7 museums to visit in South Yorkshire
Our guide to the best museums to visit in South Yorkshire
Do you really know about your local history? Whether you’re an avid historian or want to learn more about South Yorkshire, we’ve put together a list of the best museums in South Yorkshire for you and the family to enjoy. With everything from South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum in Doncaster, to the National Emergency Services Museum in Sheffield, you'll find something fun to visit in the area.
Jet off at South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum in Doncaster
A great day out for families and enthusiasts alike, the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum exhibits a collection of aircraft from the first air show in Britain, which was held at Doncaster Racecourse in 1909. There’s always something to see and do with selected cockpits open every day, quizzes for younger visitors and a range of interactive exhibits which expand on a regular basis.
See a piece of Sheffield history at Kelham Island Museum
The museum stands on a man-made island over 900 years old and is located in one of the city’s oldest industrial districts. Opened in 1982, it houses the objects, pictures and archive material representing Sheffield’s iconic industrial story. With interactive galleries and imagery you’re sure to learn something new, as they tell the story from light trades and skilled workmanship, to mass production, and what it was like to live and work in Sheffield during the Industrial Revolution.
National Emergency Services Museum in Sheffield
Located in the centre of the Steel City, the National Emergency Services Museum combines Police, Fire and Ambulance stations. Opening in 1983, with just two fire engines and a few small exhibits, it now boasts thousands of exhibits with 26 exhibition areas, 45 display vehicles and even more being developed. It also features more hands-on and interactive exhibitions for families to get stuck in!
Explore the past at Elsecar village in Barnsley
Transformed in the late 18th century by the Earl Fitzwilliam, Elsecar Heritage Centre is a unique attraction and a working hub of industry to explore that’s set within the conservation village of Elsecar, Barnsley. It soon became a thriving centre of iron and coal, one of England’s most flourishing hubs of industry. Here you and the family can see the oldest steam engine anywhere still in its original location, the newly restored 1795 Newcomen Beam Engine. Elsecar Heritage Centre is on the European Route of Industrial Heritage along with Kelham Island Museum and the National Coal Mining Museum which are both nearby for you to add to your visit.
Discover Barnsley at the Barnsley Museum and Discovery Centre
Dedicated to the history and people of Barnsley, the centre allows visitors to uncover the incredible story of Barnsley told through centuries-old artefacts, documents, films and recordings that have been donated by people living and working in the town. This free museum offers unique, hands-on and interactive exhibits encouraging visitors to explore the people and places of Barnsley, leading them to discover a town filled with amazing stories and diverse heritage.
Embark on a scientific adventure at Magna, Rotherham
A fantastic day out for all ages, the Science Adventure Centre is a hands-on experience that’s jam packed with interactive exhibits and fascination displays. You can explore the wonders of science and technology in four pavilions: Air, Earth, Fire and Water! You can make a splash in water, operate real JCBs in earth, marvel at the tornado made of fire and even explode a rock face. Set in the old Templeborough steelworks, Magna also hosts the Big Melt and Face of Steel which offer an exciting journey into the world of steel making. So why not learn about what made Sheffield the City of Steel?
Learn about transport history at the South Yorkshire Transport Museum in Rotherham
The museum is a non-profit organisation that relies of donations, funding and help from volunteers to keep it running so children go free. There are various buses to see inside and old uniforms buttons and badges which are perfect for kids who are obsessed with transport. There’s a recreation of an old garage, military vehicles and a model railway upstairs. Because of running costs, it’s only open one Sunday a month, so be sure to check out their timetable online.
Get your thinking caps on and head on out to one of our local museums and take in all of South Yorkshire’s heritage! Do you like to visit our local museums? Where would you recommend? Let us know on Facebook.
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