Upcoming Events at Barnsley Museums
11th September 2025
Barnsley Museums has a programme of events over the coming weeks that offers something for everyone to enjoy.
On 12th September the Barnsley Archives and Local Studies team will be in Royston as part of their travelling Pop-Up Archives. Staff will be on hand to help with family and local history research, and visitors will be able to explore a wide range of digital resources including the Barnsley Chronicle from 1858 to 2023, cemetery and building plan indexes. There will also be expert guidance on using Ancestry, Find My Past and the British Newspaper Archive.
Garden enthusiasts may be interested in Walk with a Gardener: Weeds, Friend or Foe? on 17th September taking place at NT Wentworth Castle Gardens. This gentle circular walk through the John Arnold and Union Jack Gardens will explore the positives and negatives of common weeds, with gardeners sharing their top tips on what to encourage or remove in your own garden.
Wildlife enthusiasts can return to Wentworth Castle Gardens on 18th September for an evening Bat Walk, where participants will be introduced to the species of bats that live on the site. After an introduction and a short session with bat detectors, the group will head out at sunset for a 30 to 40 minute walk, making this a wonderful experience for older children and adults alike.
History lovers can also look forward to a special illustrated talk in the Barnsley Town Hall Council Chamber on the story of the Maurice Dobson Museum and Heritage Centre in Darfield. Delivered by volunteer and museum guide Ken Brookes, the talk will take place on 18th September at 6:30pm and reflect on the last 25 years of the museum, which was gifted to the people of Darfield by Maurice Dobson and brought to life through the dedication of volunteers and National Lottery funding. Ken will also share insights into the lives of Maurice and his partner Fred, as well as highlighting some of the fascinating objects housed in the museum.
The popular Step into History walks continue at NT Wentworth Castle Gardens, with the next taking place on 19th September. This volunteer-led walk will lead visitors through the parklands to discover monuments and landmarks including the Duke of Argyll monument, the Rotunda, the Queen Anne obelisk, the Serpentine and Palladian bridge. For the first time in 2025, walkers will also have the opportunity to step inside the Rotunda and admire its striking black and white geometric floor.
Later this month, Pear Day makes its return to Cannon Hall on Sunday 21st September. This much-loved annual celebration showcases the estate’s heritage pear varieties and offers a fun day for the whole family, with Victorian Kitchen demonstrations, children’s activities, and performances of the interactive family show The Mountain Witch. Alongside the celebrations, the Little Hummingbird Market will bring together local makers, bakers and crafters with a range of unique products and tasty treats, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Looking ahead, on 4th October visitors will have the chance to discover the stories of Worsbrough Reservoir, canal and the people connected to them on a guided tour. This event promises a fascinating journey through history, nature and community spirit, offering a fresh perspective on one of Barnsley’s much-loved landscapes.
