Our unique position in the Yorkshire countryside means there is plenty on offer for all ages close by. Here are just some of the amazing family tourist attractions within an hour’s drive of Spicer Manor.
1. Cannon Hall Farm
Cannon Hall Farm is an award-winning family attraction in Cawthorne, Barnsley, just a 15-minute drive away.
The family-run farm first opened to the public in 1989. Since then they’ve added an adventure playground, gift shop, farm shop, two restaurants and an indoor play area, making it one of the largest farm attractions in the UK.
The farm, which is open every day from 10.30am-5pm, includes a milking parlour with regular milking demonstrations and a rare breeds barn. Springtime is a great time to visit the farm to see new life being born – it’s also home to Channel 5’s popular TV series ‘Springtime on the Farm’.
After visiting the farm, we recommend taking a walk in the beautiful grounds of Cannon Hall Park & Gardens, which is full of enchanting surprises, before exploring the Georgian house, which has a display of fine artworks collected by the ceramicist William De Morgan.
In the summer months, discover the Maize Maze at the nearby Garden Centre for hours of fun as you look for the clues to find your way out of the corn jungle.
2. Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) is the leading international centre for modern and contemporary sculpture, situated in the 500-acre, 18th-century Bretton Hall estate in West Yorkshire.
The open-air gallery comprises around 80 sculptures and installations, including Barbara Hepworth’s The Family of Man – a beautiful representation of figures in the landscape and one of the last major works she completed before her death.
YSP is a great place to wander around, enjoying the surrounding landscape and impressive sculptures. It’s free to enter, but parking charges apply. Visit YSP by car in 25 minutes.
3. Wentworth Woodhouse
This Grade I listed stately home in the village of Wentworth in Rotherham is one of the largest houses in Europe, with one of the longest facades of any country house in England.
The house stands in 87 acres of gardens and grounds and has extensive views over former parkland, including a deer park and lakes.
Wentworth Woodhouse was built for the 1st Marquess of Rockingham from circa 1735, the work continuing over four decades, and then passed to the Fitzwilliam family. During World War Two the mansion was taken over for use by Military Intelligence.
In 2017 it was bought by the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, who are working to renovate the building and restore it to its former glory.
Wentworth Woodhouse, its tearoom, shop and booking office are open Tuesday to Sunday 10am-4pm, with pre-booked house and garden tours operating on these days. The mansion is within a 30-minute drive of Spicer Manor and well worth a visit.
4. The Piece Hall
Following a multi-million-pound restoration project, The Piece Hall – Britain’s last surviving cloth hall – features quirky independent shops, cafes and bars, a heritage visitor centre, art gallery and events programme.
It’s nestled within a dramatic landscape of rolling hills and wooded valleys at the centre of the West Yorkshire town of Halifax, and a 45-minute drive from Spicer Manor.
This hidden gem of honey-coloured architecture and rich industrial heritage make it an ideal destination to visit with friends and family during your stay with us.
5. Yorkshire Wildlife Park
There’s lots of fantastic family fun to be had at the UK’s number one walk-through wildlife adventure, just under an hour’s drive from Spicer Manor.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster is home to the only polar bears in England. Yes, we said polar bears! The park works closely with charities to help the conservation of endangered species in the wild and captivity and is home to nearly 400 animals and 70 different species, most of which are either endangered or threatened. Enjoy ranger talks throughout the day, visit the many cafés or take your own picnic.
For more about things to do during your stay at Spicer Manor, visit our location page.
If you visit a family attraction during your stay, we’d love to see your pictures. Tag us in on Facebook and Instagram @SpicerManor.
