About Penistone

Welcome to the traditional market town of Penistone, the hidden gem of Yorkshire that's just waiting to be discovered!

Nestled in the foothills of the Pennines in South Yorkshire, Penistone has all the charm and character you would expect from a traditional English market town, with its prime location for great accessibility to 3 major cities, historic buildings, and friendly locals. But what makes Penistone truly special is its annual community events, from the infamous Penistone Agricultural Show held every September to the fun-packed Penistone Gala Show held every June. So come with us on a journey of discovery as we explore the best-kept secret of Yorkshire, and uncover the many delights that make Penistone such a special place to live.

 

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Introduction to Penistone

Located in South Yorkshire, this town is a hidden gem that has so much to offer. With a population of over 12,000 people (according to Census 2021), Penistone is a bustling community that has a rich history. From its humble beginnings as a farming community to its industrial revolution roots, the history of Penistone is well worth exploring. 

Besides its long history and idyllic location, Penistone is also known for its commendable healthcare and educational services. The town’s proximity to major cities like Leeds, Sheffield and Barnsley means that residents have easy access to some the most highly-rated hospitals in the country. In addition to a range of GP surgeries, pharmacies and dental clinics, Penistone is also home to a community hospital that provides essential services such as rehabilitation and palliative care. With such high-quality healthcare available, residents can rest assured that their medical needs will be well taken care of. Penistone and surrounding areas also boast some fantastic schools, several options for A-level studies and close proximity to Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield universities - all within a 45-minute drive of Penistone! All in all, Penistone truly is a town with something for everyone – from its superb location to its excellent public services and active community, Penistone is a fantastic place to live for people of all ages and demographics. 

Location

While Penistone provides a peaceful and idyllic setting, the convenience of its location allows residents and visitors to easily access the vibrant city life and amenities offered by nearby cities Sheffield, Leeds, and Manchester. Whether you're in the mood for a day of shopping, exploring cultural landmarks, or attending exciting events, these dynamic cities are all within easy reach, making Penistone an ideal commuter town.

Situated approximately 12 miles north of Sheffield, Penistone is just a short drive away from this bustling metropolitan university city. Hop in your car, and within 30 minutes, you'll find yourself immersed in Sheffield's vibrant culture, renowned theatres, shopping districts including the infamous Meadowhall, and eclectic dining scene.

If you venture a bit further, you'll discover the vibrant city of Leeds, located approximately 25 miles northeast of Penistone. A drive from Penistone to Leeds typically takes around 45 minutes, offering access to a wealth of shopping destinations, historic sites, museums, and an energetic nightlife.

For those seeking a taste of the urban buzz on a larger scale, Manchester awaits approximately 27 miles west of Penistone. A drive from Penistone to Manchester can take around 1 hour, opening up a world of possibilities with its world-class shopping, thriving arts scene, iconic music venues, and renowned sporting events.

 

Shopping and Eating Out in Penistone

Penistone may be a small town, but it's mighty when it comes to offering an array of shops and eateries that'll tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're a fan of traditional grub or yearning for something a bit more exotic, you'll never be at risk of going hungry in this neck of the woods! What's more, there's also a local supermarket and an organic food store, so you can stock up on nibbles for your travels or buy ingredients to whip up a delicious home-cooked meal. When it comes to things to do in Penistone, filling your belly is definitely at the top of the list!

 

Best Restaurants in Penistone

Obviously, "best" is always a matter of opinion! Here are the top 3 restaurants in Penistone based on a mix of Tripadvisor reviews and our team's own opinions.

1. The Waggon & Horses (Pub and Restaurant)

As reviewed by Tripadvisor users and our own personal experiences, The Wagon & Horses in Oxspring is a guaranteed "MUST Visit" restaurant. Their menu changes regularly according to what's in season, the food is always delicious, and the atmosphere is always really nice and friendly. They have regular events and deals on so be sure to like their Facebook page to see their updates or check on their website. 

2. The New Inn (Pub, Restaurant and Venue)

Offering local ales, great food and a sizeable venue for special events like birthdays and wedding receptions, the New Inn is another go-to place for reliably great food at good prices. They host regular fun-filled events so be sure to visit their website - The New Inn, Penistone and The New Inn's Facebook Page to find out about upcoming events.

3. Cinnamon Spice

If you're looking for a cheap and cheerful Indian Restaurant in Penistone, then here it is! Cinnamon Spice offers incredibly delicious Indian food at just as incredibly low prices.
 

