Latest News
The Newcomen Engine at Elsecar
14th April 2026
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
Dearne Young Producers Shine at Ambition Arena
We’re so thrilled to announce that the Dearne Young Producers did us all proud at Friday’s Ambition Arena, resulting in the dragons investing £2.7k in the young people’s proposal to expand the Game on Barnsley e-gaming tournaments across the borough … Continue reading
One Place Study – Barnsley College Exhibition at The Cooper Gallery
UAL L3 Creative Practice Diploma students from Barnsley College are holding an exhibition in the Sadler Room at The Cooper Gallery. One-Place Study is an exhibition of multidiscipline prints and sculpture based on the stories, people and places of Barnsley. You can … Continue reading
Great Childhoods Ambition Celebration Event 28th March 2026
Join us on Saturday 28 March in The Glass Works Square for a free family celebration marking one year of Barnsley’s Great Childhoods Ambition. The event brings together local organisations and community partners for a funfilled day of activities, performances and hands on experiences for children and young … Continue reading
The Shared Horizon/KYN Brushstrokes and Banter Projects Celebration Exhibition launch event 4th March 2026
It was time to celebrate, as the Shared Horizon and KYN Brushstrokes and Banter community groups, carers, volunteers and NHS staff across Barnsley came together to view their artwork on display at the Celebration Exhibition launch event held at the Cooper Gallery. This joyous event was attended by over 80 attendees from various groups of people who had been experiencing loneliness and … Continue reading
Invitation: Barnsley Visitor Economy Forum
You’re invited to get involved and drive forward Barnsley’s visitor economy. The Barnsley Visitor Economy Forum brings together businesses, organisations and partners from across the tourism and hospitality sector to connect, collaborate and help steer the direction of Barnsley as a destination. The Forum is led by the sector, and is your … Continue reading
Yorkshire Heritage Summit In Barnsley Will Be Biggest Yet
Yorkshire’s popular annual gathering of heritage organisations will take place on Wednesday 25 March in the historic South Yorkshire town of Barnsley. The summit, hosted by Barnsley Civic looks set to be the biggest yet in terms of attendees at the morning Symposium and Exhibitors at the afternoons Yorkshire Heritage Exhibition. This year’s summit organised by … Continue reading
Cleopatra and the Queens of Egypt exhibition now open!
9th March 2026
The much-awaited ‘Cleopatra and the Queens of Egypt’ exhibition has opened its doors at Experience Barnsley Museum, inviting you on an incredible journey through 5,000 years of history. Running until 20 February 2027, this is a unique and fascinating exhibition, … Continue reading
Barnsley Museums to host exclusive exhibition celebrating Cleopatra and the Queens of Egypt
12th February 2026
Barnsley Museums are thrilled to announce the launch of a truly unique exhibition this March. Step into the mesmerising world of ancient Egypt at the Experience Barnsley Museum, where Cleopatra and the Queens of Egypt will open on Saturday 7 March 2026, running until … Continue reading
Know Your Neighbourhood Brushstrokes and Banter
This autumn, Wentworth Castle Gardens launched their latest phase of Know Your Neighbourhood. Brushstrokes and Banter is a project engaging vulnerable adults with multiple complex needs in partnership with BIADS Dementia Support group, NHS Stroke Recovery group, Weavers Court Sheltered Housing, Culture … Continue reading
Together at the Town Hall
Together at the Town Hall is a week-long community event bringing people together to enjoy activities, services and support in the heart of Barnsley. With a different theme each day, there’s something for all ages and interests. A key part of the week is … Continue reading
Share your views on Elsecar Heritage Centre
Elsecar Heritage Centre is a hugely important heritage site in Barnsley. We would like your views to help shape its future and to make Elsecar a vibrant place for everyone to enjoy. We want to create a long-term plan for Elsecar which recognises its unique history, alongside its place … Continue reading
New Faces of Barnsley exhibition to celebrate the people who make Barnsley special
Barnsley Council is proud to welcome everyone to the launch of Faces of Barnsley, a powerful new portrait exhibition opening Wednesday 18 February as part of the Together at the Town Hall event next week. The exhibition at Experience Barnsley … Continue reading
Essential repairs completed at Worsbrough Mill as new approach introduced to protect historic site
We’re pleased to announce that essential repairs to the mill shaft at Worsbrough Mill are now complete, marking an important milestone in safeguarding one of Barnsley’s treasured heritage sites for future generations. Following the works, a new approach to operating … Continue reading
Upcoming Archives Events
February is packed with opportunities to explore Barnsley’s past, whether you’re just starting out with family history or curious about what happens behind the scenes at the archives. From pop-up sessions in local libraries to exclusive archive store tours, there’s something for everyone to … Continue reading
Roddam Connects …………. Barnsley – Marlborough – Florence
To celebrate the art and legacy of John Roddam Spencer Stanhope, Hoylandswaine Arts Group, with support from Barnsley Museums, is hosting a very special event at Penistone Paramount on Sunday, 8 March at 13:00. This unique occasion celebrates the life and work of this distinguished local artist from Cannon Hall, … Continue reading
John Ledger: Beyond the Gallery Walls
John Ledger: Straight A’s is on display at The Cooper Gallery until 11 April 2026, showcasing the bold and distinctive work of the Barnsley-born artist. The exhibition brings together a powerful collection of Ledger’s text-based works, known for their striking colour palettes and confident, graphic style. … Continue reading
Half-Term Activities this February
Looking for ways to keep curious minds and creative hands busy this February half term? From art trails and crafty drop-ins to hands-on workshops and heritage-inspired fun, there’s plenty happening across Barnsley for children and families to enjoy – all with free activities included. … Continue reading
A Look Back on 2025
15th January 2026
2025 was a very exciting year for Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust as it was the year we celebrated our 10th anniversary, and an event was held at Barnsley College to celebrate this milestone. 2025 has been another successful year for the Trust, … Continue reading
