'Glorious' museum named top heritage attraction

Family judges visit the shortlisted museums throughout the summer

A museum dedicated to the history of Barnsley has been named the best heritage site in the country for families.

Experience Barnsley Museum and Discovery Centre features centuries-old artefacts, documents, films and recordings donated by people who live and work in the South Yorkshire town.

At the Family Friendly Museum Award ceremony, held in London earlier, it won both the best small museum category and the main overall award.

One judge said: "There was a real feeling that the staff had tried to genuinely involve local people in text and objects, we all thought this was such an impressive museum."

The awards, run by the Kids in Museums charity and funded by Arts Council England, have been running for more than two decades.

Hundreds of people nominate attractions each year and these are then shortlisted before being visited by "undercover" families in the summer holidays, who vote on the winner.

One of the families who nominated Experience Barnsley said there were "no faults" with the venue, adding: "There's so much to do. [It's] educational, comfortable and accessible."

Two million people visited Barnsley museums in 2024/25, according to the Kids in Museums charity

Another family judge said: "From start to finish, this place is glorious. We really loved it.

"[There is] something for everyone, so much to see, do and take part in, a lot of hands-on things to keep my three-year-old excited. Can't wait to return."

The site explores the town's past and present through a varied programme of activities, events and exhibitions, all delivered by "passionate staff and volunteers".

The team regularly works with groups including Action for Autism Barnsley, Age UK and Feels Like Home, an organisation supporting refugees and asylum seekers.

Robin Franklin, Barnsley Council's cabinet spokesperson for culture, said: "Providing families with free cultural and educational experiences is incredibly important.

"I'm proud that Experience Barnsley Museum has been nationally recognised for doing this so well."

The win follows a record-breaking year for visitor figures at Barnsley Museums, with two million people in total welcomed through the doors of the five venues - Cannon Hall Museum, Cooper Gallery, Elsecar Heritage Centre, Experience Barnsley and Worsbrough Mill - in 2024-25.

Alison Bowyer, executive director of Kids in Museums, said: "Because of their friendly staff, excellent facilities and wide-ranging programme of activities, visitors return again and again."

She said community stories were "at the heart" of the museum.

"As families try to balance tight budgets and find low-cost ways to enjoy a special day out, Experience Barnsley is an ideal place to have fun and make memories," she added.

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