Article: Elsecar Heritage Centre Article Body The Elsecar Heritage Centre is an antiques, history, craft and events centre offering something for everyone of all ages. Set in the attractive conservation village of Elsecar, the Heritage Centre is located within the former ironworks and colliery workshops of the Earl Fitzwilliam. Restored buildings now house an antiques centre, individual craft workshops and businesses, children's indoor play centre, Heritage Railway and an exhibition hall which features a year round programme of special events. The centre also features the only Newcomen type Beam Engine still in its original position, anywhere in the world. We are delighted to announce that funding has been confirmed to restore the engine. 'The Newcomen Beam Engine at Elsecar - one of the most important inventions of the industrial revolution and a breakthrough in the creation of mechanical power from steam - has been awarded a confirmed grant of £425,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a complete restoration. The two-year project, to be run by Barnsley Council, will see the world-famous beam engine, shaft, and engine house restored to full working order and conserved within the wider site of the Elsecar village conservation area as a premier tourist attraction in Barnsley' Elsecar Village itself is an excellent example of an early industrial village with its stone cottages built for the miners and foundry workers, it also has its own park with 'Pitch and Putt', cafe and children's play area, as well as an adjoining reservoir, popular with anglers and bird watchers. Elsecar village park now holds Green Flag status. Along with the regular attractions of the village and the Elsecar Heritage Centre, you will also find a full programme of events taking place throughout the year at the site, including themed children's and family activities, monthly antique fairs, championship dog shows to concerts. Please visit Barnsley Live for more information. The centre is also the ideal location to access the Trans Pennine Trail and walks along the Dearne and Dove Canal. Opening times The Elsecar Heritage Centre site is open from 10am to 5pm, 7 days a week, (Site closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day).The Visitor Centre is also open daily (not Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Years Day) from10am to 5pm Please note that the individual attractions, craft shops and businesses on site operate varying opening and closing days and times. Admission arrangements to special events may vary, please contact the Centre on 01226 740203 Location / access By Car: The Elsecar Heritage Centre is 5 to10 minutes from J36 off of the M1 and is brown signed on all major routes in the area, with FREE CAR PARKING facilities, including bays for 'blue badge holders'. Public transport: A regular direct train service operates from Sheffield, Leeds, Barnsley, Huddersfield and Wakefield, with hourly stops at the Elsecar village train station. On leaving the station turn right following the main road down the hill for 5 to10 minutes and the centre is on the left next to the Market Inn public house. Bus services are available from Barnsley and Rotherham which stop outside the Heritage Centre or in the village itself. For times on all services please contact Traveline on 01709 515151 or go to Travel South Yorkshire The site is fully wheelchair and moblity vehicle accessible. Responsible dog owners welcome to all external areas of the centre. Full access available to assistance dogs. Walking and cycling routes also available to and from the Elsecar Heritage Centre. See the Trans Pennine Trail for information. Contact details Elsecar Heritage Centre, Wath Road, Elsecar, S74 8HJ Email: elsecarheritagecentre@barnsley.gov.uk Telephone: 01226 740203 Fax: 01226 350239