Rotherham is a South Yorkshire town with a population of almost 250,000; and it is the principle town in a borough that is 70% rural.

Surrounded by historical villages and woodlands, numerous historical sites and ancient monuments, the town centre is a bustling shopping district, with three recommended restaurants and a superclub. There is an impressive range of sporting and leisure facilities, with exciting days out for the family only a short distance from the interchange.

A significant amount of funding is coming in to Rotherham, and plans to renovate the main market and shopping streets are currently being drawn up. The town is well connected by transport links, and within easy reach of Meadowhall, Sheffield and Doncaster.

History

Rotherham began its transition to a busy market town during the Saxon era; and earned a reputation as a modern and fashionable town with the creation of a college to rival those of Oxbridge. The town's fortunes dipped during the sixteenth century, until coal seams were discovered in the area that provided employment for thousands of men. Steel and iron also provided work, and Templeborough steelworks alone employed 10,000 men.

Clifton Park Museum has been nominated for 'Museum of the Year' on two occasions, and documents the social history of the area. The York and Lancaster Regimental Museum has exhibits from the last 200 years of military history. The Magna Science Adventure Centre is housed in the old Templeborough steelworks, and explores industrial history in the area.

Art Galleries

Rotherham Art Gallery is located in Rotherham Arts Centre and comprises three exhibition spaces. The gallery showcases large and small collections, with space available to hire by local artists and a regularly alternating programme of temporary exhibitions. Included in the permanent collection are Victorian paintings, photographs and Modern Art.

Rotherham College of Art frequently hosts exhibitions of its students' work, and there are numerous art competitions aimed at artists (including young people) who live in and around the area.

Theatres

Rotherham Arts Centre comprises a small, 200-seater theatre that regularly hosts small-scale drama productions of touring shows. Large-scale productions are rarely shown, but previous shows have received critical acclaim and proved popular with theatregoers.

Rotherham Civic Theatre is based in a desanctified church, and has been open since 1960. The theatre stages a programme of professional and amateur shows, with an ever-popular annual Christmas pantomime.

There are a variety of dance and drama schools in the area, and Rotherham Youth Theatre stages regular performances at Rotherham Arts Centre. There is an annual production by Rotherham College of Arts and Technology.

Restaurants

The Crown Restaurant is located inside The Consort Hotel, and serves British and international cuisine; the restaurant is one of three recommended by Good Restaurant Guide. The Regency Restaurant is another; serving modern European dishes, and based in The Carlton Park Hotel. The third is The Swallow Hotel, serving English cuisine at reasonable rates.

Cafe Thai serves authentic Thai dishes and offers a takeaway service. China Town is a restaurant, with takeaway and delivery service.
Cafe Noor is a popular Halal sandwich shop, offering a catering service and takeaway.

Pubs/Bars

Rotherham CAMRA voted The Bluecoat its 'Pub of the Year' in 2006. The bar's prices are low, and a wide selection of drinks offered, with a resident jazz band performing on Monday evenings and other live music throughout the week. Other recommended pubs include Hare and Hounds, Masons Arms and Effingham Arms.

Fubar-Snafu is a pub and live music venue, serving beer, wine and a range of cocktails. The bar hosts live bands, and an annual Battle of the Bands competition. A catering and buffet service is available.

The Sitwell Arms comprises a large restaurant and carvery, comfortable beer garden and children's play area. The bar is located in a semi-rural area, just outside of the town centre.

Nightclubs

Liquid and Diva is open four nights a week, and presents the latest chart, dance and r'n'b from resident and visiting DJs. The club has been recently refurbished and boasts unique and stylish décor. Clubbers must be over 25 to be admitted into Diva.

Escape Bar and Nightclub comprises three rooms, and presents commercial dance and pop. The club is currently open four nights a week, with plans in the pipeline to make it five. Drinks are cheap and special offers are plentiful.

The Underground Nightclub offers speed garage and funky house four nights a week from four resident DJs and one guest. Entry is free on Friday and Saturday nights.

Club Envy is open four nights a week, and presents pop, dance, retro and r'n'b.

Shopping

Rotherham town centre is home to all the main high street stores, and All Saints Square - a town square surrounded by shops and cafes, with a large BBC screen in the centre. Most of the shopping streets are pedestrianised, and the development of more units for large retailers is planned.

Rotherham is home to five markets; including The Centenary Market, with 88 units, and an outdoor market, with 115. The town centre market comprises 40 stalls. There are more markets in nearby Wath and Rawmarsh.

Parkgate Retail World contains 34 major chain stores and restaurants, and offers free parking. There are antiques and bric a brac retailers located on Parkgate High Street.

Sports

Brampton Leisure Centre is one of more than a dozen in the town, and offers sports and athletics facilities and a fitness studio. There are also a range of activities for families and children throughout the year.

Avago Indoor Carting Centre provides go-karting facilities every day of the week, and offers a licensed bar, family lounge and buffet. The Brampton Raceway is located just outside the town centre and offers motor racing.

Rotherham Superbowl has ten-pin bowling facilities and a fast food restaurant, and is open seven days a week.

Sitwell Park is regarded as one of the best golf courses in the Rotherham, and Lindrick Park is of an international standard. Membership is not required to play on either course.