Bentley: Heritage, Park History and Local Projects

Bentley offers a range of starting points for planning a trip: historic architecture, park and mining history, and community projects. You can decide whether you are particularly interested in cultural history, the 6,000-step Toll Bar Fit and Fun Walks, or cooking together. Bus services through Bentley are also a practical consideration when planning your trip.

Heritage and Architectural History

The Moat Hills moated site is a Scheduled Monument. It comprises two islands surrounded by an extensive moat. A manor house was probably located there. This brings together a clearly described site and a cautious historical interpretation: the islands and moat define its form, while the presence of a manor house is considered probable.

Bentley Pavilion was built in 1931 and is an early example of the use of ferroconcrete in the modern movement. The Church of St Peter was built between 1891 and 1894 in the Gothic Revival style. Their architectural significance lies in different aspects: the Pavilion is notable for its early use of the material, while the church is notable for its Gothic Revival style. The Moat Hills differ from both with their arrangement of two islands and a moat.

Park History and Former Industrial Sites

Bentley Park was established in 1923 in the centre of Bentley as a recreational facility for miners’ welfare. Its original purpose is part of the park’s history. Bentley Park is also part of the 6,000-step Toll Bar Fit and Fun Walks. This lets you distinguish the park’s historical background from its inclusion in an activity with a specific step count.

Bentley Community Woodland is located on the site of the former Bentley Colliery. A sculpture stands on the woodland’s hilltop ridge. Two different aspects of the site come together here: its former use by the Colliery and a work of art on the ridge. The site therefore adds a connection to Bentley’s industrial history to its architectural and park history.

Horticulture and Cooking Together

Bentley Urban Farm is an enhanced market garden in Bentley, Doncaster, made using reused materials. Its focus differs from the historic buildings and parks: horticulture and reuse define the project. At the Commensality Kitchen, people regularly cook and eat together in a safe outdoor setting; the Kitchen welcomes participants. If you are interested in community activities, this is another facet of what the area offers.

Bus Services Through Bentley

As of 1 September 2026, bus routes 361, 362 and 363 run from Doncaster through Bentley and Toll Bar to Carcroft, Askern, Skellow and Norton. Some journeys cover only part of the route. As bus services can change, check the current timetable before travelling, particularly if you plan to use a specific connection.

Discover more destinations: Branton, Elsecar, Dinnington, Wentworth, Deepcar, Edenthorpe, Armthorpe, Langsett.

Back to the regional travel overview: South Yorkshire.