Best Fish and Chips in Penistone

When it comes to moving to a new area, one of the things you come to realise is it's often hard to find a reliable chippy that's open when you want it to be and provides consistently good quality fish'n'chips! We've hand-picked two of our personally recommended fish and chip shops in Penistone...

1. Bridge End Fisheries 
Located at the crossroads next to the New Inn, Bridge End Fisheries in Penistone, we would say, offers the best fish and chips in Penistone. Their portions are large, their fish is always perfectly cooked and they will bring your order to you while you wait in your car! Visit Bridge End Fisheries on Facebook.

2. Penistone Fish and Chips
Offering good value for money and other dishes you'd find in a great takeaway - kebabs, pizzas and more! They have a handy app where you can place your order and come and collect your fish and chips, too which is really handy. Visit their website: Penistone Fish and Chips.
 

Cafe's in Penistone

When it comes to finding a great cafe in Penistone, you are left spoilt for choice! Here are 3 of the most popular ones...

1. Cafe Creme

Located on the high street, Cafe Creme offers breakfasts, gluten-free bakery items (which it's VERY well-known for) and great-tasting coffee. Links: Website and Online Shop | Facebook Page.

2. Generations Cafe Bar & Bistro

Located in the new "Penistone One" building, Generations Cafe Bar & Bistro serves great coffee, food and is also licensed to sell alcohol. It's especially popular for breakfasts and lunches. Links: Facebook Page.

3. The Loft Coffee Shop

Another great cafe in Penistone, The Loft is located just behind the Tesco car park next to Market Barn making it a great place for a "pit stop" while visiting the market or getting your weekly shop done at Tesco. Links: Facebook Page.
 

Penistone Shops

On the high street, you can find everything you need! There are 3 butchers shops, a fresh fruit and veg shop, a Spar and Co-Op. Here are some of our featured shops...

1. Tesco

If you decide to move to Penistone, you have your very own Tesco right on your doorstep which is REALLY convenient! 

2. Zeanti Women's Shop in Penistone

Zeanti has a wonderful collection of clothes for women.

3. Penistone Fruit & Veg

It's always great to support your local business. Instead of opting for the more convenient "one stop shop" at Tesco, it's well worth visiting Penistone Fruit and Veg to get your fresh produce, they're always fully stocked with fresh, good-quality produce.

4. Harrington's Butchers 

Offering more than just meat! Harrington's prides itself on offering local produce including eggs, condiments and bakery items. Not to mention their hot breakfast sarnies...
 

Market Day in Penistone

Market Days in Penistone are held in The Barn opposite Tesco's car park on...

1st Saturday of each month – Second-hand Market

2nd Saturday of each month – Food & Produce market

3rd Saturday of each month – Arts & Crafts Market

4th Saturday of each month – Youth Market

Visit The Market Barn's Facebook Page for regular updates.
 

Education in Penistone

Penistone has a fantastic reputation for its excellent educational facilities. So here's a summary of the educational services available to families in and around Penistone in age order.

Nurseries and Childcare in Penistone

In no particular order, here are just some of the pre-school nurseries and childminders that are available in Penistone. There are actually quite a lot of providers to choose from and with the decision of where to send your children to nursery being a very important one, we would obviously advise you to carry out a search of nurseries in Penistone of your own. You can carry out further due diligence on each one before making a decision by searching for their Ofsted Reports.

1. Rascalz Childcare

Links: Rascalz Childcare in Penistone's Website | Facebook Page
 

2. Busy Bees

Links: Busy Bees Childcare in Penistone's Website

3. Little Stars Childminding Penistone

Links: Little Stars on Facebook


 

Primary Schools in Penistone

Primary Schools in the UK are for children aged 4 to 11 years old. Most children start school full-time in September after their fourth birthday. This means they'll turn 5 during their first school year. Some primary schools also provide pre-school nurseries or child daycare services. 

1. Penistone St John's Primary School

Links: Website | Ofsted

2. Springvale Primary School

Links: Website | Ofsted

3. Thurlstone Primary School

Links: Website | Ofsted

4. Millhouse Green Primary School

Links: Website | Ofsted


Secondary School in Penistone

Penistone Grammar School is a highly-renowned secondary school for children aged 11 to 18 (years 7 to 11 plus A-levels).

