Latest News
Visit to Cusworth Hall Museum and Park
11th June 2026
On Monday 8 June, Cannon Hall Museum’s house and garden volunteers visited Cusworth Hall and Park in Doncaster. For some, it was a first visit, and for others, the first opportunity for house and garden volunteers to meet one another. After a … Continue reading
Cannon Hall: The Story of a House and its Family – A Conservation Success Story
Have you been to see the new exhibition Cannon Hall: The Story of a House and its Family yet? It’s absolutely fascinating and a must see if you would like to learn more about the people who called Cannon Hall home. It’s particularly special … Continue reading
The Pride of Yorkshire
The Pride of Yorkshire is an exciting sculpture trail in Barnsley and across South Yorkshire in summer 2026, featuring 300 lion sculptures to celebrate Sheffield Children’s Hospital’s 150th anniversary. The vibrant sculpture trail features 150 full-sized lion and lioness sculptures and 150 lion cubs and will take … Continue reading
What’s Coming Up in Barnsley
There is a wide range of forthcoming events taking place across Barnsley, offering something for all ages and interests. From outdoor heritage walks to creative sessions and family friendly activities, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and explore … Continue reading
Your Guide to Summer Fun in Barnsley
If you’re planning to make the most of your summer holidays, Barnsley is packed with events, activities, and family fun across the borough. From cultural events to outdoor adventures and hands-on experiences for all ages, there’s something happening throughout the school break for everyone to enjoy. … Continue reading
Exploring the Tribute Book of Sir Walter Spencer Stanhope
In order to create an exhibition as extensive and fascinating as Cannon Hall: The Story of a House and its Family, a tremendous amount of research has to be carried out in the planning stages. Having the wonderful resources available at Barnsley Archives … Continue reading
Volunteers’ Week: The Power of Giving Time
1st June 2026
“This saved my life.” Four words from one volunteer that capture why volunteering matters so deeply. This Volunteers’ Week, Barnsley Museums & Heritage Trust is celebrating the people who give their time, energy, and skills to support our museums and … Continue reading
Exhibition – Cannon Hall: The Story of a House and Its Family
13th May 2026
Saturday 23 May – Sunday 20 September 2026 Step inside Cannon Hall Museum and explore 300 years of history of the house and family in this fascinating new exhibition. Discover the hall from its beginnings as a small manor house in the middle of the 17th century through … Continue reading
Support BMHT Through the Co-op Local Community Fund
We are delighted to be part of the Co-op Local Community Fund helping us continue delivering arts, heritage, and wellbeing projects across the borough. This year, your support will help us work with the Elsecar community to uncover and celebrate the village’s lesser-known history. … Continue reading
New Learning Boxes at Barnsley Museums thanks to Grant Funding
Emmy Gratton-Rayson is both a Trustee of Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust and a Visitor Services Assistant working at both Experience Barnsley and the Cooper Gallery which gives a great perspective of both organisations and how we can work together to achieve brilliant things. Here, Emmy talks about how some … Continue reading
Plenty to Explore Across Barnsley This May
There is plenty happening across Barnsley this May, with a varied programme of activities for all ages and interests. Some events will be taking place at Barnsley Museums sites, offering the chance to explore local history, collections, and creative spaces, … Continue reading
Small Steps to Better Mental Wellbeing
Mental Health Awareness Week takes place between 11 to 17 May this year (Mental Health Awareness Week | Mental Health Foundation) and this year’s theme is “Action”. Volunteering can have a profound effect on mental wellbeing and Barnsley Museums and Heritage … Continue reading
“Objects, People and Perspective”
A curated display by staff and volunteers in the Oak Room at Cannon Hall Museum Staff and volunteers were invited to select their favourite objects from the collections and describe how these objects connect to their roles as well as … Continue reading
Wellbeing Through Culture, Heritage and Community
This Mental Health Awareness Week, Barnsley Museums & Heritage Trust are highlighting some of the projects and groups we support that show how creativity, heritage, nature, and community spaces can support positive mental health and help people feel more connected.
Penistone Library reopens after refurbishment
Penistone Library reopened on 20 April and along with an enhanced children’s area including a colourful design featuring a vibrant mural of Penistone railway viaduct and the surrounding rolling hills. There is improved access to the Dransfield Collection, a significant local history resource … Continue reading
Barnsley airman’s sacrifice remembered: Sgt. David Taylor Horsfall of the Dambusters raid
A Barnsley airman who played a vital role in one of the Second World War’s most iconic missions is being remembered for his courage and sacrifice with a Barnsley Civic Trust blue plaque unveiling taking place at Shaw Lane Sports Club, Barnsley on Saturday 16 … Continue reading
Gardeners to the rescue: National Plant Collections at Wentworth Castle Gardens
14th April 2026
Chris Margrave, National Collections Volunteer with the National Trust Image: Nick Singleton As the gardens approach their peak spring blossom display, with the camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons wowing visitors with their colour and scent, it’s a perfect moment to highlight the important role Wentworth … Continue reading
Barnsley International Market returns this April
The International Market returns to Barnsley from Thursday 23rd to Sunday 26th April 2026, bringing a weekend of great food, shopping and atmosphere to The Glass Works. Taking place in the heart of the town centre, the market will feature a wide range of street food … Continue reading
Discover the world of printmaking at The Cooper Gallery’s latest exhibition
Get ready to discover fascinating artworks this spring at The Cooper Gallery with the new exhibition, Studio Prints: Creative Collaboration. The exhibition runs from Saturday 25 April to Saturday 31 October 2026. We invite everyone, whether you have an interest in … Continue reading
The Newcomen Engine at Elsecar
One of our favourite things to visit at Elsecar Heritage Centre is the Newcomen Engine. The Newcomen Beam Engine, constructed under the direction of the 4th Earl Fitzwilliam, was designed to pump water from Elsecar New Colliery, enabling access to deeper coal seams. It … Continue reading
Post by Benny Watson
Sadler Room at the Cooper Gallery, Sat 9 May to Sat 31 October 2026 Discover Post, a new solo exhibition from British multimedia artist Benny Watson. In his first solo exhibition with the gallery, Watson explores the material and conceptual … Continue reading
Voices Blooming Returns to Wentworth Castle Gardens
As the gardens burst into colour this spring, visitors to Wentworth Castle Gardens can once again enjoy the uplifting sounds of community choirs as part of the much-loved Voices Blooming event. Following the success of last year’s gathering, local choirs will come … Continue reading
The Forgotten Boat Yard of Elsecar
Whilst researching the history around Elsecar, Catherine Roebuck (Visitor Services Assistant) came across a reference to a boat called the ‘North Star’ built in 1855. Surprised that boats were being built so far from the coast, she decided to try learn more. To read what Catherine discovered about the … Continue reading
Cannon Hall Museum Reopens for Spring
23rd March 2026
After a winter break, Cannon Hall Museum is reopening its doors from Saturday 28 March, just in time for the Easter holidays. It’s a great excuse for a day out, whether you fancy a wander through the historic rooms, a bit … Continue reading
Worsbrough 400 – A Celebration Through STEAM – Amazelab competition
Back in January, Amazelab invited schools, community groups and home educators to take part in a self-led STEAM challenge celebrating the rich history, science and creativity of Worsbrough Mill. The challenge was to create a STEAM powered tribute to the … Continue reading
