A Brief History of Elsecar Elsecar, located near Barnsley in South Yorkshire, is a village steeped in industrial history. Its name likely derives from Old English and Old Norse roots, meaning “Aelfsige’s marshland.” For centuries, it was a quiet rural settlement. However, in the late 18th century, the influential Fitzwilliam family of Wentworth Woodhouse transformed Elsecar into one of Britain’s first model industrial villages. Coal mining and ironworking shaped the area, lea

Clayton Circular Walk 4.58mi A Brief History of Clayton Clayton is a traditional Yorkshire village with a long rural history, found just west of Doncaster in South Yorkshire. Its name originates from Old English — “claeg tun” , meaning “settlement on clay soil”  — a nod to the rich farmland that has shaped its landscape for centuries. The village dates back to medieval times, and much of its layout still reflects its agricultural heritage, with farmhouses, cottages, and fiel

Barnburgh circular 4.58mi A Brief History of Barnburgh Barnburgh is a charming rural village in South Yorkshire, lying between Doncaster and Mexborough, surrounded by open countryside and farmland. Its history stretches back to at least Saxon times, with the name thought to mean “stronghold of Beorn’s people.” At the heart of the village stands St Peter’s Church, one of the oldest in the area, dating from the 12th century. It’s famous locally for the “Cat and Man” legend, whi

Dearne Valley Park 3.43mi A Brief History of Dearne Valley Park Dearne Valley Park, located near Wombwell in South Yorkshire, is a modern leisure and countryside park that has transformed part of the historic Dearne Valley into a public green space. The valley itself has a long industrial history, shaped by coal mining and railways, which played a key role in South Yorkshire’s development during the 19th and 20th centuries. As the coal industry declined, the local authority a

Campsall Park Circular 2.55 A Brief History of Campsall Country Park Campsall Country Park, located near the village of Campsall in South Yorkshire, England, boasts a rich history intertwined with the region's industrial past. The park was once part of the estate of Campsall Hall, the residence of the Bacon-Frank family. In the 18th century, Richard Frank, a member of the family, significantly enhanced the estate's landscape, introducing various tree species that still grace

Rabbit Ings Country Park 3.63mi From Colliery to Country Park Rabbit Ings Country Park, located near Royston in South Yorkshire, is a 64-hectare green space that has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once the site of Monckton Colliery and later the Royston Drift Mine, both of which closed in 1989, the area has been rehabilitated into a vibrant country park. Officially opened in 2011 and managed by The Land Trust since 2012, Rabbit Ings now offers a blend of natural beaut

Thurgoland Circle Walk 4.53mi A Brief History of Thurgoland, South Yorkshire Nestled in the rolling hills between Barnsley and Sheffield, the village of Thurgoland sits on the edge of the Peak District and the River Don Valley. Though small today, Thurgoland has a long and fascinating history that reflects Yorkshire’s rural and industrial heritage. The name Thurgoland  is believed to derive from Old Norse origins — “Thurkel’s land”  — suggesting it was first settled by Viking

Womwell Circular Walk 3.84mi A Brief History of Wombwell, Barnsley Wombwell is a town in the Metropolitan Borough of Barnsley, South Yorkshire, with a population of around 15,000 (2011 census). Historically part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, its name is thought to come from “Womba’s Well”  (or “well in a hollow”). Early & Rural Origins There is evidence of prehistoric activity around the Wombwell area, including Mesolithic and Neolithic findspots, plus Iron Age and Romano-

West Haigh Wood & Spring Country Park Circular 4.28mi Explore Yorkshire’s Green Heritage At The White Shire , we celebrate all things Yorkshire — from its landscapes and heritage to hidden walking gems. Our Yorkshire Walks series tracks some of the region’s most interesting routes, and the West Haigh Wood & Spring Country Park Circular in Grimethorpe is a perfect example of nature, history, and regeneration all in one. This circular walk combines the tranquillity of West Haig

