Barnsley is a small town in South Yorkshire, England, located on the north bank of River Dearne. It is known for its old industrial heritage, with several coal mines in the region, including the Barnsley Main, Barrow, and Monk Bretton collieries, as well as its strong focus on the arts and culture. It also has an impressive array of Victorian architecture and green spaces such as Locke Park, a few minutes’ walk from Barnsley town centre, Hemsworth Water Park and Old Mill Lane Nature Reserve.
1. Barnsley parks and places for a walk on a first date
For a romantic stroll, a great place to visit is Locke Park. This lovely park is full of trees, flowerbeds, and picturesque views over the lake. Further afield, Hemsworth Water Park and Old Mill Lane Nature Reserve are both ideal spots for a quiet walk and a picnic lunch. Other places to consider include Worsbrough Country Park, the Great Yorkshire Forest, and Westwood Country Park.
2. Places for a coffee date in Barnsley
Barnsley is full of unique and cosy coffee shops for a first date. The award-winning Café 2020 serves up quality espresso drinks, cakes and light bites, as well as outdoor seating for warm days. Other great places to consider for a coffee date include the Farmyard café, Café Bar Duttons, and the always welcoming Inman’s Café.
3. Barnsley galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit on a date
Spend a unique first date exploring the galleries, museums and exhibitions Barnsley has to offer. Head to Experience Barnsley, which offers an interactive journey through the history of Barnsley and its surrounding area. Another great choice is the WEA Art Gallery, a small but well-stocked gallery with an ever-changing selection of artwork.
4. Live music and entertainment to invite your date to in Barnsley
For a couple looking for something lively to do on a first date, Barnsley offers a variety of live music and entertainment venues. From the popular Symphony Orchestra of Barnsley to the intimate Acoustic Café and the larger Digital Arts Venue, there’s something to suit all tastes. Alternatively, two of the town’s most popular pubs are The Village and The Goldthorpe, both of which regularly host live music.
5. Barnsley pubs, bars or restaurants for a first date drink or food
Barnsley’s bustling nightlife scene offers plenty of interesting places to share a romantic dinner or drinks. The award-winning Italian restaurant La Scala is a great place to start. For a more casual evening, head to the Italian-style Caffe Primo, where you can enjoy a glass of wine or some pizza and pasta. There are also plenty of pubs, such as The Croft, The Drake, The Rock, The Gardeners Arms and The Olde House Inn.
6. Other date ideas to try in Barnsley
For a unique first date, why not explore Barnsley’s many markets, tour one of its many historic buildings, or take in a show at the Barnsley Civic Theatre? Alternatively, for a romantic night out, head to the cinema or try your luck at one of Barnsley’s many bowling alleys. Barnsley is also home to many independent shops, giving the perfect opportunity to get to know each other while browsing the latest trends. And don’t forget to leave some time to explore the beautiful countryside, with its many footpaths and cycle routes.
