News: Tourism continues to boost Rotherham's economy by half a billion pounds a year

In Rotherham, visitor numbers are up, more people are staying within the area, and the economic impact is huge, with over £500m generated directly and indirectly by the tourism sector in 2025, reports Visit Rotherham.

Rotherham is ahead of Barnsley in terms of total tourism visits, economic impact and jobs supported.

Visit Rotherham has looked at new data, commissioned via the South Yorkshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership and processed by Global Tourism Solution’s STEAM Report, which shows that increases have continued each year on the back of high profile events and investment in family friendly attractions.

A total of £539m was generated directly and indirectly within the local Rotherham economy through visitor and tourism business expenditure in 2025, with the economic impact 5.8% up on the £509m recorded in the previous year.

The stats showed that there were 5.4 million tourism visits to Rotherham in 2025, up by 0.7%, and that visitor activity and spend supports more than 4,492 full time equivalent jobs in the borough.

Over half a million visits (593,000) were made by visitors staying within Rotherham as part of a holiday or short break, up 0.9% on the previous year and generating 1.4 million nights in local accommodation.

STEAM data for South Yorkshire 2025:

	Tourism Visits	Visitors Staying	Economic Impact	Jobs Supported
Sheffield	18.7 million	1.9 million	£2.0 billion	16,203
Doncaster	10.17 million	873,000	£1.05 billion	8,612
Rotherham	5.4 million	593,000	£539 million	4,492
Barnsley	4.09 million	600,000	£431 million	3,593
S. Yorksire	38.3 million	3.9 million	£4.0 billion	32,788

A highlight for 2025 was Rotherham hosting the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Flower Show when over 60,000 visitors attended Wentworth Woodhouse for the world-famous gardening event.

As the world’s first Children’s Capital of Culture in 2025, Rotherham has been redefining how creativity, civic purpose and collaboration can be shaped by children and young people. With events across the borough including music, sports and cultural events animating Rotherham town centre, organisers said they had achieved 83,743 "active participations" in activities during the 2025 festival year.

2025 also saw continued success at Gulliver’s Valley with the family theme park bringing attractions such as the “Land of Lights” to Rotherham for the first time.

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In the town centre, and continuing the move towards more leisure uses following the opening of Arc Cinema on Forge Island, 2025 saw the re-opening of the Empire Theatre after a £1.8m restoration.

At Clifton Park, one of Yorkshire’s best free days out, the revamped water splash opened in 2025 and now welcomes over 30,000 people in the summer seasons enjoying the new paddling pool and splash pads.

Like the rest of South Yorkshire, Rotherham does well to attract visitors for a day out - the data shows that 4.8 million tourism visits were made by day visitors in 2025 (up 0.6% on 2024). Day visitors make up a huge 89% of total visitors to the area.

In Rotherham, day visitors enjoy the award-winning Clifton Park, and the unique events space and hands-on exhibits at the Magna Science Adventure Centre. Sports fans come for football, rugby and boxing, and less mainstream sports events such as the Open Water National Championships held at Rother Valley Country Park.

Tom Austen, founder of Visit Rotherham, said: “The report makes for fantastic reading and shows that Rotherham continues to be a place that people want to visit and invest in.

“We still need to shout more about what we've got here. Other destinations would love to have attractions like Magna, Wentworth Woodhouse, Gulliver’s Valley and Grimm & Co. And 70% of Rotherham is open countryside with picturesque villages and country parks created from former coalfields and industrial areas.

“That's why I set up Visit Rotherham at visitrotherham.com - to tell people about what Rotherham has to offer, the new venues and attractions opening, the busy events calendar, and the best places to go.

“A lot of it is about changing Rotherham’s image and people’s perceptions. Rotherham, and South Yorkshire, is a great place for people who like a good value family day out, want to learn about our heritage, like to get outdoors, or enjoy the theatre, live music and a decent pint.

“The website also helps local people find out all of the amazing things that are happening in their hometown that they can get involved with and be proud of.”

Looking ahead, further investment in tourism in Rotherham is planned. At Wentworth Woodhouse, a unique holiday let is being created in the Grade-I listed mansion, and the RHS is set to return in 2028.

A new £10m tram-train stop at Magna is enabling operators to host more music events, and at Manvers, plans are moving ahead for a £14m project to create a whitewater course.

And from nearly 400 bids, Rotherham has been shortlisted to become the UK's first Town of Culture in 2027.

Visit Rotherham website

Images: Gulliver's Valley / WWPT

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News: Chantry Brewery creates “Chancellor’s Choice”

A Rotherham brewery has commemorated a cut in business rates bills for pubs, social clubs and live music venues.

Earlier this year, the Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced plans to cut rates from April next year that should see the typical pub save an estimated £1,100.

