Latest News
Cannon Hall Gardens awarded platinum by Yorkshire in Bloom
19th October 2026
Cannon Hall Park and Gardens has been received a Platinum Award and been named Joint Category Winner in this year’s Yorkshire in Bloom competition. This award recognises the people whose dedication helps make Barnsley’s parks, gardens and community spaces … Continue reading
Relief Learning Assistant Posts at Barnsley Museums
Barnsley Museums are seeking to recruit Relief Learning assistants to work in their award-winning Learning Team to support the delivery of their offer to schools, families and communities, to increase engagement with the museums and collections and to diversify their … Continue reading
Discover Barnsley’s History Through the Latest Natters Podcast
The latest episode of the Barnsley Museums Natters podcast is available to listen to now, featuring a fascinating archive interview with renowned Yorkshire artist Ashley Jackson, recorded in 1983. Born in Barnsley, Ashley Jackson is best known for his stunning … Continue reading
A Spooky Makeover at Cannon Hall Museum!
Our pre-loved bookshop at Cannon Hall Museum has had a spooky makeover, just in time for Halloween! Halloween dates back over 2,000 years, and while our books might not be quite that old, there are plenty of interesting reads waiting … Continue reading
Cannon Hall Volunteer Summer 2026
I’m Nerile Jurgutaviciute and I’m a 3rd year history student at the University of Sheffield. I’ve been volunteering at Cannon Hall over the summer break. I wanted to volunteer as a way of being more actively engage in historical work … Continue reading
October Events in Barnsley
Looking for something to do with the kids this October half term? Barnsley Museums have a fantastic range of events and activities taking place across all five sites this October. From exploring exhibitions and following spooky ghost trails to browsing … Continue reading
Wentworth Castle Gardens Awarded Grant
Wentworth Castle Gardens have been awarded a grant by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to consult with communities about the historic walled garden. The National Trust at Wentworth Castle Gardens has been awarded £29,175 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund … Continue reading
The Blessing of the Chalice: 800-year-old chalice returns to Monk Bretton Priory
Last month, the Bishop of Wakefield, the Right Reverend Malcolm Chamberlain, visited Monk Bretton Priory to celebrate the history of this ancient site with the blessing of a holy chalice. The remains of the original 13th century chalice, excavated from … Continue reading
Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust launches the Bookshop Buddy initiative at Cannon Hall Museum
1st October 2026
Tucked away in the beautiful Walled Garden at Cannon Hall Museum, our Pre-Loved Bookshop gives donated books a second life while raising valuable funds to support Barnsley’s museums, heritage and local communities. The bookshop currently raises around £4,500 each year, … Continue reading
From Bayeux to Barnsley: The Story of Cannon Hall’s Tapestry
17th September 2026
The Bayeux Tapestry is making history once again. Nearly 1,000 years after it was created, the famous 7-metre-long embroidery is on public display in the UK for the first time since its creation. Made in the 11th century, the tapestry … Continue reading
Conserving the History of Cannon Hall Museum
Curating an exhibition about the history of Cannon Hall is a fantastic way to bring together many different objects. It has been wonderful to be able to display some of the collection for the first time, such as this 17th … Continue reading
Your Guide to Events in Barnsley
Think summer is over? There’s still plenty happening across Barnsley this September and October. From family-friendly activities and exhibitions to seasonal events and things to do with friends, there’s lots to get involved with as we head into autumn. Whether … Continue reading
Heritage Open Days
Heritage Open Days continue in Barnsley until 20th September, with a fantastic programme of free events. The national festival celebrates local history, architecture, culture and community stories, offering unique opportunities to explore some of Barnsley’s most fascinating historic sites. See … Continue reading
Studio Prints: Creative Collaboration
Discover the world of Studio Prints through a new exhibition celebrating the Balakjian Collection. Gifted to the Cooper Gallery through Arts Council England’s Cultural Gifts Scheme, the newly acquired group of prints, plates, and drawings offer a glimpse into the … Continue reading
New exhibition invites visitors to see Cannon Hall through the eyes of artists
Visitors to Cannon Hall can enjoy a new exhibition this autumn that celebrates the halls, gardens and hidden stories of one of Barnsley’s most loved heritage sites. ‘Leeds Fine Artists x Cannon Hall’ will run from Saturday 26 September 2026 … Continue reading
A Season of Events at Wentworth
As summer begins to make way for autumn, there’s still plenty happening at Wentworth Castle Gardens. From seasonal activities and family-friendly events to opportunities to explore the gardens as the colours begin to change, there’s lots to look forward to … Continue reading
Barnsley Museums Commission – Barnsley Bright Nights 2026
24th August 2026
Barnsley Museums are seeking artist/s working with light, projection mapping, sound and immersive installations to bring Barnsley Town Hall and Experience Barnsley Museum to life as part of Barnsley Bright Nights 2026. At a glance: The commission will create: The … Continue reading
Volunteers Bringing Cannon Hall’s Past to Life
13th August 2026
Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust have recently provided funding, along with a grant from The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF), to help with the volunteer programme at Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens. We are very grateful to NLCF, lottery … Continue reading
AND Festival 2026 Comes to Barnsley
The landmark 10th edition of AND (Abandon Normal Devices) Festival is coming to Barnsley from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September, with a programme exploring how our relationship with hidden infrastructure and technology shapes everyday life. Expect a varied programme … Continue reading
Copying Cooper: Hidden Gems from the Cooper Gallery
A new display at Experience Barnsley celebrates the creativity of Culture Companions and brings some of the Cooper Gallery’s hidden gems to life. Culture Companions, a weekly group for older people experiencing social isolation and other barriers to taking part … Continue reading
Project 14: A safe space at Worsbrough Mill
A massive thank you to all the wonderful volunteers who have helped to maintain and create welcoming, safe spaces for everyone to enjoy at Worsbrough Mill and Country Park. As part of this work, the brilliant Project14 group approached the … Continue reading
Last of the Summer Holidays Activities
The summer holidays may be coming to an end, but there’s still plenty of free and affordable activities to enjoy across Barnsley. From exploring trails inspired by Elsecar by the Sea, to getting creative with Amazelab and joining the Great … Continue reading
Celebrating Kes: A Leicester Square Tribute to Billy Casper
A community‑led campaign is underway to bring a piece of Barnsley’s cultural heritage to the heart of British cinema and they would love your help to achieve this. The Barnsley Kes Group, together with actor David “Dai” Bradley, are working … Continue reading
Bertie’s Pear Tree, or Is It?
Visitors to Wentworth Castle Gardens may be familiar with Bertie, the impressive red deer stag who returns each autumn to feast beneath two old pear trees in the parkland. Watching Bertie stand on his hind legs and shake the branches … Continue reading
Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust receives Garfield Weston funding
16th July 2026
Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust has successfully won a grant of £50,000 from the Garfield Weston Foundation, which will support the work of Barnsley Museums. The funding will help Barnsley Museums’ day-to-day running, with an emphasis on enhancing education, community engagement and learning opportunities. … Continue reading
