Discover Mexborough: History and Activities

Mexborough offers visitors several distinct points of interest: an archaeological monument, historic churches, a centuries-old market, a walk through the town, and activities such as indoor karting. The focus is on history and built heritage, but the themes extend beyond individual buildings. You can explore Mexborough according to whatever interests you most: the layout of a motte-and-bailey monument, the history of religious sites, a historic route between the town and the river, or an active leisure pursuit.

Castle Hills and the historic walk

Castle Hills is a Scheduled Monument featuring a motte-and-bailey castle and is considered a well-preserved example of this type of monument. The site consists of two connected elements: a circular bailey about 25 metres in diameter and an adjoining motte about eight metres high. These measurements describe different things—the diameter of the bailey and the height of the motte. This helps clarify the layout of the site without confusing its two parts.

If you prefer a route as your guiding thread rather than a single monument, the historic circular walk “Mexborough – Sappers, Poets & Pirates” offers a different perspective. It passes through Mexborough and along the River Don. The walk therefore takes in both the town and the river, while Castle Hills stands out as a single historic structure with a distinctive form and monument status.

Churches, architecture and local history

A church is documented at the site of today’s St John the Baptist Church in Mexborough shortly after the Norman Conquest of 1066. St Margaret’s Church offers another point of reference in time: services have been held there since around 1200, and its origins trace back to a Norman chapel.

Architectural details also give the churches their own character. St Margaret’s Church is a Grade II listed building. It also has a Harrison & Harrison organ dating from 1903; only two of these organs remain in their original condition in South Yorkshire. For visitors interested in musical heritage as well as architectural history, the instrument is a distinct part of local history.

Another architectural feature is the Glassby Arch: a free-standing semicircular Romanesque arch on the grounds of Mexborough Almshouses. It is considered to be of national importance and is included in the list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest. Its free-standing form sets it apart from the church buildings and makes it another clearly defined aspect of architecture in Mexborough.

Market history, karting and canal access

Mexborough Market has been in existence for over 800 years. This brings a long market history into view alongside the historic buildings. You can consider this aspect as a complement to Castle Hills and the churches if you are interested in different aspects of local history.

Avago Indoor Karting offers a very different activity. Adults can drive karts on a professional indoor track. Adults and children aged eight and over can race together; motorsport or karting activities are also available for children aged four to seven. The age ranges distinguish between these activities and provide a specific guide when planning a karting trip.

Clayton Park provides easy access to the nearby canal. The park therefore offers another distinct point of interest alongside Mexborough’s historic sights and leisure activities.

Discover more destinations: Doncaster, Bawtry, Finningley.

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