Sheffield Museums

(Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, UK)

The Sheffield area is home to considerably more museums than you might expect and the city contains a rich and impressive cultural heritage. A number of the museums celebrate Sheffield's industrial past, with far more on display that its famous cutlery.

One of the most notable cultural attractions is the Weston Park Museum, which has recently undergone a major £17 million renovation. Also of interest, the Bishop's House Museum on Norton Lees Lane is one of the city's oldest houses and full of character.

Weston Park Museum

Address: Western Bank, Weston Park, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2TP, England, UK
Tel: +44 (0)114 278 2600
Also known as the City Museum, the Weston Park Museum has long been one of Sheffield's most visited attractions. It is located within the grounds of Weston Park and features five main interactive exhibition areas, which are based on the city's extensive collections of natural historic, archaeology, arts and social history. Exploring the city's interesting past and displaying a number of interesting relics and artefacts from days gone by, Weston Park Museum also offers Japanese and Egyptian exhibits, a gift shop and a cafe area.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 08:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 11:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens

Address: Cawthorne, Barnsley, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S75 4AT, England, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1226 790 270
A 15-minute drive from the very centre of Sheffield, the Cannon Hall Museum is surrounded by 70 acres / 30 hectares of parkland and walled gardens. The museum can be found within a well-preserved 18th-century residence and features a number of rooms with authentic period furnishings, antiquities, portraits and other paintings, including pieces by none other than world-famous artist Constable himself. Other highlights within the museum complex include a working farmyard, a cafe based around a Victoria kitchen, and walking trails around the beautiful gardens.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 10:30 to 17:00; April to October, Sunday - 10:30 to 17:00; November to March, Sunday - 12:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors and children, access to the park and gardens is free of charge

Kelham Island Museum

Address: Alma Street, Kelham Island, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S3 8RY, England, UK
Tel: +44 (0)114 272 2106
Celebrating the city's important, historic steel industry and famous 'Made in Sheffield' stamp, the Kelham Island Museum features a number of interactive displays and audio-visual presentations. Housed in a series of authentic workshop areas, this museum is a must-see attraction for heritage enthusiasts, with the HP River Don steam engine being of particular interest. An area with soft-play toys is available for young children and families. together with a coffee shop.
Open hours: Monday to Thursday - 10:00 to 16:00, Sunday - 11:00 to 16:45
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, children and families, young children free when accompanied

Museum of Fire and Police

Address: 101-109 West Bar, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S3 8PT, England, UK
Tel: +44 (0)114 249 1999
The central Fire and Police Museum is one of the country's biggest of its kind and in housed within a 19th-century fire station. With a range of well-preserved period vehicles, hands-on displays, fire engine rides, old uniforms, historic and modern-day equipment, a cafe, play area for children and numerous appearances from television favourite, Fireman Sam.
Open hours: Sunday - 11:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children and families, children three years old and under are free

Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet

Address: Abbeydale Road, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S7 2QW, England, UK
Tel: +44 (0)114 236 7731
Enjoy a trip to the past at the Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet, where you will find a huge water wheel powered by the fast flowering River Sheaf. The water wheel was once part of a major industrial complex that dates back to the 1700s and finally ceased operation many years later, in the 1930s. Workshop areas, a historic steel furnace, old machinery, a large dammed area of water, a cafe and gift shop complete the list of attractions
Open hours: April to October, Monday to Thursday - 10:00 to 16:00, Sunday - 11:00 to 16:45
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, young children free when accompanied

Bishop's House Museum

Address: Norton Lees Lane, Meersbrook Park, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S8 9BE, England, UK
Tel: +44 (0)114 278 2600
Built at the very beginning of the 16th century, in the Meadowhead neighbourhood, Bishop's House Museum is one of the most historic buildings in the city. The museums offers visitors a real insight into Tudor-style England and is a much understated gem, being tucked away within the scenic Meersbrook Park and overlooking much of the city. Each of the rooms has something different to offer and contain many period features, with original furnishings, fixtures and fittings.
Open hours: Saturday - 10:00 to 16:30, Sunday - 11:00 to 16:30
Admission: free