Langsett Reservoir Walk 4.39mi Explore the Rich History of Langsett Reservoir At The White Shire , I’m passionate about showcasing the best of Yorkshire—its landscapes, history, and hidden gems. One of my favourite featured routes on the Yorkshire Walks page is a scenic walk around Langsett Reservoir, located on the edge of the Peak District near Barnsley and Penistone. Langsett Reservoir is steeped in history. Completed in 1904, it was built to supply water to the growing po

Barnburgh Circular Walk 4.3mi Barnburgh, a picturesque village in South Yorkshire, is steeped in history and surrounded by scenic countryside, making it a wonderful destination for walkers. Nestled near Doncaster, this charming village is known for its historic landmarks, tranquil atmosphere, and beautiful views of the Yorkshire countryside. Barnburgh’s history dates back to Saxon times, and the village is rich in heritage. Its most notable landmark is St. Peter’s Church , a

Woolley Circular Walk 5mi Discovering Woolley: Exploring Yorkshire's Rich Heritage Nestled within Yorkshire's picturesque landscapes, Woolley unveils a tapestry of history dating back centuries. This quaint village, steeped in heritage, serves as the perfect starting point for an enchanting walk through the surrounding countryside, as featured on The White Shire's Yorkshire Walks page. Woolley boasts a captivating history, tracing its roots to ancient times. The village's nam

Needle's Eye Circular Walk 3.58mi "Wentworth: Where Yorkshire's Rich History Meets the Serenity of the Countryside" Introduction: Welcome to The White Shire, your ultimate guide to all things Yorkshire. Today, we invite you to explore the historical marvel that is Wentworth—a town where Yorkshire's vibrant past intertwines harmoniously with the tranquil countryside. As part of our commitment to showcasing the best of Yorkshire, we've thoughtfully traced a captivating walk aro

Conisbrough to Sprotbrough Circular Walk 6.93mi Dead end path The first two miles of this walk can be a bit tricky in places!! On the return half of the walk, turn right at the viaduct as the path down the side of the river comes to a dead end. The Don Valley Gorge, located in Doncaster, England, is an area known for its natural beauty and historical significance. Here's a brief history of the Don Valley Gorge in Doncaster: Geological Formation: The Don Valley Gorge was forme

Sheffield River and Canal circular walk 5.94mi The Sheffield Canal, also known as the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal, is a historic canal located in South Yorkshire, England. Here is a brief history of the Sheffield Canal: Planning and Construction: The idea of constructing a canal in Sheffield was first proposed in the late 18th century as a means to improve transportation and boost the city's industrial growth. The Sheffield Canal Company was formed in 1815, and construction w

Conisbrough circular walk 6.15mi Conisbrough is a small town located in South Yorkshire, England. It has a rich history dating back to ancient times and is known for its notable landmark, Conisbrough Castle. Here is a brief history of Conisbrough: Ancient Origins: The area around Conisbrough has evidence of human habitation dating back to the Stone Age. Archaeological finds suggest that the area was inhabited by Bronze Age and Iron Age peoples. Roman Influence: During the Rom

Wentworth Castle walk 2.78 mi Wentworth Castle is a Grade I listed country house located in the village of Stainborough, South Yorkshire, England. It was built in the early 18th century by Thomas Wentworth, the 1st Earl of Strafford, and remained in the Wentworth family until the mid-20th century. The estate on which the house stands has a rich history dating back to the 13th century when it was owned by the de Stainborough family. It was later owned by the Reresby family and

Norton Loop walk 4.18mi Norton is a village located in the Metropolitan Borough of Doncaster, South Yorkshire, in the north of England. The history of Norton can be traced back to the Domesday Book of 1086, which mentions the village as being owned by Roger de Busli. The village has a long history of agriculture and was once a center for mining, with several coal pits located in the area during the 19th century. Norton is perhaps best known for its association with the famous