Kilnhurst, located near Rotherham in South Yorkshire, is a village steeped in rich industrial heritage, reflected in its historical buildings and landmarks. The village has evolved over time, embracing both its history and contemporary developments to create a vibrant and welcoming environment. With its roots tracing back to the coal mining era, Kilnhurst retains a strong sense of identity and community spirit that resonates through its residents.

The village’s local events and gatherings foster a close-knit atmosphere that makes newcomers and visitors feel at home. Community spaces, such as churches, parks, and social clubs, provide residents with ample opportunities to connect and engage. The local businesses, from cozy cafes to family-run shops, add to the charm and convenience of Kilnhurst, offering a taste of the village’s unique character.

The picturesque Dearne Valley is just a stone’s throw away, offering scenic riverside walks and beautiful green spaces for outdoor enthusiasts. Kilnhurst’s strategic location also places it near the bustling towns of Mexborough and Swinton, allowing residents to access a broader range of amenities while still enjoying the peace of village life. Whether it’s a tranquil riverside stroll or a trip to nearby shopping centers, Kilnhurst provides the perfect balance between rural charm and modern convenience.

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Kilnhurst Ings is a post-industrial washland on the River Don that we’ve transformed into a fantastic new wetland habitat to be enjoyed by both wildlife and people.

Now the reserve offers a mosaic of habitats including grassland, scrub, hedgerows and mature trees. The drains and ditches support a variety of wildlife including dragonflies such as the black tailed skimmer and brown hawker and birds such as moorhen, reed bunting and reed warbler. The scrapes created as part of a re-wetting scheme now provide excellent habitat for good numbers of over wintering snipe whilst they are often utilised by other species such as teal, shoveler and lapwing in smaller numbers. The reserves scrub, grassland & hedgerows support species such as goldfinch, greenfinch, song thrush, starling and long tailed tit all year round, whilst they are often joined by redwing, fieldfare, linnet and lesser redpoll during the winter. Kestrels often observed hunting on the reserve and nest nearby.

Greater spotted woodpecker, goldcrest, blackcap, wren all found in the wooded areas. Kingfishers often seen along the river Don on the eastern boundary. Butterflies such as small copper, meadow brown, common blue, gatekeeper and ringlet all regularly recorded on the grassland.

Additional sluices control water flow, industrial archaeology features from Kilnhurst Forge have been protected, and annual grazing takes place from April to October.

This is all part of the Living Don, a 25 year strategic partnership programme (since 2009), managing the River Don catchment in South Yorkshire, creating a green network from the Peak District to the Lower Don Valley, taking in the floodplains of Sheffield and Rotherham, and reducing the risk of flooding in the urban centres by encouraging wetland habitats. Email us for more information.

The first station: Old Town Station (1840–1899)

Opening: Built by the North Midland Railway, this was Swinton's first passenger station, opening in 1840.

Location: It was situated on the same site as the present-day Swinton Interchange. Goods facilities for the station were located in what is now the car park.

Replacement: In the late Victorian era, the Midland Railway replaced this station and moved it to the opposite side of the main road.

The second station: Swinton Town Station (1899–1968)

Opening: This station opened on July 2, 1899, replacing the original Old Town Station.

Distinction: It was named "Swinton Town" to distinguish it from the competing Swinton Central Station and to reflect the township's rapid growth.

Design: The main station building was at road level and housed the booking office and other amenities. It had four platforms and a subway for platform access.

Closure: The station was closed in January 1968 as part of the Beeching cuts, which rationalised local rail services.

Remaining building: The original station building from 1899 still stands at street level and is now used for light industry.

The third station: Swinton Central Station (1871–1950s)

Opening: The Manchester, Sheffield & Lincolnshire Railway built this station, which opened for passenger services in 1871.

Location: The station was located on New Station Road and was closed to passengers in the 1950s.

The fourth station: Swinton Interchange (1990–present)

Reinstatement of rail services: After a 22-year period with no rail services, a new station was opened on May 14, 1990. This was part of a South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority plan to improve services.

Design and features: The new station, officially named Swinton Interchange, was built on the site of the original 1840 station. It features three platforms and a small bus station. A fully accessible footbridge links the ticket hall with the platforms.

Route changes: The reopening involved reinstating the "Swinton Curve" to reroute all passenger trains via the station, connecting the line between Rotherham Masborough and Leeds with the line to Doncaster.