Uncover a region rich in autumn colour

See the magnificent colours of autumn and the magical transformation of winter in the South Yorkshire countryside, gardens and villages and find out just where to stop off for comfortable and cosy refreshment.

Famous follies

Stroll down the Chesterfield Canal towpath, from Kiveton Park Station to Shireoaks, along the fully restored canal, with working lock, through a mixture of woodland and undulating countryside. Stop for winter refreshment at Thorpe Salvin’s Parish Oven pub, winner of European and Britain in Bloom prizes, before taking in Thorpe Hall and making your way back up the canal.

To the north of Rotherham, is the small village of Wentworth, home to the picturesque Wentworth Park and its very own Yorkshire Brewery. Wander around the park taking in the wonderful landscape and the stunning Wentworth Woodhouse, the widest house in the country (and a member of the Gardens of South Yorkshire group). Later investigate the famous follies of Hoober Stand, The Needles Eye, Keppel’s Column and the Mausoleum. Make your way to the Rockingham Arms or The George & Dragon for a warm welcome and hearty food with a choice of seasonal ales to accompany a winter warming meal.

What a woppa

Real ale enthusiasts might like to take the opportunity to visit the local Wentworth Brewery. This micro brewery produces a range of specialist ales, including the award-winning WPA (‘woppa’). The Brewery itself is open to the public for tours (pre-booking necessary).

Or for a more unusual brewery experience visit Bradfield Brewery, which is actually part of a busy working farm in the Peak District. They produce a range of distinctive cask conditioned real ales using water drawn from a borehole on the farm itself. How’s that for local produce?

For a leisurely day out, take a gentle walk around the 15 acres of Wortley Hall, another one of the Gardens of South Yorkshire and host to an arboretum of trees from the 17th and 18th century including a hollow sessile oak, which is 24 feet in girth and some 500 years old.

A winter treat can be seen in the more modern plantings with collections of holly, walnut and sorbus, bringing a welcome berry colour. After the stroll, take refuge in the Wortley Arms and be warmed by the roaring fire, enjoying locally brewed ale or some excellent fresh food like the famous Wortley Pie.

Old world charm

Stroll round Cusworth Hall, an imposing 18th century country house set in extensive landscaped parklands west of Doncaster. The spacious grounds include terrace, hanging lawns, lakes, cascade, rock arch, plantations and shrubbery walk – this is also one of the Gardens of South Yorkshire; to discover the rest visit gardensofsouthyorkshire.com.

The elegant Georgian house is home to the Museum of South Yorkshire Life which illustrates the changing home, work and social life of people and communities across the region in the last 250 years. Then enjoy real country fare in Cusworth's Tea Room, where you’ll discover old world charm as well as delicious home-baked cakes and pastries.

Timber-framed farmsteads

Looking for a slightly more energetic walk than country parks and gardens? Head to Langsett, east of Barnsley, for a mixture of open moorland with excellent views and a walk through a pine forest at the side of the reservoir. Stop for a welcome break in the Waggon and Horses and warm up in front of the original log fire.

For a mixture of heritage, culture and a celebrated historical landscape, head to Penistone. Using the village as a base take to the surrounding countryside and discover ancient tracks complete with packhorse bridges, guide stoops and lines of flagstones, known as ‘causeys’.

There’s also plenty of wide open space and designated trails, including the Trans Pennine Trail. Consider a walk on the Silkstone Waggonway, a recreational and industrial history trail from Moorend in the Dove Valley to Cawthorne, including a stretch on the Peninne Trail. The trail follows the route of a horse drawn railway (waggonway) built in 1809, which transported coal to the canal.

You’ll see the colours changing across the countryside and envy the inhabitants of local farms, some of which have been occupied since at least the 13th century and have remained true to their original structure with timber-framed farmsteads and barns.

Remarkable rocks

Returning close to the city, wind through woodlands and moorland on the edge of Sheffield on the Lodge Moor circular walk. This 8 mile walk takes in the Redmires Dams, the site of the Sheffield Race Course of 1875, the Redmires Reservoir and just off the route is the Head Stone, a remarkable rock formation. A great walk for a city escape.

If a relaxing drive and welcoming pub with home-made food is more fitting, settle in front of the open fire at the Dog and Partridge in Flouch. With stunning moorland views and many walks around the area it could be a perfect starting or finishing point for exploring the countryside, or even as the destination for a relaxed meal in comfort.

If there is still something missing after the gentle exercise from the moors and a boost of fresh produce is on the cards, why not visit McCallums Farm shop and tearoom in Doncaster for a sample of the fresh, home grown food and a warm welcome to end the day?

For further information about Yorkshire South, log on to Yorkshiresouth.com.