Another half term is here, and with some parents having to organise two weeks worth of activities, there’s no doubt you’ll be on the look out for a great deal for your next family adventure! So, to help you out, we’ve compiled a quick list of free/cheap things to do in and around Barnsley over the next week-or-so!
EXPERIENCE BARNSLEY
Price: Free
Carpark: The Glassworks/Alhambra/County Way
The town hall based museum has been a firm favourite for families for the last few years. Due to its free entry policy and interactive activities and exhibitions, it’s once again on our list of places to visit this half term. There’s also ‘The Marvellous McLintock Mouse trail’ taking place until the 16th of April!
DEARNE VALLEY COUNTRY PARK
Price: Free entry
Carpark: Accessed off Pontefract Road.
This Barnsley-based wildlife haven is less than a mile from the town centre and extends for two miles along the River Dearne from Hoyle Mill on the A61 to the Trans-Pennine Trail viaduct at Lundwood. At the centre of the Park is the River Dearne, now so full of life that this is one of the best places to see kingfishers in the Valley at any time of year. Perfect family walking as the sun starts to appear that little bit more!
WIGFIELD FARM
Price: £2 per person, free for under 2’s.
Car park: Yes
Situated in Worsbrough, Wigfield farm is home to a wide range of animals including meerkats, horses, cows, goats, shetland pony, miniature zebu, donkeys, pigs, sheep, chickens, guinea pigs, rabbits and much more! Being a campus of Barnsley College, many of the daily activities are carried out by students looking to develop their skills and knowledge of animal care.
Note: Check website for opening times.
ELSECAR PARK AND HERITAGE CENTRE
Price: Free
Carpark Yes
As the sun begins to appear that bit more often, it’s only natural that you’d want to get outside and to one of the many parks we have across the town. Elsecar Park has gone under much redevelopment over recent years which has left us with the perfect place to enjoy playground activities, picnics on the grass, explore glorious gardens and look out for wildlife around the reservoir. But that’s not all, at the far end of the gardens, and just a hop across the road, you’ll find Elsecar Heritage Centre full of independent shops, eateries and things to do.
TOWN CENTRE EASTER ACTIVITIES
Price: Many of the events are free.
Parking: The Glassworks/Alhambra
Finally, like every year, there’s plenty of things going off in and round the town centre this Easter! From having the chance to meet Sonic the Hedgehog, to arts and crafts at The Lightbox, Barnsley definitely has you covered this half term. Some events require online tickets, so please make sure you head over to their website below to see what’s happening and when.
So If you’re stuck for something to do this half term, and the opening few days have left you fresh out of ideas, then hopefully there’s a few things there to set you and the family on your way! If there’s any other local events you want to make us aware of, don’t forget to let us know across Facebook and Instagram. Have fun!
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