Following publication of new rateable values in 2025, the government previously announced an additional 15% relief for pubs, clubs and live music venues, to be applied from 2026/27 after other transitional relief.

The latest fully funded plan involves an additional 20% relief from 2027/28.

The government has also announced a review into the way in which pubs and hotels are valued for business rates, with any changes to be implemented at the next revaluation in 2029.

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Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey said: "Pubs, clubs and live music venues are at the heart of communities across the UK. They help make a place what we love. They bring people together, support local jobs and help keep high streets and town centres busy — which is why we will back them all the way.

"We are determined to bring hope back, give businesses the support they need and generate growth in every postcode.

“This is just one step of the Government’s plans to back our communities and high streets, and we will return to our commitment to reform the wider business rates system, including Small Business Rates Relief, at the Budget.”

To recognise the announcement, Rotherham-based brewers Chantry Brewery created a special commemorative “Chancellor’s Choice” pint. As well as being Chancellor of the Exchequer. Healey is also MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough.

The Parkgate brewery also operates a number of pubs and live music venues.

A new review into business rates in the sector comes as the pubs and hotels sectors saw significant increases in rateable value at the 2026 revaluation in large part due to the ending of pandemic-era valuations.

Chantry Brewery website

Images: John Healey

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News: Proposed new Irish bar in Rotherham sees licence application refused

Entrepreneurs hoping to open an Irish bar in a popular area of Rotherham have seen their licence application turned down by Rotherham Council.

Rothbiz reported recently on a meeting of the authority's Licensing Sub-Committee which discussed the proposals from Jaxx Irish Bar Limited.

British bakery chain, Greggs, has expanded at The Tanyard in Wickersley, taking on the former Peter Cusworth Butcher's shop, to create a bakery and cafe. With the new store now open, this meant that 236 Bawtry Road was left empty and was lined up to be converted into a small Irish bar.

Rotherham Council operates a policy that affects the number of new or varied alcohol licences being granted in the Wickersley area which is designated as a Cumulative Impact Zone.

The Cumulative Impact Policy means that there is a presumption that an application in the zone would be refused and the onus is on the applicant to show that the premises are suitable for the area, and to determine how the council's licensing objectives would not be undermined. Usually that is reversed and the onus is on the authority to show how those objectives would be undermined.

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Despite setting out that the new premises would have a capacity of 35 which the applicant said could be controlled and much more manageable, Alan Pogorzelec, Licensing Manager at Rotherham Council, told the meeting that the applicant has failed to address matters relating to noise, and preventing crime and disorder and public nuisance.

The opening hours requested were Monday to Wednesday 16:00 to 22:30, Thursday 16:00 to 23:00, Friday 14:00 to 00:00, Saturday 12:00 to 00:00 and Sunday 12:00 to 22:00.

Objections have been received from residents, the Council's Licensing Authority, Wickersley Parish Council and local councillors.

Applicant Joshua White explained to a recent meeting of the Licensing Sub-Committee: "We completely understand the Cumulative Impact Zone, we are Wickersley residents ourselves, so we understand what goes on over the road and what can happen. This is why we are trying to bring a completely fresh idea to the village. Something new, exciting, to create opportunities for locals in terms of job opportunities and live music with opportunities for individuals to showcase their talents, and give them that platform."

Alan Pogorzelec told the meeting: "The intention of the policy is to make it clear that Wickersley is not like a town centre where the infrastructure and resources from the police, ambulance service, other partners are much more focused. That's not the case in Wickersley - the resources available are generally lower than those available in a regular town centre.

"This isn't a desire for me to stop the development and Mr White's dreams and long term plans for business, but what we have to be extremely mindful of is that this policy was introduced for a reason - the impact that premises were having on people in Wickersley, some of whom are clearly concerned about this application."

The meeting minutes now show that members voted to refuse the application for the Jaxx Irish Bar.

Images: Google Maps

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News: Huge new children's play area planned for Rotherham garden centre

A popular garden centre in Rotherham is taking fun seriously as it unveils plans to invest in a massive new children's play area, reports Visit Rotherham.

The last addition at Wentworth Garden Centre was the large explorer ship complete with climbing walls, cargo nets and slides, that was installed in 2020.

The destination garden centre, which already attracts over 400,000 visitors a year, is situated in 16 acres in the former walled kitchen, Italian and Japanese gardens of Wentworth Woodhouse and in the picturesque Rotherham village of Wentworth.

The family owned independent centre has undergone a number of improvements and investment projects, with historic gardens, a craft centre, family farm and restaurants, The Walled Garden and The Bothy.

Visit Rotherham reports that a planning application has now been submitted for a 1,900 sq m (20,000 sq ft) grassed area accessed through the family farm, through an existing doorway in the wall that surrounds the garden centre.

