Not much remains these days of the Dove and Dearne Canal at Barnsley. The longest stretch of the…read moreformer canal is between Darton Lane and Smithie Lane. Then there's a shorter stretch between Old Mill Lane and Stairfoot. The canal derived it's name from the two rivers that fed it with water, the River Dove that flows from Worsborough Dam North Eastward into the River Dearne and the River Dearne that starts as a spring just beyond Darton and flows Eastward into the River Don. I cannot remember the canal ever being in use for it's original purpose that was to carry barges filled with coal from mines at Darton, Wilthorpe and Worsborough and with paper from the former Star Paper Mill that used to be situated between Old Mill Lane and The Fleets, at Smithies, to the docklands of Goole, Immingham and Hull on the River Humber. What I can remember is the "Seven Locks" between Old Mill Lane and Stairfoot. It's due to those former locks (now all disappeared) that Stairfoot derived it's name. Stairfoot Bottom, was roughly in the vicinnity of the bottom end of the lowest of the seven canal locks. So it was the stair foot bottom of the stairway of locks. Beside the disused shorter stretch of canal you can still see today the remains of the lock-keeper's house. Only the basement ruins remain, but these are still very interesting to look at and roam around and photograph.

Selby Town Hall is on the Corner of Gowthorpe and Brook Street. There are a few parking places but…read morethere is a pay-and-display car park at the rear. The Town Hall building was built in 1862 and was the Methodist church for many years. In the 1950's it was sadly sold off to become a tyre depot (not sure what people were thinking) until the council realised its beauty. After a major restoration the Town Hall opened its door as a conference rooms, The Town Councils Offices, and a flexible place for theatre productions, music and bands and even the cinemas with a portable screen. Workshops and youth events are held regularly. The Town Hall is subsidised by the Arts Council England that enables them to stage big name acts. Many local and big name bands have played at the Town Hall, I'll list the events as they come up :)

The Bowstones are a scheduled monument, but perhaps more interestingly, they mark the point where…read morethe Gritstone Trail passes by a footpath that takes you down into Lyme Park. It is rarely less than bracing on top of the ridge and there are fantastic views across the Cheshire Plain as far as North Wales and the Lake District to the north.

One of Buxton's many landmarks, Corbar Cross is a simple wooden cross that has been erected on a…read morehill on the way out of town. I understand it was originally put there by a Catholic in 1950; nowadays it still stands overlooking Buxton and is quite a feature of the local skyline. It is possible to climb up to the Cross from Manchester Road. The path takes you up through some woods, onto open moorland and up to the cross itself. It's quite a climb but if you can manage it you'll be rewarded with some fantastic views over the locality. The silence, the solitude, the scenery, the simplicity of an old wooden cross Corbar Cross a special place to many people, I know.

Brodsworth Hall and Gardens are situated a few miles north west of Doncaster and are now owned by…read moreEnglish Heritage. It is a large Victorian country house with spectacular views across the park. As well as the house, the extensive gardens are also open to the public, and the Church is also frequently open. The is an extensive program of events thoughout the year, and in the summer, almost every Sunday sees a brass band playing on the lawn. Children are catered for with events such as easter egg hunts, and various activities around the house and gardens. Almost every room in the two storey house is open to the public. It was built in the 1860's in the Italinate style by Charles Thellusson, and it was his decendant, Mrs Pamela Williams, who gave the house to English Heritage in 1990. The house still contains much of its original fixtures and fittings and has largerly been unmodernised since it was built. To get the most out of the house, it is essential to purchase the guide book as this takes you on a guided tour of the rooms. There are stewards in almost every room, and these are knowledgeable, and can fill in the gaps that the guide book leaves out. Outside the house, there are large gardens divided in to various areas. There are croquet lawns, a grotto, a rose garden (laid out in the shape of a leaf), a wild rose dell and even a large children's playground. For those with mobility problems there is a golf-cart style buggy to take visitors from the car park to the house. THe house and grounds are wheelchair accessible and inside the house there is a lift to the upper floor. I feel that weather (and children) permitting, it would be possible to spend several hours looking around the house and gardens.

felt like i was in Downton Abbey, even tho ive never watched it, lovely house and grounds but…read moreexpensive if you're not a Heritage member, worth a visit tho

Sitting atop a hill overlooking the incredibly adorable town of Castleton, Peveril stands out…read moreprominently against the sky. Work began on it around 1066 and for a few centuries it served as an important asset toward protecting the Peak forest area. Today it appears to be in ruins, but it has one discernible tower that is easy to spot from all around the valley. Unfortunately, that was about all I saw of the castle because it was unexpectedly closed yesterday morning due to cold weather. Unsure of the protocol of rating a place I haven't technically been to, I went with a neutral 3. The rating could have been higher or lower if I'd been able to get up to it, but it is impossible to walk up to the castle and wander around the outside of its walls when it is closed since the entrance gate is at the bottom of the hill. Still, it served as a beautiful decoration in the background of the town during our short excursion. So, if you plan to brave the windy roads of the Peak District to get to Peveril Castle, call ahead of time to make sure it's open!

English Heritage places do tend to be a bit, well basic and Peveril Castle is no exception…read more There is not a huge amount to see (just a keep, some ruined walls and a couple of information boards), so the main attraction is the fantastic views of Castleton and Mam Tor once you have climbed to the top. As an EH member, I get in for free - I'm not sure I would necessarily pay to go in when there are so many other great viewing places for free nearby in the area.

The castle is a ruin, but is a wonderful place to walk around & explore. There are regular open…read moredays when you can go down into the cellars (used as a dungeon in the English Civil War) There is a very small cafe that sells takeaway drinks & snacks on some days, plus a small gift shop. There are also toilets. The Heritage Group holds re-enactments & craft fairs every so often on the site. Take a picnic on a nice day :)

Pontefract Castle is a bona fide castle no doubt about it but basically it's a ruin, and one you…read morecan walk around and look at. It's free to visit but it pales in comparison to the excellent Kirkstall Abbey in Leeds. Still if you are Ponte born and bred it's your duty to read up on it on the net or get a book and go and have a look. It's not an amazing day out but it's a nice little walk and picnic location in good weather (it has to be good weather it has no roof!) easily located from the bus station and monkhill train station the castle is Pontefracts most important landmark and deserves its status.

Yes, Mossley has its own football team. Ok, so its not Manchester United but still, they are a big…read morehit in their town and have a large following. They have a large clubhouse/function too, for presentations and its also available for hire with a fully stocked bar and catering if needed. The club is in Top Mossley which means at the top of the hill to you outsiders and the floodlights from the ground can be seen from the rest of the town so there is no chance you can miss it. Many local children play for the junior teams which are very popular and have their own website which is www.mossleyjuniors.co.uk. So take a look if you are interested!