Elsecar
Elsecar Heritage Centre
Elsecar Heritage Centre is an antique, history and crafts centre based in a listed former mining and industrial community between Rotherham and Barnsley. There is an adjoining small park and reservoir. Elsecar is a Conservation Area and many of the buildings are listed as of Special Architectural or Historical importance.
The Heritage Centre is on the site of industrial workshops, originally owned by the Earls Fitzwilliam. The Fitzwilliam Family owned much land in and around Elsecar. Towards the end of
the 18th Century they founded an iron-working and coal mining community at Elsecar. The buildings that form the museum were created between 1850 and 1860 to house various trades;
engineering workshops, repair shops, blacksmiths and carpenters to support the mining and iron making enterprises. This lasted about 150 years.
The early Victorian engineering workshops have been carefully restored and transformed into a visitor centre with a difference. Entrance to the site is free. Free parking is available.
Admission is applicable for entry to the Living History Centre and Playmania Children's Centre, as well as on special event days. Tel. 01226 740203.
Darwin Iron Works
The Darwin Iron Works was founded in 1795 and closed about 1848. This made plates and nails for the local colliery. All that you can see is a commemorative plaque and the name of the street 'Ironworkers Row'.
Elsecar 'Playmania Centre'
The Playmania Children's Centre building was built about 1850 as an engineering workshop to repair railway engines and manufacture other essentials of rolling stock. It now houses the new 'Playmania Children's Centre', which is Barnsley's biggest children's indoor adventure play area and party centre, with a multi-level play area with slides, tunnels, three party rooms, including a disco room. It is open seven days a week from 9.30am – 6.30pm, further details 01226 744344 or email playmaniaatbtinternet.com (remember to change at to @).
Living History Centre
The 'Living History Centre' tells the human story behind the Workshops. A compelling 'hands-on' exhibition which tells the story behind the Workshops and Village. Lots of Granny's bloomers on display. Admission £1.50 children/concessions £1 in 2005. Open Tuesday – Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays.
Victorian Classroom
Experience long forgotten school days in the Victorian classroom. Group bookings only. Admission £1.50 children/concessions £1 in 2005. Also full educational visits for schools.
The Newcomen Beam Engine
This engine is the only one of its kind to remain at its original site and is listed as an Ancient Monument. It was built to pump water out of the Elsecar New Colliery which opened in 1795. The original wooden beam was replaced with the present iron beam in 1836. Pre-booked guided tours of the inside are available upon request.
The National Bottle Collection & Coddswallop Bottle Shop and Museum
A fascinating collection of antique bottles, jars, ceramics, packaging, and advertising, forming a nostalgic glimpse of the past. Open Monday – Sunday 10am – 4pm Free admission. Tel: (01226) 745156.
Hot Metal Press
A unique working collection of typesetting equipment and letterpress printing machines, some of which are 'hands–on'. Introduce children to life before the computer age. Call for opening hours Tel: (01226) 740498.
Elsecar Heritage Railway
We did not go for a ride on the choo choo, just watched them shunting. I had forgotten just how awful is the smell of burning coal. The railway is run by volunteers from Elsecar Railway Preservation Group with trips on Sundays. Elsecar Steam Railway runs between Rockingham Station at Elsecar to the Hemingfield Basin on the historic Dearne and Dove Canal. In the future passengers will be able to alight from the train at two platforms along the track, at Hemingfield Halt and at Cortonwood. Picnic sites and amenities will be added to complete the Elsecar Steam Railway experience. Contact the Preservation Group on 01226 746746.
Craft Workshops
Elsecar's vast array of working crafts people offer a shopping experience for all visitors. Main opening times Tuesday – Sunday.
Antiques at Elsecar
Open 7 days a week 10am – 4.30pm. Tel. 01226 744425.
There are also a specialist salesrooms. Open 7 days a week 10am - 5pm. Tel. 01226 745156.
There are monthly Antique Fairs "Newcomen Fairs" in Building 21. Tel. 01226 744425 for dates.
Brambles Tea Rooms
Lunch or afternoon tea, outside seating area. Tel. 01226 741915.
For those in need of something a little stronger The Market public house is just opposite the entrance to the Heritage Centre.
Thanks to the Heritage Centre for up to date information supplied in 2005.
Clare White Gallery
Open 2007 Tel. 01709 871038.
Hive Gallery
Open Thursday – Sunday 12noon to 4pm. Visit the website www.hivegallery.co.uk.
Events at Elsecar
Elsecar Heritage Centre holds many interesting events throughout the year including gardening weekends, alternative therapy exhibitions, vintage car rallies and special children's shows with favourites like Thomas the Tank Engine. Please telephone 01226 740203 for full details. There is plenty of free parking but fair warning it can be choc-a-block when some of these events are on.
Elsecar Village
If you have the time and the energy have a wander around the village, there are some pleasant Victorian buildings to look at, Holy Trinity Church built about 1843, the adjoining school built 1852, the Miners' Lodging Houses built in 1853 to house single men employed in the pits, and stone-built terraces like Reform Row. There is a really nice public park, Elsecar Reservoir (private fishing) with excellent walking along the Timberland Trail and parts of the Trans-Pennine Way.
