The region has a wealth of great attractions, many of them run by volunteers and enthusiasts, which have a niche following, but are hidden away.
Some of them only open occasionally, or just a few days a week - but these 13 museums shown in the gallery below provide great trips out if you can catch them at the right time.
You will find them in South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire.
With the schools summer holidays now with us, take a look and see how many of them you have never have heard of, or never visited.
5. Turner Museum of Glass
Professor William E S Turner was arguably the most knowledgeable person of his era on the history of glass. His collection of glass objects, acquired throughout a lifetime of travels and research during the first half of the twentieth century, makes up the basis of the museum’s exhibits. The Turner Museum is in the Robert Hadfield Building, Mappin Street, near Sheffield city centre, which is managed by the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Sheffield. It is open to the public Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, excluding Bank Holidays. Photo: Simon Hulme
6. Yorkshire Natural History Museum
The Yorkshire Natural History Museum, on Holme Lane, Sheffield, was set up by enthusiast James Hogg, and boasts a collection of fossils. James is pictured with a fossil of a Ichthyosaur thought to be 175 million years old. It is open everyday 10am - 4pm except Wednesday, but visitors must pre-book for midweek visits outside of School Holidays. Photo: Simon Hulme
7. Dr Who Merchandise Museum
The Dr Who Merchandise Museum, in South Yorkshire just north of Doncaster, is private Museum so you need to book to go and see it.Owner David Howe says there is plenty of parking space, and you can email [email protected] to arrange a visit and get details. It runs occasional 'Open Days' where several fans all come at the same time,with a Dr Who guest present to chat and sign pictures. The last one was with Daphne Ashbrook. Check the museum's Facebook page for details of these. Photo: David Howe
8. Barrow Hill Roundhouse
Situated between Chesterfield and Sheffield, Barrow Hill Roundhouse dating back to 1870 was threatened with demolition in 1991 when the site was closed by British Rail. It was saved by a group of dedicated volunteers who have transformed it into a unique railway museum and events venue. During 2025 it is open from 1st March – 14th December on Saturdays and Sundays only, from 10am until 4pm. Photo: Chris Etchells