Rotherham Tourist Guide

Rotherham tourist guide

Rotherham is a South Yorkshire town with a population of almost 250,000; and
it is the principle town in a borough that is 70% rural.

Surrounded by historical villages and woodlands, numerous historical
sites and ancient monuments, the town centre is a bustling shopping
district, with three recommended restaurants and a superclub. There is
an impressive range of sporting and leisure facilities, with exciting
days out for the family only a short distance from the interchange.

A significant amount of funding is coming in to Rotherham, and plans to
renovate the main market and shopping streets are currently being drawn
up. The town is well connected by transport links, and within easy
reach of Meadowhall, Sheffield and Doncaster.

History

Rotherham began its transition to a busy market town during the Saxon era; and
earned a reputation as a modern and fashionable town with the creation
of a college to rival those of Oxbridge. The town's fortunes dipped
during the sixteenth century, until coal seams were discovered in the
area that provided employment for thousands of men. Steel and iron also
provided work, and Templeborough steelworks alone employed 10,000 men.

Clifton Park Museum has been nominated for 'Museum of the Year' on two
occasions, and documents the social history of the area. The York and
Lancaster Regimental Museum has exhibits from the last 200 years of
military history. The Magna Science Adventure Centre is housed in the
old Templeborough steelworks, and explores industrial history in the
area.

Art Galleries

Rotherham Art Gallery is located in Rotherham Arts Centre and comprises three
exhibition spaces. The gallery showcases large and small collections,
with space available to hire by local artists and a regularly
alternating programme of temporary exhibitions. Included in the
permanent collection are Victorian paintings, photographs and Modern
Art.

Rotherham College of Art frequently hosts exhibitions of its students'
work, and there are numerous art competitions aimed at artists
(including young people) who live in and around the area.

Theatres

Rotherham Arts Centre comprises a small, 200-seater theatre that regularly
hosts small-scale drama productions of touring shows. Large-scale
productions are rarely shown, but previous shows have received critical
acclaim and proved popular with theatregoers.

Rotherham Civic Theatre is based in a desanctified church, and has been
open since 1960. The theatre stages a programme of professional and
amateur shows, with an ever-popular annual Christmas pantomime.

There are a variety of dance and drama schools in the area, and
Rotherham Youth Theatre stages regular performances at Rotherham Arts
Centre. There is an annual production by Rotherham College of Arts and
Technology.

Restaurants

The Crown Restaurant is located inside The Consort Hotel, and serves
British and international cuisine; the restaurant is one of three
recommended by Good Restaurant Guide. The Regency Restaurant is
another; serving modern European dishes, and based in The Carlton Park
Hotel. The third is The Swallow Hotel, serving English cuisine at
reasonable rates.

Cafe Thai serves authentic Thai dishes and offers a takeaway service.
China Town is a restaurant, with takeaway and delivery service.

Cafe Noor is a popular Halal sandwich shop, offering a catering service
and takeaway.

Pubs/Bars

Rotherham CAMRA voted The Bluecoat its 'Pub of the Year' in 2006. The
bar's prices are low, and a wide selection of drinks offered, with a
resident jazz band performing on Monday evenings and other live music
throughout the week. Other recommended pubs include Hare and Hounds,
Masons Arms and Effingham Arms.

Fubar-Snafu is a pub and live music venue, serving beer, wine and a
range of cocktails. The bar hosts live bands, and an annual Battle of
the Bands competition. A catering and buffet service is available.

The Sitwell Arms comprises a large restaurant and carvery, comfortable
beer garden and children’s play area. The bar is located in a semi-rural area, just outside of the town centre.

Nightclubs

Liquid and Diva is open four nights a week, and presents the latest
chart, dance and r'n'b from resident and visiting DJs. The club has
been recently refurbished and boasts unique and stylish décor.
Clubbers must be over 25 to be admitted into Diva.

Escape Bar and Nightclub comprises three rooms, and presents commercial
dance and pop. The club is currently open four nights a week, with
plans in the pipeline to make it five. Drinks are cheap and special
offers are plentiful.

The Underground Nightclub offers speed garage and funky house four
nights a week from four resident DJs and one guest. Entry is free on
Friday and Saturday nights.

Club Envy is open four nights a week, and presents pop, dance, retro
and r'n'b.

Shopping

Rotherham town centre is home to all the main high street stores, and All
Saints Square – a town square surrounded by shops and cafes, with a
large BBC screen in the centre. Most of the shopping streets are
pedestrianised, and the development of more units for large retailers
is planned.

Rotherham is home to five markets; including The Centenary Market, with
88 units, and an outdoor market, with 115. The town centre market
comprises 40 stalls. There are more markets in nearby Wath and Rawmarsh.

Parkgate Retail World contains 34 major chain stores and restaurants,
and offers free parking. There are antiques and bric a brac retailers
located on Parkgate High Street.

Sports

Brampton Leisure Centre is one of more than a dozen in the town, and
offers sports and athletics facilities and a fitness studio. There are
also a range of activities for families and children throughout the
year.

Avago Indoor Carting Centre provides go-karting facilities every day of
the week, and offers a licensed bar, family lounge and buffet. The
Brampton Raceway is located just outside the town centre and offers
motor racing.

Rotherham Superbowl has ten-pin bowling facilities and a fast food
restaurant, and is open seven days a week.

Sitwell Park is regarded as one of the best golf courses in the Rotherham, and Lindrick Park is of an international standard. Membership is not required to play on either course.

Author: Leisha Greenfield
Having spent 10 years working as a visitor guide at various top London tourist attractions, Leisha Greenfield has now writes articles on UK tourism. http://www.ukcityguide.info.

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