Links: Website | Ofsted
 

Penistone Grammar School

Colleges

Penistone Grammar School

PGS offers a wide range of A-Level qualifications in areas including the Arts, Computing, English, Mathematics, Humanities, Languages, Science, Sport, Social Sciences, and Technology.

Links: Post-16 Study @ Penistone Grammar

Barnsley College
Barnsley College offers A-Level courses plus opportunities for volunteer work, apprenticeships and adult courses.

Links: Barnsley College

 

Universities

As mentioned previously, Penistone is in an IDEAL location for when it comes to commuting to either work or university. Here are the closest universities to Penistone:

1. Sheffield University and Sheffield Hallam University (~15 miles / 30 minutes driving / 50 minutes by train).

2. Leeds University and Leeds Metropolitan University (~28 miles / 40 minutes driving / 1hr 17min by train).

4. Manchester University and Manchester Metropolitan University (~28 miles / 55 minutes driving / 1hr 29min).

 

Transport

Penistone not only has great road access, it also has regular bus and train services. Links: View Penistone Bus Timetable | View Penistone Train Timetable.

Taxis

Here are some taxi services serving the Penistone area.

1. F & G Travel - 07789 647339
2. Penistone Taxis - 07774 797384
3. Thurgoland Travel (Private transport for groups to special events) - Website | Call 07968 981 169

 

Airports

Here's a list of the closest airports to Penistone. Please do not rely on these times to plan your trip!! Always make sure to check the traffic on the roads a few hours before setting off to the airport! 

1. Leeds Bradford Airport (35 miles / 1hr 10mins driving)

2. Manchester Airport (35 miles / 1hr 10mins driving)

3. Doncaster Sheffield Airport (34 miles / 50mins driving)

4. East Midlands Airport (63 miles / 1hr 30mins driving)

 

History of Penistone

The settlement of Penistone was referred to as "wasted" in the Domesday Book, which was compiled in 1089 after it had been destroyed in 1069 during an event that came to be known as the "Harrying of the North." Before the arrival of the railroad in 1845, the town was of little importance; however, as time went on, it evolved into a significant junction and acquired an engineering depot.

The town of Penistone is located in the Pennines and holds the distinction of being the highest market town in the entire country. The Peak District National Park begins approximately 4 kilometres to the southwest of the town, and the highest point, Hartcliffe Tower, is 1,194 feet (364 metres) above sea level. From this vantage point, visitors can see the Woodhead Bypass as well as the Dark Peak.

The town itself was once home to a sheep and cattle market, and the land surrounding it is primarily used for agriculture. Despite the fact that this event is no longer held, the Penistone Show is an annual agricultural show that takes place in the beginning of September and lasts only one day.
 

Your Local Property Experts

Butcher Residential Estate Agents in Penistone specialise in selling and letting residential and commercial properties throughout the area. From our office in Penistone, our expert team specialise in the local property market, including towns and villages from Mapplewell to Crow Edge. We cover places such as Barugh Green, Redbrook, Gawber, Darton, Higham, Staincross, Cawthorne, Howbrook, Wortley, Inbirchworth, Millhouse Green, Oxspring, Barnsley, Stocksbridge, Silkstone, and Silkstone Common. Instructing the sale or letting of your property or purchasing a home in Penistone through a local and well-respected estate agent can drastically increase the chances of a successful sale / let in the quickest time and for the best price. 

Search Properties For Sale In Penistone | Follow us on Facebook | Request a Valuation
 

 

A Final Word on the Quirky Charm of Penistone

When we talk about Penistone, we talk about a town that's brimming with life. There's something about this place that sets its charm apart from anywhere else - from the bustling market stands to its breathtaking natural beauty, Penistone has something for everyone. There's an undeniable buzz here, as the locals go about their daily lives with a sense of purpose and pride that's hard to ignore. But don't let that fool you - this place is far from hectic. In fact, there's a serene sense of calm that permeates throughout, as if the town itself knows how lucky its inhabitants are to call this place home. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, there's no denying that there's something special about Penistone. It's difficult to put your finger on exactly what makes this town so magical, but once you experience its unique charm for yourself, you'll know exactly what we're talking about.

Furthermore, Penistone isn't just a town, but an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. It's hard to resist the charm of its friendly locals, the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafting from the cafes and the sound of laughter echoing from the pubs. It's a place where you can take a step back from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and truly unwind in its picturesque surroundings.