Jolly Boys' Brewery

The Jolly Boys' Brewery sits just outside Barnsley, turning out proper craft beers in a town better known for its mining heritage than hoppy ales. It's a small operation - you're not walking into some vast industrial complex here - but that's rather the point. The brewery does tours where you can see how they work, taste what they've made, and pick up bottles to take away. It's the sort of place where the owners actually know their stuff and aren't afraid to talk you through the process.

Who should go? Serious beer enthusiasts will find it worthwhile, though don't expect a massive range or the showiness of bigger breweries down south. It works well as a rainy-afternoon stop if you're already in the area, or a solid excuse to base yourself at one of the nearby farm campsites - Mapplewell Meadows Farm is barely a mile away, making it an easy evening walk. Families with kids who like the outdoors will be better served by the parks themselves than by the brewery visit, if we're honest.

Check their website for tour times and admission costs before you go - it's worth ringing ahead rather than turning up on spec. South Yorkshire's countryside is genuinely decent for walking and cycling, so pair this with exploring the area proper rather than treating it as a standalone destination. The brewery gives you a reason to spend time in Barnsley beyond just passing through.