Earth Wrights Ltd, a leading company specialising in the design and build of inspirational play spaces and equipment, has been brought in to help create the new play area.

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Plans are for a modern play area focusing on exploration, imagination, social play and physical play.

Play equipment proposed for Wentworth include log swings, tunnels and towers, sand play, climbing clusters, wooden play huts and a zip wire.

The application states: "The two outside children play areas are oversubscribed for the facilities available. In addition the nature of children’s play areas has evolved over the years from conventional static equipment in an almost formal setting, to instead creating a more natural setting. The Directors of Wentworth Garden Centre have recognised this shift in philosophy and have teamed up with Earth Wrights Limited who create play areas with clear, focused goals:

─ ‘exploratory’ play where children can investigate their physical surroundings
─ ‘physical’ play where children can indulge in activities that “challenge their minds and bodies”
─ ‘social’ play where children are encouraged to make friends, co-operate in activities and play together
─ ‘loose part’ play where spaces are created to encourage children to collect objects and make things
─ ‘imaginative’ play allowing children to “create their own worlds” in a flexible play environment
─ quiet play for children to be still in areas for sitting and take a break from active play.

"The current play areas do not allow for creating an environment that combines these elements of play. They are too small in area (730m²) and are located as part of the wider garden centre retail area. (By comparison, Tong Garden Centre some 23 miles away at Bradford, has a 4,000m² childrens play area).

"The current situation is not ideal if childrens play is to be seen as something more than a ‘distraction’ whilst the parents and guardians are shopping. If the play facility to be offered at WGC is to be something which combines some or all of the above child development goals then it needs to be located away from the busy retail areas and instead be located in a self-contained area with no external distractions."

The car park can accommodate up to 758 plus parking for two coaches. Applicants say that "there is sufficient car parking capacity available to meet the increased demand as a result of the extension to the childrens play area."

The development is not regarded as harmful to the Green Belt by applicants given that it is outdoor recreation connected to the existing use and is well screened by walls and trees.

Wentworth Garden Centre website

Images: Earth Wrights Ltd / Wentworth Garden Centre

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News: Retailer revamps another Rotherham store

Grocery retailer Asda has announced that Rotherham will be the latest location to welcome its new stand-alone George concept store, as the retailer continues the transformation of its Asda Living portfolio across the UK.

Launching at 9am on Thursday 1 October, the Rotherham store will be the final George stand-alone opening of 2026. The store follows a succession of well received Asda Living store transformations across the UK, where customers have responded positively to the enhanced shopping experience, expanded product ranges and modern store environment.

Asda has already transformed its other Rotherham store at Cortonwood using the stand-alone George store concept.

Situated at the town’s Parkgate Retail Park, the latest store will offer a dedicated destination for fashion and home shoppers. It will bring together an extensive range of George clothing for women, men and children alongside a significantly expanded George Home collection.

Customers will benefit from larger clothing ranges across all departments, including substantial growth in the store’s womenswear and menswear offering. The home department will also feature a much broader selection of bedding and small domestic appliances, as well as expanded ranges across the wider George Home collection.

The store will also stock George’s exclusive new clothing collaboration with broadcaster and former premier league footballer, Micah Richards, which launched across selected stores on Monday 14 September.

Designed to make shopping easier and more inspiring, the new format will include dedicated homeware and bedroom displays and a combined character and toy shop.

The investment forms part of Asda’s ongoing commitment to growing the George brand and creating contemporary retail spaces that showcase its fashion and home collections while delivering a more convenient and enjoyable experience for customers.

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George commercial director Karl Doyle said: “We’re excited to bring our stand-alone George store concept to Rotherham and give local customers an even better way to shop our fashion and home collections.

“Our customers are loving the new stores and have responded particularly well to the expanded clothing and home ranges. The way the stores are presented creates an improved shopping experience, giving customers more opportunities to browse and find inspiration.

“This investment reflects our commitment to growing the George brand and continually improving the experience we offer customers and we look forward to welcoming Rotherham shoppers through the doors in October.”

To allow the transformation work to take place, the store closed at on Saturday 19 September before reopening as a stand-alone George store at 9am on Thursday 1 October.

On opening day, the first 500 customers to spend £5 or more from 9am will receive a golden ticket, with the chance to win £5–£500 to spend in-store.

Celebrations continue from 10am on Saturday 3 October with a high-energy cyclone challenge, where customers can win George gift vouchers and other prizes. There’ll also be a live DJ on both days to mark the occasion and create a party atmosphere for customers.

The Rotherham opening will be the seventh Asda Living store in the UK to be transformed into a stand-alone George store and the second in South Yorkshire, following the launch of the new George store in Barnsley in August.

It marks the latest milestone in Asda’s plans to strengthen the George brand and create exciting new shopping destinations for customers across the country.

George website Images: Asda

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