals are justifiably proud.

With its huge selection of busy pubs and bars, this atmosphere is extended into the town's nightlife too. Barnsley also offers a wide cultural programme, primarily - but by no means exclusively - based at the imposing Academy Theatre, which hosts everything from West-End style musicals to stand-up comedy.

For those looking for an insight into local civic and military history, a visit to Cannon Hall is a must. This beautiful country house also doubles as a fascinating museum, housing impressive collections of artwork, furniture and local glassware as well as being home to the regimental museums of several local branches of the military.

The town has a few notable sporting links, not least the local football club Barnsley FC, who ply their trade in The Championship at present, but had a brief spell in the top division in the 1990's. The club have claimed major victories over giants Liverpool and Chelsea in the FA Cup in recent seasons.

For those with an interest in either sport or national history, nearby lies the impressive Wentworth Castle nestled amid many acres of stunning scenery and its adjoining professional golf course, which plays host to the annual PGA golf championships.