Barnsley celebrates tourism triumph as local attractions shine in national rankings

We’re delighted to celebrate the latest release of visitor data and national rankings from Visit England and the South Yorkshire STEAM report, showcasing Barnsley as a vibrant and thriving tourist destination. 

In Visit England’s recent published data, Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens has been named the 15th most visited free attraction in England and proudly claims the number one spot as the most visited free attraction in Yorkshire and the Humber.  

Worsbrough Mill, Experience Barnsley, and Cooper Gallery also rank among the top 20 free attractions in Yorkshire and the Humber, highlighting the outstanding appeal and variety of leisure experiences on offer across Barnsley for tourists and residents alike.  

This follows the incredible achievement by Barnsley Museums, who welcomed more than two million visitors during 2024-25.  

Alongside this prestigious accolade, the latest South Yorkshire STEAM Report showcases the thriving visitor economy across Barnsley, which is attracting more visitors to the borough. Barnsley town centre alone attracted a footfall of more than nine million in 2024-25. These figures underscore the town’s status as a leading destination for both local and national visitors. 

Across South Yorkshire, tourism delivered a record £3.7 billion in economic benefits in 2024, with a total of 36.3 million tourism visits contributing to the region’s thriving visitor economy. Of these, 32.3 million were made by day visitors, a 5% increase from the previous year and a remarkable 10.5% rise since 2022. Visitors staying overnight contributed an estimated 9.4 million nights in local accommodation, further supporting local businesses and communities. 

These accomplishments provide significant economic impacts across South Yorkshire, with visitor activity supporting over 32,101 full-time equivalent jobs locally.  

Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “I am delighted to hear of Barnsley Museums receiving national recognition as a wonderful visitor destination, and alongside the recent tourism data showcases what a vibrant and exciting time this is for our borough. 

“The data clearly shows the impact locally of the regeneration and investment in our town, helping to make Barnsley a great place to live, work, invest and visit. 

“I’d encourage everyone to come to Barnsley and see for themselves why it’s such a brilliant place for visitors to enjoy. From our award-winning museums, popular events programme, and independent businesses to our town centre development in The Glass Works, there’s so much to explore in our thriving town.” 

With national recognition from VisitEngland and record-breaking visitor numbers, we continue to buck the trend and stand out as a key destination for cultural tourism. Anyone looking for inspiration to plan their next visit, or wanting to find out what’s on in Barnsley, can head to visitbarnsley.co.uk to discover more.