Latest News
Counting Down to Christmas
11th December 2025
With Christmas just around the corner, there’s still plenty of festive fun to enjoy at Barnsley Museums. From seasonal markets to traditional celebrations and classic Christmas storytelling, the weeks leading up to Christmas offer lots of chances to get into … Continue reading
Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust celebrates 10 successful years
Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust celebrated 10 years since its inception on 21st November with a dazzling event in the Open Kitchen at Barnsley College. The Trust is an independent voluntary board of nine community champions which was founded to … Continue reading
Final Free Cinema Screening at the Parkway
The final free Cinema screening event as part of the ‘Know Your Neighbourhood’ project helping combat loneliness and isolation in people across Barnsley took place last Tuesday the 2nd of December. The screening of ‘Love Actually’ at The Parkway Cinema … Continue reading
Celebrating Volunteers This Christmas
Barnsley Museums recently held their annual Volunteers’ Christmas Party at Cannon Hall Museum, bringing together volunteers from across their sites for a festive celebration. We were delighted to attend and join in recognising the incredible contribution volunteers make throughout the … Continue reading
A Barnsley Carol Reunited
Barnsley’s very own Christmas carol has returned once again – and this year it’s bigger than ever. Barnsley Museums have just released a brand-new 2025 medley of Christmas Eve (The Barnsley Carol) on YouTube, bringing together an extraordinary line-up of … Continue reading
Christmas Shopping Made Easy
Take the stress out of Christmas shopping with a journey across the Barnsley Museum sites. Discover unique finds, shop local, support culture, and make your gifting this season truly meaningful. If you’re looking for those few extra presents, why not … Continue reading
Activities for Under 5s
Finding fun, engaging, and educational activities for little ones can be a challenge, but Barnsley Museums has plenty to offer for children under five! From creative play and story time to hands-on learning experiences, there are opportunities for toddlers and … Continue reading
Exploring Monk Bretton’s 17th Century Letters Patent
Barnsley’s Archives contain some fascinating documents, and one gem that makes an appearance at many events and open days is the Grant of King James I by letters patent of the Manor of Monk Bretton to George Wood and John … Continue reading
Join Us in Celebrating 10 Years of Barnsley Museums & Heritage Trust!
12th November 2025
We’re delighted to share that Barnsley Museums & Heritage Trust is celebrating its 10th anniversary this November, and we’d love for you to join us in marking this special occasion. As a fundraising charity, our mission is to preserve, enhance, … Continue reading
New Co-Op Foundation Grant to Share Elsecar’s Hidden Histories
We’re delighted to announce that Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust has been chosen as one of Co-Op Foundation’s causes to help us uncover and celebrate the lesser-known histories of Elsecar. Co-Op Members can now officially support Barnsley Museums and Heritage … Continue reading
Corporate Volunteering at Cannon Hall
Some of our Trustees, along with other Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council employees, recently participated in a corporate volunteering day in Cannon Hall’s beautiful parkland. It was absolutely throwing it down when we set off from home, but the weather was … Continue reading
A Festive Season to Remember at Barnsley Museums
The festive season is fast approaching, and Barnsley Museums are bringing the sparkle with a host of heart-warming events across Cannon Hall Museum and Worsbrough Mill. From traditional storytelling and festive baking to Christmas markets and Santa visits, there’s something … Continue reading
Turn Your Christmas Shopping into Free Donations
It might feel a little early to say it… but Christmas will be here before we know it! As you start thinking about gifts and festive plans, please remember to shop through easyfundraising. When you do, over 7,000 retailers – … Continue reading
Discover Barnsley’s Past
If you’re interested in history, Barnsley Archives and Local Studies are hosting a fantastic series of events celebrating the borough’s rich heritage. From fascinating talks on local landmarks and mining history to pop-up archives and hands-on sessions, there’s something for … Continue reading
Hundreds visit Cannon Hall as Barugh Green Primary School takeover!
On 23rd October, hundreds of visitors streamed through the doors of Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens as 47 young children from Barugh Green Primary School took over the running of the site for the day. The event was part of … Continue reading
Celebration Event Marked End of an Era for Friends of Cannon Hall Group
Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust hosted an afternoon tea celebration for the Friends of Cannon Hall on Monday to mark the closure of the long-standing volunteer organisation. Since they were formed in 2004, they have helped with the upkeep of … Continue reading
Fusion’s War Memorial Centenary Art Competition and ‘100 Poppy Wreaths’ display
Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust are very proud to be a supporter of Fusion, Barnsley’s Local Cultural Education Partnership and the work that they do. Fusion recently led a very special project with Barnsley’s Armed Forces team and BMBC’s Resilient Communities to … Continue reading
Drainage works begin at Elsecar Heritage Centre
16th October 2025
Significant improvements to Elsecar Heritage Centre’s drainage systems are now underway. This will modernise and future-proof the site, ready for potential further growth and developments. These works are essential to make sure the site functions successfully. Work started on Monday … Continue reading
Experience Barnsley Museum and Discovery Centre wins Family Friendly Museum Award 2025
Experience Barnsley Museum and Discovery Centre has received national recognition for its exceptional work welcoming children and families. Run by charity Kids in Museums, the national award is presented to one museum, gallery or heritage site in the UK that … Continue reading
Kids in Museums Takeover Day at Cannon Hall 23rd October
On Thursday 23rd October we’re handing over the keys to Year 6 from Barugh Green Primary School as they take over Cannon Hall Museum as part of Kids in Museums Takeover Day! Come and meet the new temporary Front of … Continue reading
A New Chapter at Cannon Hall
Good news for book lovers – the Pre-Loved Bookshop at Cannon Hall Museum is open once more! Tucked away in the Walled Garden, this charming little shop is a treasure trove of stories waiting to be rediscovered. Whether you’re after … Continue reading
The Cooper Gallery is awarded prestigious Sandford Award for Heritage Learning
The Cooper Gallery is delighted to announce that it has received the Sandford Award for Heritage Learning. The award recognises The Cooper Gallery’s excellent learning opportunities and outstanding visitor engagement. We’re proud to share that The Cooper Gallery is now … Continue reading
Appeal for funding to help restore a 1932 Leyland Fire Engine used in Barnsley
This hero fire engine saved lives during Sheffield’s darkest hour- brought in from Barnsley it roared into burning streets as bombs tore the city apart in the Blitz. Now it needs rescuing itself and a major appeal has been launched … Continue reading
Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens receives Platinum Yorkshire in Bloom Award
Congratulations to the team at Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens who received the Platinum award at this year’s Yorkshire in Bloom awards that took place at the Town Hall earlier this month. The Judges commented: “Cannon Hall is a … Continue reading
Barnsley Archives and Local Studies – 10 years of Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust display
To celebrate the forthcoming 10-year anniversary of Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust, Barnsley Archives have created a display which will showcase some of the items that have been purchased or conserved thanks to the generous donations of supporters of the … Continue reading
