Looking for some fresh-air fun in Barnsley this half-term?
There are loads of self-guided walking trails to help get your legs moving and your brain learning at the same time.
If you are shopping in or visiting Penistone, look around for the friendly faces of the Penistone Sheep art trail, which celebrates local landmarks in a fun way.
The trail, funded by our Principal Towns and Local Centres Programme, features a roller-skating sheep, one riding a cycle and even a woolly bookworm. There’s an online map of all the sheep’s locations - each red pin is where you can find a sheep.
Alternatively, why not take a wander around Cudworth with the town’s new History and Heritage Trail?
The trail highlights public artworks, local legends like Sir Michael Parkinson and Olympic runner Dorothy Hyman, important historic buildings and beauty spots around the town.
It was designed by local business owner Julia Keeling (pictured) in collaboration with Cudworth Businesses and Community Together and local historian author Cliff Gorman, and part-funded by Cudworth Ward Alliance. You can pick up a free trail guide from Julia’s shop, Wishes of Cudworth on Barnsley Road.
Over in Goldthorpe, the Dearne Community Story Trail lets you put yourself literally in the picture.
There are 16 photo scene boards around Goldthorpe, Thurnscoe and the Dearne you can pose with. Each has a QR to scan to listen to stories and conversations from the community groups who help make the Dearne such a vibrant place to live.
The trail is coordinated by the Dearne Community Arts Festival team and funded by the UK Government’s Towns Fund through the Goldthorpe Town Deal Board.
Download a map from the trail website or see the large map in Goldthorpe’s Horse and Groom Square for details of where to find all the illustrated boards.
Some venues are only open by arrangement so remember to check and ring ahead if necessary.
Our libraries also have a busy programme of events and activities for families this half term and there’s so much to discover at our museums, too.
Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “There are lots of activities and events that you can get involved in across our local towns and centres this half term.
“Barnsley’s towns are great places to explore, and each has its own proud history and character.
“We’re committed to helping our communities and high streets thrive and family-friendly trails offer an insight into our communities’ past and present in a fun and educational way.
“Why not take a selfie with a roller-skating sheep, find out all about Parky’s home town or stick your head on a gorilla’s body in Thurnscoe Flower Park?
“I’d encourage everyone to head out and discover what’s on offer across Barnsley’s vibrant landscapes.”
